Month: April 2025

The Importance of Mulching: How to Protect Your Trees This Spring | Why Mulching Matters When It Comes to Protecting Your Trees

Spring is upon us – and when it comes to nature, this season is the best time for renewal, regrowth, and re-examining the ways to support your trees. In this article, we’ll take a look at the importance of mulching, as well as some options when it comes to choosing the right mulch.

Spring offers endless opportunities for gardeners. The months following winter can be decisive when it comes to giving the fauna in your garden the resources it needs in order to thrive.

And, when it comes to your trees, one of the most important ways of supporting them during spring is through proper mulching.

What is Mulching?

Put simply: Mulching is the practice of covering the soil around plants/trees with a layer of material (organic or inorganic) such as mulch, compost, bark, or even rocks.

The reason this is done is because ‘mulching’ acts as a kind of protective blanket over the roots, shielding them from temperature changes, helping them retain their moisture, and improving the overall health of the soil.

When done right, mulch can significantly enhance the growth and longevity of your trees – and the springtime period is crucial!

Let’s take a closer look:

Why Mulching Matters for Your Trees?

There’s a tendency among some novice gardeners to think that trees – sturdy as they are – will always look after themselves. However, individuals can offer various ways to help their trees get optimal growth – as well as help their gardens look super neat.

Here’s why mulching matters for tree health:

Mulching Retains Soil Moisture

No matter where you live in the world, your climate will fluctuate from season to season. This can pose risks to the trees in your garden.

As we head into spring and summer, one of the big challenges faced by trees is maintaining consistent soil moisture (the word ‘consistent’ is key here, as consistency is something all trees need). Essentially, mulch acts as a barrier, reducing water evaporation from the soil. This means your trees stay hydrated for longer, reducing your need to tinker with a watering schedule – and giving your trees that much-needed consistency.

Mulching Regulates Soil Temperature

Again, climate and temperature changes can lead to stress on tree roots. But mulching helps mitigate these problems. A layer of mulch insulates the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Mulching Suppresses Weeds

Weeds are wily competitors when it comes to all the essential things that a tree needs – such as nutrients and water. The benefit of mulch is that it blocks sunlight from reaching weeds (or their seeds), preventing germination. On top of this meaning that your trees have more nutrients, it also means that you’ll spend less time weeding.

Improves Soil Quality

This one is a very straightforward benefit: organic mulches, like wood chips or even compost, gradually break down and enrich the soil with nutrients. In the long run, they’ll keep your soil quality high.

How Do I Choose the Right Mulch for My Trees?

So far, we’ve mentioned different mulches that you might use around your soil. But you’re probably wondering which one is the best – or which is the right one for your particular tree.

It’s fair to say that not all mulches are created equal. The best type depends on your trees and soil conditions (and it’s worth contacting a tree health expert if you’re ever uncertain). Here are some common options when it comes to mulch:

Organic Mulches

Wood Chips/Bark: We’ve already mentioned wood chips; they’re excellent for moisture retention and weed suppression. They also break down slowly, adding organic matter to the soil and improving its quality.

Compost: Similarly, compost is nutrient-rich and great for improving soil fertility. But it’s worth adding that compost is best used in combination with other mulches.

Leaf Mould: Decomposed leaves can help improve soil structure and retain moisture. This mulch is particularly Ideal for woodland gardens.

Inorganic Mulches

Gravel/Stones: While stony mulch won’t improve soil health, it is useful in very dry climates. It is a low-maintenance option and is also good for stopping weeds from sprouting.

Rubber Mulch: Again, this is a low-maintenance option. Rubber is long-lasting, but it doesn’t add nutrients so will not help with soil health.

If, after reading this, you’re under the impression that organic mulches are the better choice most of the time – then you’d be right! For most trees, organic mulches are the best choice because they improve soil health and have other nutritious benefits.

Final Thoughts: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’re a mulching expert, here are a few tips to remember as you go over your options:

Be careful not to use too much mulch: Excessive mulch – of any kind – can lead to root rot and oxygen deprivation.

Don’t place mulch directly against a tree trunk!: This is a VERY common mistake. While you might be tempted to pile your mulch high against the tree trunk, this can actually invite pests and diseases – as well as contribute to tree rot and deprivation (mentioned above).

Want to learn more about us? Get in touch with the team.

Common Spring Tree Pests & Diseases: How to Spot and Prevent Them | Tree Pests to Watch Out For in Spring

If you’re dying to find out about common spring tree pests and diseases then About Trees can answer that!

