Mulching Citrus Trees

[johnb51]

Is it true that you absolutely should not mulch citrus trees?

[Hollywood]

1. Don't put mulch right up against the bark, just like with any other tree, and
2. Before an expected frost, rake the mulch away from the tree the day before to let the soil heat up. Don't cover the soil back up until after the frost.

[bsbullie]

As Katie said, the bigger concern for you in Broward is how close to the trunk, and more importantly the citrus' crown roots.  Remember, the citrus needs to "breathe" and they do not like wet feet.  Depending on your soil's water retention and how the mulch affects the moisture level in the soil, it COULD be beneficial or harmful.

[Central Floridave]

I always mulch my young citrus.  Once the tree can shade its own roots then I don't mulch as much.    Of course keep it pulled back off the trunk.   I also don't have a sprinkler system and live in a dry area.  A swampier soil probably isn't a good idea to mulch.   Citrus do not like wet feet.   I've had them die in flooding conditions during record tropical storm rain (Tropical Storm Fay dropped 24inches in 24 hours).