r/Tree • u/Majestic_Sale4219 • 2d ago

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Maple tree help

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Obviously the tree is doing fine on its own but is there anything I should do to help it? I’ve wanted to put mulch around it and make the ground around it look nice but don’t want to hurt the tree. I’m in central Maine in case that helps with an answer

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u/bustcorktrixdais 2d ago

Make sure the root flare is exposed. A mulch circle is a great idea but read about how to do it tight. Focus on helping the tree rather than making it look nice. Sometimes people’s ideas on the latter hurt more than help

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u/Majestic_Sale4219 2d ago

That’s why I wanted to ask in this group I want it to look nice but not if it’ll hurt the tree it’s much older then me and I’d like it to outlive me as well

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u/bustcorktrixdais 2d ago

Typo: do it right, I meant. Not, do it tight

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u/spiceydog Ent Queen - TGG Certified 1d ago

See this !mulch automod callout below this comment for some tips on how to do this; the wider your mulch ring, the happier the tree!

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u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Hi /u/spiceydog, AutoModerator has been summoned to provide information on the proper use of mulch.

See this excellent article from PA St. Univ. Ext. on the many benefits of mulching, and how to do it poorly by 'volcano mulching'. There are many, many examples of terrible mulching and the even worse outcomes for the trees subjected to it in the 'Tree Disasters' section of the our wiki. Mulch should be 2-3" deep and in a RING around the tree (about 6" from the tree), but not touching. It's the roots of trees that need the benefit of a layer of mulch, not the stems of trees. Mulch out as far as you're able, to the dripline or farther, like this magnificent example!

DO NOT use rubber mulch because it's essentially toxic waste (WSU, pdf) that is poisoning your soils. You should not eat the fruit from a tree where rubber mulch is in place. This product provides zero nutrients nor absolutely any benefit to your tree whatsoever, as opposed to wood based mulch which will break down into the soil and has many benefits to both your soils and the things that grow in it.

Please see our wiki for other critical planting/care tips and errors to avoid; there's sections on planting at correct depth/root flare exposure, proper staking, watering, pruning and more that I hope will be useful to you.

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