Are Apple Tree Wood Chips Good for Mulch?

Role of mulch

• Mulch is any material laid over soil to protect it. Mulch gives the soil a much better opportunity to hold moisture since it blocks the sun and wind from evaporating the top layer. It moderates the temperature in the summer and winter, providing the microfauna with a longer time to provide nutrients to the plants. Laying down an apple chip mulch around shrubs and trees helps prevent the roots from being forced from the ground during a hard freeze.

Making Apple Mulch

• Apple mulch is made by running the limbs and trunk of a cut down apple tree through a powerful shredder. The resulting wood is flat and about the size of a half dollar. Apple wood may be mixed with a variety of other hardwoods when you buy it in bulk at garden supply outlets. As a hardwood, it will last longer on the ground than softer woods such as cottonwoods or willows.

Problems with Apple Mulch

• Wood mulch can prove a problem to a garden or tree if is it misused. A three to four inch layer of mulch is sufficient, but gardeners may think that if a little is good, a lot is better. Too much apple mulch can prevent the soil from receiving the necessary air and water the micro fauna and plants need. Also, too thick of mulch can become an inviting place for fungus and mold. Avoid over watering the mulch and occasionally rake through it to allow it to dry and receive sunshine to prevent problems.

Alternative Uses

• Barbecuers and wood smokers pay a premium for quality apple wood chips for their meats. Even a small bag for one cookout can run several dollars at the local discount store. If you have an apple tree that is going to be extensively pruned or needs to come down, consider converting it to a better use than for wood mulch. You can use it for your own barbecues or share these with family members and friends.