Mulching around trees offers benefits beyond aesthetics. These include releasing nutrients, retaining moisture, dampening soil temperature and preventing weed growth. Improper mulching, however, can impair deep root development, cause root choking or "girdling", and lead to disease or potential rodent damage at the base of your tree. Mature trees do not need to be mulched. Our Service Department mulches our young trees and many trees in our parks. As we walk the Village next spring and summer, members of the Shade Tree Commission will offer suggestions if we see you need assistance in properly mulching your trees. I found these 2 resources informative.
(STC September 2025)