Public Works
Parks Department
Mulch
A Tree's Best Friend
Mulch is a young tree’s best friend. It holds down competing weeds or grass, retains moisture, prevents soil cracking that can damage new roots, protects the trunk from lawnmower damage, and helps prevent soil compaction. Common mulches include bark, wood chips, decorative gravel and crushed lava. Organic mulches such as wood chips or pine needles also contribute to better soil structure and aeration as they decompose. Avoid limestone rock and allow no mulch to touch the tree’s trunk or be piled higher than 3-inches.