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Tree Care Fundamentals
Your guide to planting and tending to the Lower Cape Fear region's canopy.
Mulching Matters
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to support healthy trees — it helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. But improper mulching can do more harm than good.
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk (“volcano mulching”) and instead spread a 2–4 inch layer in a wide ring, keeping it a few inches away from the base.
For more tips, check out this best practices guide:
How to Spot a Dead or Dying Tree
Is Your Tree in Trouble? Here's How to Tell.
Not sure if a tree in your yard is dead or dying? This guide from Leaf & Limb outlines key signs to watch for, including brittle branches, peeling bark, fungal growth, and a lack of healthy leaves or buds.
It also offers simple at-home tests—like the scratch test—to help you assess a tree’s health before calling in an arborist.
Knowing how to spot a dying tree early can help you take action, prevent hazards, and possibly even save it.
All About Native Trees
Want to learn more about native trees? These tools can help.
Miscellaneous Topics
From Wilmington’s Urban Forestry Master Plan to storm impacts and tree advocacy, these resources explore how trees shape healthier, more resilient communities.
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