In the autumn, pluck mulch from the trunk and open the root neck

Before autumn mulching, the root flow should be visible at the tree - the place where the trunk passes into the main roots. If the mulch touches the trunk or lies with a high cone, it is raked off and checked where the base of the tree is actually located.

The bark at the base of the trunk is not designed for constant dampness. Too deep a layer of mulch also impairs the gas exchange of the upper layer of soil, especially in heavy and wet areas. This increases the risk of tissue damage. Roots can grow in loose mulch close to the trunk, and some of these roots are able to encircle the base of the tree over time.

Before adding a new material, it is enough to check whether the soil is closed and whether a high shaft has formed; it is not necessary to measure the layer with a ruler. There is no need to increase mulch every year. It is distributed widely over the trunk zone, leaving a free ring at the trunk.

If after scraping the material root flow is still hidden under the soil, the reason is too deep landing. A new mulch won't fix this problem. The base of the tree is useful to inspect each time before the autumn addition of material.