<snip> Another strategy would be to have a vegetation free zone 4' around the
tree's trunk. That
requires a herbicide mix like Round-up and Simazine or a black plastic mulch.
Not an option if
you are of the organic school.
Hi,
Just out of curiosity...
Has anyone tried using the large round bales of hay/straw for a mulch mat?
You would just need to unwind it, cut off 4' lengths, put a slit into it, and
slide it around the
tree.
In the fall the mat could be removed.
It would definately prove to be a good mulch, and could be moved back into
place in the spring.
I know they are using them in a similar manner for mats for cows in dairy
barns, so they do stand
up.