I have a question about spreading mulch.....I want to make a couple of new beds around some trees in my yard..( you know...circles around the base ).....do I have to dig out the grass that is there, or can I just lay it out around it? I know some of you guys are pretty savy at this so.....was wondering what you would do....Thanks!

dig out the grass with a edger and a shovel...or a edger and a hoe

I would definatley dig out the grass. Use a flexible hose to make the shape of the bed, even if it is just a circular bed, the hose will insure that the bed is uniform. Cut down into the grass along the "hose line" with a shovel then remove the grass. Dont forget landscape paper prior to spreading the mulch, this will help keep the weeds down. Just my thoughts, I am not a landscaper, maybe others have better ideas. Good luck and get that mulch down so you can get out and fish.

Just don't pile it up against the trunk.

I would recommend getting hemlock mulch. It is more expensive but it breaks down better and you don't get those wood pieces like with cheaper mulch.

mulch can affect soil PH

and turn it acidic .... around the tree

if applied too thick

or it can rob the tree of nitrogen

as it requires some of it .....to decompose