Tips By Lynnfield Officials For Planting New Shade Trees

Press release from the Town of Lynnfield:

June 13, 2020

Are you planting new trees in your yard? Is TownScape or the DPW planting new Shade Trees along your street? Don’t let mulch volcanos start their slow death!

Mounding mulch high on a tree’s bark results in poor air circulation and the dark, moist conditions ripe for insect infestation, disease and rot.

Mulch is attractive and beneficial to plantings when properly employed. How to do it right? Keep the mulch depth 2-4” deep and brush the mulch away from the base of the trunk to expose the “flare” of the tree. (See the picture below.)

And, avoid piling on fresh mulch each season. Ideally, old faded mulch should be removed to add fresh material, but it can be turned and lightly top coated with attractive fresh mulch. This will save you money, be attractive and still be effective in caring for your trees.

This press release was produced by the Town of Lynnfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.