Daily gardening tip · Northern hemisphere · Friday 23 October 2026 · mid autumn
Keep Mulch Away from Tree Trunks
Applying autumn mulch protects roots, but placing it incorrectly can damage your trees.
15 minuteseasymulching
Spread a layer of mulch around the base of your tree.
Extend the mulch ring out to the edge of the tree canopy if possible.
Pull the mulch back 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk itself.
Check that the root flare at the base of the trunk remains visible.
Keep the mulch layer around 2 to 3 inches deep across the rest of the area.
Why it works
Piling mulch against a tree trunk traps constant moisture against the bark. Bark needs air to stay dry, and excess moisture causes rot while creating an easy entryway for pests and fungal diseases.
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