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27 posts
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 Mulching too close to trunk Posted 9 Feb 10 10:02 PM
Hi everyone, I have several fruit trees and bushes which I have mulched with sheep pellets. I wonder about the pros and cons about having mulching close the trunk / stem. Some of the plants are on the ground and some on pots.
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27 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 9 Feb 10 10:04 PM
Note that there's pine needles around the sheep pellets purposefuly to avoid weeding.
Cheers,
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3 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 11 Feb 10 7:38 AM
I don't think the amount you have in the photo is going to be a problem. The main reason for this is so that the bark at ground level does not stay wet all the time and eventually develop collar rot.
The photo may be a bit deceptive, but is the pot big enuff for a fruit tree?
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27 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 13 Feb 10 12:40 PM
I think so it's an avocado tree on a pot 60cm in diameter (don't know how many liters).
Cheers
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27 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 14 Feb 10 10:49 PM
I checked that info out in a nursery and I was recommended to leave the trunk free from sheep pellets mulching because it's so rich that it can burn the trunk; i must say that at least with the avocado, the tamarillo and the casana fruit plants that was happening....
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27 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 14 Feb 10 10:50 PM
But that's all good with bark!
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11 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 27 Feb 10 7:48 PM
I can see no purpose in mulching with sheep pellets! the pine needles are ok but all top-mulches like this should be kept clear of the trunk to prevent collar-rot which will kill your tree. Mix your sheep pellets through the potting mix where they can get wet and feed your plant (which is their intention), and shape the needles like a doughnut around the top like you have keeping clear of the tree.
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45 posts
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Re: Mulching too close to trunk
Posted 28 Jun 10 1:48 AM
always keep mulches well clear of the trunk - they hold in moisture... moisture = fungus and bacterial breeding issues. Furthermore, nitrogen will only amplify the problem.
Another mistake I see some people make is having mulch too think. Roots need to breath. Use caution with mulching. Worst one I saw was 30cm deep untreated sawdust right up to the trunks of 6 feijoas. They all died.
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