Effects of Turfgrass and Mulch on the Establishment and Growth of Bare-Root Sugar Maples    (View PDF)

Thomas L. Green and Gary W. Watson

Abstract: Bare-root, 5-6.25 cm (2-2.5 in) diameter Green Mountain sugar maples (Acer saccharum 'Green Mountain') were planted with one of four treatments: 1) lawn, 2) an 2.5 m (8 ft) circle of organic mulch on the soil surface, 3) soil tilled and lawn replaced, 4) soil tilled and similar mulch applied. Mulching resulted in significant increases in diameter growth, crown development, and root development. Tilling had no effect. Landscape features around the trees, such as pavement, did have an effect on above-ground growth but not on root development. Mulching can enhance establishment of trees in a minimal maintenance landscape situation.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1989.057