Weed Wacker Damage

Probably the number one reason new street trees die is due to mechanical damage such as from weed whackers and lawn mowers. A protective layer of mulch or wood chips around the base of the tree will provide a physical barrier from such mechanical injury. Newly planted trees come mulched already. Mulch should be replenished annually. If you would like the city to re-mulch your new city trees, call Brian Colter, City Forester at 313-822-5020. If you choose to do it yourself, remember not to "volcano mulch" that is, keep the mulch away from actually touching the trunk.