🌿 The Right Way to Mulch: Tree Care Tips from J.E Estate Maintenance
As spring warms up in Gloucestershire, now’s the perfect time to give your trees a seasonal boost—and one of the simplest ways to do that is with proper mulching.
At J.E Estate Maintenance, we care for trees across estates, gardens, and commercial grounds, and we often see the same problem: well-meaning mulching that’s actually doing more harm than good. So let’s break down why mulching matters, how to do it right, and what to avoid.
🌳 Why Mulch Around Trees?
A good layer of mulch offers several key benefits, especially during the warmer months:
  • Keeps soil moist during dry spells
  • Protects roots from extreme temperatures
  • Suppresses weeds around the base of the tree
  • Improves soil structure as it breaks down naturally
  • Reduces damage from mowers and strimmers
In other words, mulch acts like a natural blanket—shielding and feeding the roots below.
🪵 What Mulch Should You Use?
For our clients in Gloucestershire, we recommend organic mulch for trees, such as:
  • Shredded bark
  • Wood chips (especially hardwood)
  • Leaf mould
  • Well-rotted compost
These break down slowly, feeding the soil while maintaining a tidy, natural look.
✅ How to Mulch Properly
To protect your trees and promote healthy growth, here’s our step-by-step approach:
  1. Clear the base – Remove grass, weeds, and any old or compacted mulch.
  2. Spread a ring – Apply mulch in a circle around the tree, ideally out to the drip line (or at least 2–3 feet from the trunk).
  3. Depth matters – Aim for a layer 2–4 inches deep. Too much can suffocate roots.
  4. Keep it off the trunk – Leave a 2–3 inch gap around the tree base. Piling mulch against the trunk can lead to rot, pests, and disease.
🔁 Maintaining Your Mulch
Mulch breaks down over time, especially with Gloucestershire’s mix of rain and sun. We recommend:
  • Raking and fluffing existing mulch each spring
  • Topping up only when needed—don’t just keep piling on
📍 Mulching Services in Gloucestershire
At J.E Estate Maintenance, we provide reliable, professional tree care and grounds maintenance services across Gloucestershire. Whether it’s mulching, pruning, planting, or full estate maintenance, we’re here to keep your trees healthy and your grounds looking their best.
Need help with tree mulching or landscape care?
📞 Get in touch today for a free site visit or quote.
📍 Serving domestic and commercial properties across Gloucestershire.