Why Mulch Matters More Than Ever

As Western Australia is experiencing another long, hot summer, tree care shifts from a seasonal consideration to a critical priority. Our soils heat quickly, moisture evaporates almost as fast as it’s applied, and even hardy native species can struggle under prolonged heat stress. Yet one of the most effective tools for supporting urban trees through summer remains surprisingly simple: mulch.

Often underestimated, mulch plays a powerful role beneath the surface. It locks in precious moisture, suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients, and steadily improves soil health as it breaks down. In doing so, mulch doesn’t just help trees survive summer — it helps them thrive.

Keeping Every Drop Where It Belongs

Few environments test trees like a Western Australian summer. High temperatures combined with sandy soils mean water is easily lost before roots can benefit. A well-applied layer of coarse organic mulch can reduce evaporation by up to 70 per cent, allowing moisture to penetrate deeper and remain available for longer.

For young or recently planted trees, this can be the difference between establishing a strong root system and limping through the season under stress. Mulch effectively moderates soil temperature, protects fine feeder roots, and creates a more stable growing environment during extreme heat.

Starving the Competition

Mulch also plays defence. By blocking sunlight from reaching the soil surface, it suppresses weed growth and limits competition for water and nutrients — a major advantage when resources are already scarce.

In urban landscapes where trees are often surrounded by turf, garden beds, or disturbed soils, this weed-suppression effect reduces maintenance requirements while giving trees a much-needed edge during summer.

Building Better Soil, Slowly

As organic mulch breaks down, it feeds soil microbes and gradually returns nutrients to the soil profile. Over time, this improves soil structure, boosts biological activity, and enhances water-holding capacity. The result is healthier soil that supports healthier trees — not just in summer, but year-round.

These benefits were front and centre at ArbWest’s Beneath the Canopy seminar earlier this year at the WACA. Speakers including Julie Fielder and Jeremy Thomas explored the role of fungi, composting, and soil biology in building resilient urban canopies. Julie described fungi as “the planet’s original recyclers,” highlighting their role in nutrient transfer through underground networks, while Dave Crispin reinforced how correct soil preparation and organic inputs can save thousands of dollars in long-term tree management.

Mulch sits at the heart of all these processes — feeding fungi, improving soil structure, retaining moisture, and reducing stress during summer extremes.

Better Mulch Starts With Better Machinery

Of course, high-quality mulch doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every good mulch pile is the right equipment — and this is where Tree Care Machinery (TCM), and Bandit machinery play a key role.

According to Jesse Boshier from TCM, Bandit machines are purpose-built for demanding Australian conditions. “Bandit machines are incredibly strong, reliable and efficient for all operators and applications,” Jesse says. “They’re typically slightly heavier than other brands, but that extra weight adds to their strength and longevity.”

He explains that Bandit’s predominantly hydraulic systems are particularly well suited to Western Australia’s environment. “Hydraulic controls increase reliability, efficiency and serviceability in hot, dusty, and high-vibration conditions — which we experience a lot of in WA.”

Why Machine Design Matters for Mulch Quality

The design of chippers and mulchers directly influences the quality of mulch produced — and therefore its performance in the landscape. Jesse notes that most Bandit drum chippers are fitted with four chipping knives and larger-diameter drums.

“These features provide more cuts per revolution, resulting in finer chips, increased cutting torque, higher chip discharge velocity, and less wear on machine components,” he explains. “The design of the drum, anvil, knife mounting, and horizontal feed system all contribute to excellent cutting technique and a high-quality chip or mulch.”

For arborists, this means mulch that breaks down more evenly, spreads consistently, and delivers real soil benefits — rather than simply acting as surface cover.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

With a wide range of machinery available, Jesse encourages arborists to think carefully about their current and future needs. “It’s crucial to understand your requirements — chipping capacity, machine dimensions, and truck capabilities should all be considered when choosing between models,” he says.

While all Bandit machines are capable of processing vegetation within their rated capacity, matching the right machine to the right application improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and ensures the end product — including mulch — performs as intended.

Support That Extends Beyond the Machine

Beyond the machinery itself, Jesse emphasises the importance of ongoing support. “Tree Care Machinery is nationally backed and supported,” he says. “Our support network goes far beyond the sale. We pride ourselves on our backup and after-sales service, and we truly value being part of our customers’ businesses.”

Looking Ahead

As summers grow hotter and water becomes an increasingly precious resource, practices that protect soil and support tree health are no longer optional — they’re essential. Mulch remains one of the most cost-effective, accessible tools available to arborists, councils, and land managers alike.

And with the right machinery producing the right mulch, arborists are better equipped to build resilient landscapes from the ground up.

Keep an eye out for ArbWest’s upcoming seminar announcements, where the conversation around trees, soils, and urban resilience will continue.

All events are advertised here: https://www.arbwest.com.au/seminars

In the Photos: Jesse Boshier with some of his customers in the arboriculture industry.

#MulchMatters #UrbanForestry #TreeCare #Arboriculture #SoilHealth #SummerTreeCare #WaterWise #TreeIndustry #UrbanCanopy #SustainableLandscapes #SoilBiology #FungiNetworks #TreeManagement #VegetationManagement #TreeCareProfessionals #ArboristLife #Mulching #GreenInfrastructure #WAArborists #ArbWest