The Benefits of Organic Mulch for Trees in the South Florida Urban Environment

Urban trees such as those present within south Florida are often stressed by their environment. Limited root space, poor soil, and lack of nutrients are common issues. While soil/foliar testing, root zone excavation, and fertility programs are encouraged, there are simpler ways to improve overall tree health. One of the most cost-efficient and effective ways to achieve this is mulching.

Mulch is simply defined as a substance which covers soil. Mulch comes in organic (wood chips, pine straw, leaves) and inorganic forms (rubber, landscape fabric, rocks). While both forms of mulch may help to retain soil moisture, reduce weed competition, and reduce soil temperatures, organic forms of mulch have greater benefits.

The most overlooked benefit of organic mulch in the urban landscape is its ability to improve the soil it is applied to. When mulch is applied to a typical sandy South Florida soil, for example, its immediate benefits are reducing erosion, dust, and water runoff. The long-term benefits are surprisingly far-reaching. When mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil. Over time, this simple amendment can increase soil fertility, water-holding capacity, reduce bulk density, and increase beneficial microbes. Basically, this helps improve the overall quality of the soil and provides a natural buffer to sudden changes that would otherwise impact tree health.

When assessing overall tree health, soil is of upmost importance. When the soil is healthy, overall tree health is greater, and the ability of the tree to ward off pests and diseases may increase. Mulch is an accessible, affordable, and relatively easy way to contribute to long-term soil health.

In the landscape, weeds and turf grass often compete with a tree’s critical root zone for water, nutrients, space, and light. Sod also has different fertility and water requirements than most canopy trees and palms.  For these reasons, it is recommended that tree owners remove sod underneath the dripline of the tree prior to mulch application. Removing sod will also reduce excess fertilizer and water use. Organic mulch may then be applied to a depth of 2-3 inches. Take care not to bury the tree trunk or major buttress roots (this often leads to rot) and keeping the mulch at least 6-12” away from the trunk is also recommended. Depending on the specific type of mulch used and site conditions, older mulch may be raked and replaced seasonally to increase aeration. These simple adjustments can reduce maintenance and costs for the tree owner and contribute to the overall health of our urban forest. 

For additional information about the tree benefits of mulch and organic matter please click here SL273/MG454: Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Organic Matter and Organic Amendments (ufl.edu).  (Guest Post by Kirstie McCullough, ISA Certified Arborist) 

                                                How to Properly Apply Mulch

 

Photo Credit: Https://greentreedoctor.com  

Visual Indicators of Tree Stress

How can you tell when a tree is under stress and requires attention or maintenance? Tree stress can be caused by both environmental and manmade factors including: droughts, lightning strikes, excessive rain and wind, construction damage, utility trenching, and a host of other factors.   Some typical visual stress symptoms include sudden leaf drop, unexpected leaf color change (green to yellow or brown), canopy and/or branch wilting, amounts of dead twigs suddenly increases and sudden branch or twig drop. Ensuring your tree is inspected annually by an ISA Arborist for defects, stress, and nutritional needs is a simple way to help keep your trees healthy and green.


For information on some of the most common tree stress signs and causes, please read this AccuWeather article.

Image used courtesy of askextension.org

 Image used courtesy of TCN Journal

Image used courtesy of Staytoevents.com

 

Watering New Trees

To plant and establish new trees, there are many factors to consider. Proper planting depth, bracing, and slow release fertilization are all important aspects of this process; however, tree watering is the most essential.
 
Newly planted trees suffer from over or under watering all too often. Thankfully, technology has evolved to help rectify this problem. Tree bladders were created as a way to reduce labor costs for tree establishment, and to also ensure new trees are sufficiently watered. They slowly release water over time ensuring that the rootball of trees are watered evenly and at a steady rate, typically only requiring replenishment once or twice a week. This process promotes water conservation and sustainability by saving water and money. Tree bladders are also reusable, further increasing the can provide a potential for cost savings well beyond their initial use. To learn more about watering new trees and different types of tree bladders please see below:

 

Image Used Courtesy of Tree Gator©

 

Image Used Courtesy of Tree Gator©

Image Used Courtesy of TreeDiaper©

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep113

http://www.treegator.com/products/original/index.html

http://www.treegator.com/products/jrpro/index.html

https://www.treediaper.com/about-products.cfm



How to Stake a Tree Properly (And How Long to Keep It Staked)

   

Ensuring newly planted trees are braced if warranted is considered of paramount importance second only to proper planting and establishment watering. Please read excerpts form the Davey Tree article to learn more about if a tree needs to be braced, and if so how to go about proper bracing.
The new tree you planted is counting on you for enough water, sunlight and nutrients – and it needs a few other elements to succeed, too. A bit of pruning early on can help your tree establish a good shape. And your new tree may need a bit of literal support, like a stake. Though, not all young trees need to be staked. Read on to see if you should stake a new tree. If so, learn some staking trees methods and how long to keep a tree staked.

What You Need to Know About Staking New Trees

While it seems like young trees need extra support, most trees don’t need to be staked. Staking trees that don’t need it can cause the tree to grow fewer roots and develop a weak tree base. Only stake your tree if it needs extra support, protection or help staying anchored.

Should you stake your new tree?

If you properly planted a healthy tree with a sturdy trunk and solid root system, chances are you won’t have to stake it. You also don’t have to stake evergreens, conifers or trees that have branches growing lower to the ground. There are times when you should stake trees, though. .......... Continue Onto Article