What kind of mulch to use...

[Canada]

Hello,

I recently read in Harrowsmith Magazine that you should use a bark type mulch around trees.  This may sound stupid but if bark from a diseased tree is used as mulch can it spread to your tree if used?  Just a thought, as I have some beautiful young trees that I love and would hate to threaten them in any way.

Any thoughts?  Thanks

[dundee]

I would not consider bark as a mulch, takes forever to break down also barks tends to house insects, cockroaches love the stuff.

My mulch is simple, rake up leaves, lawn clippings, add a wack of lime, cover and leave for a couple of months, smells so sweet as well

The Blue berry bushes I have, I use pine needles (acidy)--they strive on it

Richard

[DanG]

Pine bark would be my choice.  You don't want to smother the roots of your trees, and pine bark won't become matted like some mulches.  The purpose of mulch is to inhibit the growth of weeds and to help retain moisture, not to build additional soil.  You should remove the mulch with a rake every year and replace it.  This will remove any layers of matter that have built up, and aerate the soil surface.