The weather is warming up, trees are coming back to life, and your garden is starting to look a little bit like itself again. Time to rejoice! But also – time to be careful! Your trees can be particularly vulnerable to pests and diseases at this time of year, so it’s important to know how to take action to spot and prevent them. Let’s take a deep dive.

With the weather already beginning to change, it’s likely that you’ve already noticed your trees coming into their natural springtime fullness. But pests and diseases are also coming into their fullness, and they can threaten the health of everything growing in your garden.

Early detection and prevention are absolutely key when it comes to protecting your tree from the damage posed by pests and diseases. So, in this handy guide, we’ll take a look at the most common spring tree P&Ds, as well as how you can prevent them from infesting.

Why Spring Time is Critical for Tree Health

Spring time is the season for growth and abundance, but alongside opportunity – spring comes with plenty of risks. The season’s mild temperatures and increased moisture create the perfect conditions for pests and fungal diseases to thrive. In particular, young leaves, tender shoots, and fresh sap attract insects, while damp weather encourages fungal growth.

All of this means that, without proper care, infestations can weaken trees, stunt their spring growth, and even lead to long-term damage or death.

With this in mind, it’s important to recognise the early warning signs, so that you can prevent problems with your trees or take action to stop those problems from occurring.

Common Spring Tree Pests & How to Identify Them

1. Aphids

What are they? A small, green-yellow sap-sucking insect.

What signs of infestation should I look out for? Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth. Sticky residue on leaves (leading to soot-like mould). Curling or yellowing leaves.

How do I prevent aphids or treat an infested tree? Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil (for severe cases). If possible, encourage natural aphid predators like ladybirds and lacewings.

2. Caterpillars (Including Winter Moth and Oak Processionary Moth)

What are they? With wormlike soft-bodied insects, caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths. (There are many different types, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll be talking about two common ones; Winter Moth and Oak Processionary Moth).

What signs of infestation should I look out for? Chewed or skeletonised leaves. Visibility (Meaning that you may be able to see some of them on your trees).

How do I prevent caterpillars or treat an infested tree? Remove caterpillar nests manually (wear protective gear for hairy caterpillars).

3. Vine Weevils

What are they? Black-brown beetles with broad snouts.

What signs of infestation should I look out for? ‘Notched’ leaf edges (vine weevils feed at night, so you might notice this in the morning). Wilting or sudden collapse of young plants (this happens because larvae eat roots).

How do I prevent vine weevils or treat an infested tree? Physically remove adult vine weevils at night (with a torch). Use nematodes (a species of roundworms) to target larvae.

NB: This is not an exhaustive list of the types of pests you might encounter. If you are uncertain, it is best to consult a tree care expert in your local area!

Common Spring Tree Diseases & How to Identify Them

1. Powdery Mildew

What is it? A common fungal disease that causes powdery dust to form on trees – most commonly on leaves.

What signs should I look out for? White, powdery coating on leaves. Distorted or stunted growth – particularly new growth.

How do I prevent powdery mildew or treat an infested tree? Prune overcrowded branches; this ensures adequate air circulation. Apply fungicides early. If you’re still at the early stage of selecting trees for your garden, consider choosing resistant tree varieties (the exact type of resistant trees will depend on your area).

2. Apple Scab (Affects Crabapples & Ornamental Apples)

What is it? A fungal disease that causes legions on the fruit of apple trees.

What signs should I look out for? Olive-green spots on leaves that turn black. Cracked, deformed, or lesioned fruit.

How do I prevent apple scab or treat an infested tree? Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce spores. In early spring, apply fungicides before symptoms appear; this is a great preventative measure.

3. Fire Blight (Affects Rosaceae Family – Apples, Pears, Hawthorns)

What is fire blight? A bacterial disease that causes wilting.

What signs should I look out for? Brown, wilted leaves (these leaves will look “scorched.”) Sticky ooze from infected branches.

How do I prevent fire blight or treat an infested tree? Prune infected branches 12 inches below the damage. Avoid the application of high-nitrogen fertilisers, even those that promote succulent growth.

Last Thoughts: When in doubt, Call a Professional

The best advice we can give is that if you notice an infestation or disease spreading rapidly – or if you’re unsure how to treat something happening in your garden – you should consult a certified arborist or tree care specialist like us!

Some pests (such as Oak Processionary Moth) require professional handling due to health risks. Don’t take any chances – and, importantly, take care of yourself!