Tree Care 101: The Bower & Branch Care Bed

When it comes to growing healthy, thriving trees, a little extra care can go a long way. At Bower & Branch, we’ve created the Care Bed as an exclusive, foolproof way to give your trees the support they need to flourish. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, a Care Bed is a simple yet transformative addition to your tree care routine.

What is a Care Bed?

Think of a Care Bed as your tree’s sanctuary. This circular area—about three feet wide—surrounds your tree’s base, staying free of weeds, grass, and other plants that could compete for water and nutrients. By providing a dedicated space for your tree’s roots, you’re setting the stage for healthier, more vibrant growth.

Care Beds offer a variety of benefits that make them essential for tree health. They prevent competition by keeping grass and weeds from stealing vital resources, protect the tree’s base from damage caused by lawnmowers and trimmers, and promote soil health by enriching it with high-quality mulch. Additionally, Care Beds fend off pests and diseases, making them especially beneficial for fruit trees, which are more susceptible to infections.

Why Care Beds Matter

A well-maintained Care Bed does more than just enhance your landscape—it’s a game-changer for your tree’s overall health. By reducing stress on your tree, Care Beds help it thrive for years, boosting its longevity. They also eliminate the risk of “Lawnmower Blight,” which young trees are particularly vulnerable to, by protecting the base and any surface roots from scars caused by lawn equipment. Mulching within a Care Bed keeps weeds under control, saving you time and effort while encouraging growth and resistance. For fruit trees, Care Beds are especially valuable as they help reduce disease and improve yields. Additionally, properly designed and maintained Care Beds can sometimes deter deer, protecting your trees from damage.

As Don, our founder and a lifetime tree grower, encourages us with his experiences: “As a grower, I can see a difference when I keep a tree’s Care Bed clean instead of allowing that competition to take place.”

How to Create a Care Bed

Setting up a Care Bed is easy and rewarding. Just follow these steps:

1. Position and Plant: Start with proper tree planting—make sure the root flare is above the soil line. Backfill the hole with loosened soil, water thoroughly, and add fertilizer.
2. Clear the Area: Remove all grass, weeds, stones, and debris within a three-foot radius of the tree. This will be your Care Bed zone.
3. Apply Mulch: Spread a two-inch layer of Bower & Branch Elements Composition Planting Mix evenly across the Care Bed. This mix is specially designed to improve soil health, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes: Keep mulch no more than one inch thick near the tree trunk and root flare. Avoid the dreaded “mulch volcano” by ensuring the mulch tapers outward, not upward.

Care Bed Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• Use a high-quality planting and compost mix like Bower & Branch Elements Composition Planting Mix.
• Edge and clean the Care Bed regularly to maintain its shape and effectiveness.
• Fertilize during maintenance to encourage growth in Spring & Fall. Use Organic Plant Magic granular 4 lb bags, the only fertilizer product recommended by Bower & Branch.

Don’ts:

• Don’t forget to refresh your care bed each Spring & Fall 
• Don’t overlook the root flare, avoid over mulching—exposed roots need air to thrive.
• Don’t allow mowers or trimmers near your Trees, avoid injury to young stems and branching.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

To keep your Care Bed promoting Tree health, regular upkeep is key. Here’s what to do:

• Clean Regularly: Remove any weeds, debris, or encroaching plants.
• Edge and Refresh: Maintain the bed’s shape and add fresh mulch at least once a year, ideally in both spring and fall.
• Fertilize: Use these maintenance sessions as an opportunity to nourish your tree by applying fresh Elements in spring and fall. 
• Monitor for Pests: Inspect your Care Bed and tree regularly to catch any potential problems early. A good practice is to always look closely and inspect your tree during each of your seasonal Care Bed clean ups. 

The Bower & Branch Difference

At Bower & Branch, we’re passionate about tree care. That’s why our Elements Composition Planting Mix is crafted to provide your tree with the very best environment for growth. This light, porous blend of compost and pine bark not only retains moisture but also revitalizes your soil.

Want us to do the work? Our Planting Services ensure your Care Bed is created and maintained with professional precision, giving your tree the best start possible.

A Care Bed is more than just a ring of mulch—it’s a commitment to your tree’s health and vitality. By giving your tree this dedicated space to grow, you’re setting it up for success while enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Ready to create your Care Bed? Your trees will thank you!