How to Mulch Redwood Trees
Redwood trees are part of the Taxodiaceae family that comprises three surviving species. This includes the coast redwood, the giant sequoia and the dawn redwood. No matter which of these giants you are growing, each of them requires plenty of room to develop. These long-lived trees require large amounts of water when young to become established. Mulching newly planted redwoods will not only hold the moisture in the soil, the mulch also prevents weeds and grass from competing with the young roots. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Spread a layer 2 to 4 inches thick of mulch around the base of the redwood tree. Extend the mulch out 3 to 6 feet from the tree’s trunk, or the diameter of the redwood’s canopy.
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Pull the mulch away from the redwood’s trunk to avoid bark decay. Keep an area several inches wide clear of mulch. Never pile the mulch up on the trunk, which can cause damage to the tree’s tissues and could create disease or insect troubles.
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Reapply mulch annually around the redwood tree to sustain the same depth. Continue to enlarge the mulched area as the redwood tree grows and the canopy expands.
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Tips & Warnings
Organic mulches decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Wood chips, shredded barks, compost, straw, leaves, sawdust, grass clippings and peanut or cocoa hulls are all forms of organic mulches.
Mulches made from inorganic materials, such as rocks, stones and fabrics are an option but are typically used to cover smaller areas.
References
Resources
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