From Trees to Mulch
Before I ever set foot on our property I had crossed it off my list of potential walk throughs. It was in the long, disgustingly hot summer of 2020 in Phoenix, when Ali and I decided to move to Boulder. At first I thought we’d just come check it out, (having only been here once in the dead of winter), anything snowy felt appealing.
I saw our (now) house on Redfin and wasn’t excited about the obvious amount of fallen and dead trees on the property. The land had gone unmanaged for years and many Cottonwoods and Black Walnuts had aged without care. Black Walnuts emits a toxin called juglone, which stops many plants from growing within 80ft of the root system. (You can learn more about that here!) While Black Walnuts can be used to create beautiful furniture, growing them can be a different story for a gardener.
At the time I had no idea what it would entail to remove these deceased giants. 4 of them were cut down with the stumps jetting up about 20 ft high, their trunks about 3-4 feet across. I’m talking large trees. Witnessing a tree's life cycle has always made me sad. When we lived in Phoenix, we had a tree fall during a haboob, and it felt devastating. But I’ve learned here, a tree’s life doesn't have to end when it falls. In urban landscapes, we’ve accepted that when a tree falls its whisked away. We may never even think about what becomes of it. But here, I do know. I’ve put my own blood, sweat, and tears into repurposing the trees on our land into natural mulch. I’d encourage anyone with the means to embrace sustainability by creating your own nutrient-rich mulch straight from nature's cycle. There are numerous benefits of natural mulch, from improved soil structure to reduced water requirements.
1. Tree Selection: If you have a tree that needs to come down or is already starting to come down and you think it would make good mulch—Check that it is free from diseases or pests. Our trees had termites at some point, but they’re long gone now. Some of the wood pulp won’t make good mulch because of this, but I can use it in the compost or to level out holes in the field instead. Hardwood trees like oak or maple work well for mulch due to their slow decomposition rate and nutrient-rich wood.
2. Safe Tree Removal: Ensure the tree removal process is safe and follows local regulations. Consider seeking professional help for large or precarious trees to avoid accidents during the extraction. When we first moved here, we had 2 arborists come out on separate occasions to consult with us on the best ways to remove our trees. I’ve spent countless hours on Youtube university learning what NOT to do with a chainsaw and I’m overly cautious when I’m using it, since I know I don’t have years of experience yet. For example, if it’s rained recently I won’t even consider it. For some that might not be a problem at all, but I’d rather be safe than dead. In areas of the trees that are soft, usually the parts that are already decomposing on the inside, I do not use a chainsaw. The reason is because it can be hard to gauge the density of the trees. Once you’re ready, cut the trunk into manageable sections. Smaller pieces can be chipped, while larger sections can be used for other purposes, such as creating garden borders or natural seating. This adds a rustic aesthetic to your garden and provides a habitat for beneficial insects and fungi.
*I wouldn’t be a good random person on the internet if I didn’t remind anyone reading this to Wear Protective Gear when operating any type of machinery. Do not even consider starting a project until you have safety glasses, gloves and work boots.
3. Branch Chipping: Use a wood chipper to process smaller branches. Chipped wood accelerates decomposition, providing a quicker supply of organic matter for your garden. Using a chipper is SOOOO much easier than trying to mulch by hand, trust me I have literally tried. You can even get one on Amazon - here!
4. Mulching Process: Spread the wood chips over your garden beds, creating a layer of mulch. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually releases nutrients into the soil as the mulch decomposes. You can also use the wood chips to create natural pathways or enhance the landscaping of your garden. This not only adds functionality but also contributes to a cohesive and sustainable outdoor space. Regularly check the moisture levels under the mulch. Adjust the thickness if necessary to maintain optimal conditions for your plants.
5. Complementary Composting: Remember when I said some wood pulp is too soft to really be used for mulch? Allow a portion of the wood to decompose naturally. Combine the wood chips with other compostable materials in your compost pile. This enriches the mulch with additional nutrients, creating a well-rounded organic amendment for your garden. Your garden will thrive as it embraces the organic goodness provided by the recycled tree. Repurposing a fallen tree into natural mulch is a sustainable and rewarding way to extend the life cycle of a majestic tree. By embracing this eco-friendly practice, you not only enhance the health of your garden but also contribute to the overall well-being of the environment. Nature's cycle continues, enriching your surroundings with the legacy of a once-standing tree.