--- title: It's Possible to Mulch Incorrectly description: After finishing your spring planting, you probably complete your seasonal yard maintenance by mulching. Make sure not to mulch incorrectly. image: https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745726296-jpg/blog-files/218786389_fd21e4e571_o.jpg --- # It's Possible to Mulch Incorrectly May 23, 2014 4:02:02 PM After finishing your spring planting, you probably complete your seasonal yard maintenance by mulching flowerbeds, trees, walkways and garden paths. While all these areas can certainly benefit from mulching, just make sure to not mulch incorrectly in order to not damage both old and new vegetation. ## Don't Mulch Incorrectly - [![don't mulch incorrectly](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745726296-jpg/blog-files/218786389_fd21e4e571_o.jpg?width=361&height=275&name=218786389_fd21e4e571_o.jpg)](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745726296-jpg/blog-files/218786389_fd21e4e571_o.jpg) Source: Flickr Use caution when layering mulch. The proper depth needs to be between two and three inches to avoid the mulch from turning to compost, creating heat and causing oxygen deprivation to the surrounding plants. - When [mulching around trees](http://blog.cartwrighttree.com/tree-maintenance/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way/), don't allow it to actually touch the trunk. Mulch positioned against the tree trunk can cause the bark layer to decay, shortening the life of the tree. - While mulch is great in flowerbeds and gardens for [holding in moisture](http://blog.cartwrighttree.com/tree-healthcare/kansas-city-star-heat-damaging-gardens/) and reducing weeds, keep it away from the base of the plants. Being in close proximity to tender vegetation can cause the plant crowns to rot. Tree maintenance is vital, especially during the warmer weather months. [Cartwright Tree Care ](http://cartwrighttree.com/)can easily take care of all your tree needs, from pest and disease control to planting, pruning and year-round maintenance. Please [contact us](http://dashboard.digitalsherpa.com/leads_form.php?leads_id=879) today for a free estimate. [Tree Maintenance](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/topic/tree-maintenance), [Featured](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/topic/featured) ##### Like it? Share it: [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/possible-mulch-incorrectly) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/possible-mulch-incorrectly) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/possible-mulch-incorrectly) ### You may also like [This Is How to Protect Your Trees from Winter Weather ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) ##### [This Is How to Protect Your Trees from Winter Weather](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) 14 November, 2018 This Is How to Protect Your Trees from Winter Weather It's true. We all know it to be. Winter is on her way. In this art... [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/this-is-how-to-protect-your-trees-from-winter-weather) [Don't Waste Mulch When Caring for Your Trees ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) ##### [Don't Waste Mulch When Caring for Your Trees](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) 18 August, 2014 Mulch can be a costly part of your home care, so the last thing you want is to improperly use it or apply more than is n... [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/dont-waste-mulch-caring-trees) [How to Mulch Your Trees the Correct Way ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way) ##### [How to Mulch Your Trees the Correct Way](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way) 23 April, 2013 Image via Pinterest [Read this article](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/how-to-mulch-your-trees-the-correct-way)