Mulch around trees can keep a mower away from tender bark and help the soil hold moisture. The shape of the ring matters. A broad, shallow layer over the root area serves a different purpose than a cone of chips pressed against the trunk.
Find the trunk flare first
Look for the place where the trunk widens toward the roots. It should remain visible. If someone recently piled loose mulch against the bark, gently pull that loose material back by hand. Leave the soil and roots undisturbed.
If the trunk goes straight into the ground like a fence post, the flare may be buried below soil. Avoid digging around it with a spade. A qualified tree professional can assess planting depth and advise what to do next.
Spread a shallow ring
For a newly planted tree, University of Minnesota Extension describes a ring about two inches deep and three to four feet wide. Keep the mulch off the trunk itself. A wider circle creates a buffer between the bark and string trimmers.
Walk around the whole ring after spreading it. Material can look level from the sidewalk while one side covers the base of the tree. Check again after a hard rain, especially if the lawn slopes toward the trunk. Leave room to see where the bark meets the ground as the tree grows.
Check moisture below the chips
The surface may look dry when the soil beneath still holds water. Move a few chips aside and feel the soil before watering. Newly planted trees need attention beyond the edge of a lawn sprinkler’s regular pass.
See the University’s tree planting and mulching guidance. If you want help placing mulch around trees and planting beds, share a ground-level photo showing the trunk flare, existing ring and nearby turf. It gives the crew a clear view of the work.