What Kind of Mulch Is Good to Put Around Fruit Trees?

Organic mulch is made from natural materials that decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Some good choices for organic mulch around fruit trees include:

* Leaves: Leaves are a free and easy source of mulch. They break down slowly, so they don't need to be replaced as often as other types of mulch.

* Grass clippings: Grass clippings are another good source of free mulch. They decompose quickly, so they need to be replaced more often than leaves.

* Straw: Straw is a good choice for mulch if you don't have access to leaves or grass clippings. It breaks down slowly and helps to keep the soil moist.

* Wood chips: Wood chips are a good choice for mulch if you have a lot of trees on your property. They break down slowly and help to suppress weeds.

* Compost: Compost is a great source of nutrients for fruit trees. It breaks down quickly, so it needs to be replaced more often than other types of mulch.

Inorganic Mulch

Inorganic mulch is made from non-natural materials that do not decompose. Some good choices for inorganic mulch around fruit trees include:

* Gravel: Gravel is a good choice for mulch if you want to prevent weeds from growing. It doesn't decompose, so it doesn't need to be replaced.

* Plastic: Plastic is a good choice for mulch if you want to keep the soil moist. It doesn't decompose, so it doesn't need to be replaced.

How to Apply Mulch

When applying mulch around fruit trees, be sure to:

* Apply mulch in a 2- to 3-inch layer.

* Keep mulch away from the trunk of the tree.

* Water the mulch thoroughly after applying it.

Mulch can help to improve the health of your fruit trees by:

* Retaining moisture in the soil

* Suppressing weeds

* Adding nutrients to the soil

* Protecting the roots of the tree from cold weather