Why mulch?

To very simply explain, it is what nature intended. Go for a walk in an established woodland, walk off the track and have a dig. Soil that is very high in organic matter ( to the point of starting as only organic matter and with the help of Soil Biology, being slowly turned into soil).

The health of a plant / tree is dependent on its relationship with its Soil Biology. Mycorrhizal Fungi links with the roots, and provides the roots with nutrients that would otherwise be unavailable to them.Also moisture is provided.

When a mulch is applied there will be upto around 15 times more Mycorrhizal Fungi activity than under grass.

Mulch to suppress competing weeds, retain moisture and keep strimmers and mowers away from the trunk.

Your tree will be happier, grow with greater resilience when mulched and the associated Soil Biology is present. If newly planted or transplanted the tree will establish quicker.