The Benefits of Wood Chips and Mulch

Minnesota soils can be tough. In the Waconia area, we often deal with heavy clay that becomes rock-hard in the summer and waterlogged in the spring. If you want to transform your garden beds and help your trees thrive, the secret ingredient is simple: Fresh Wood Chips.

At True 'n' Fair Tree Care, we recycle 100% of the trees we remove, turning them into nutrient-rich mulch. Here is why you should be using it.

Moisture Retention is Key

During our hot, humid Julys and Augusts, soil moisture evaporates rapidly. A 3-to-4-inch layer of wood chips acts as a powerful insulator. It keeps the soil cool and prevents evaporation, meaning you spend less time watering and your plants experience less heat stress.

Feeding the Soil

Unlike synthetic landscape fabric or rubber mulch, wood chips are organic. As they slowly decompose, they feed the earthworms and beneficial fungi in your soil. Over time, this breaks up the heavy clay, turning it into rich, dark, aerated soil that plants love.

Weed Suppression

Tired of pulling weeds? A thick layer of chips blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from germinating. It’s a natural, chemical-free way to keep your garden looking pristine.

How to Apply Properly

• The Donut Rule: When mulching around a tree, never pile the mulch against the trunk (the "volcano" effect). This causes bark rot. Instead, leave a 3-inch gap around the trunk, creating a donut shape.

• Ask Us for Chips: When we are working on your property, let us know if you’d like us to leave the chips behind for your garden! It’s a sustainable way to close the loop.