In autumn, move the mulch away from the trunk so as not to close the root neck

Before the autumn mulching, the root influx - the place where the trunk passes into the main roots - should be visible. The mulch that touches the trunk or forms a high cone is raked away.

Constant dampness at the base damages the crust, and too deep a layer worsens the gas exchange of the soil and can contribute to the growth of unwanted roots at the trunk. The new material is added only after checking the old layer and distributed widely, leaving a free ring.

If the root flow is already hidden under the soil, the problem is with the depth of planting: one mulch adjustment is not enough.