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🍂 Garden & tree mulching
Covering the base of garden trees and community green spaces with organic mulch (bark, wood chips, straw, leaf litter) so the soil retains moisture longer, weeds are suppressed, and soil life improves.
When should you do this?
Early spring or early autumn, before a rainier period
What will you need?
- Straw, wood chip, or bark mulch
- Wheelbarrow
- Rake, hoe
- Gloves
- Watering can or hose
How to get started?
- Assess which tree bases or beds are suffering most from drying out or weeds.
- Weed the area and water it lightly before laying down the mulch.
- Spread a 5-10 cm thick layer of mulch evenly over the soil.
- Leave a hand's-width mulch-free collar around tree trunks so the bark doesn't rot.
- Water the mulch layer too, so it doesn't blow away and settles in faster.
- Note when it'll need topping up — organic mulch breaks down within a year or two.
Useful tips
- Avoid fresh, uncomposted wood chips right up against plant stems.
- Wood chips are often available for free from local tree work or the municipal grounds crew.
- A thicker mulch layer suppresses weeds better, but don't go above 10-15 cm.
Ready? Start a garden & tree mulching project, or join one already running near you.