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Should trees be mulched now or in spring or both? Also is it ok to put decorative stone over the mulch. Mulch or any soft earth attracts cats who want to use it as toilet. What mulch would be best or does it matter?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulch seems to say all mulch can cause problems?

[tippben]

Although I personally don't bother mulching trees unless in their
first or second year, I would do it now, as the mulch will help protect the root system from winter cold, and allow the mulch to break down over winter.

|'d recommend 2" of leaf mould, or even a 3" layer of fallen leaves, as this way you are replicating the natural conditions of a tree in a woodland. It will also help with introducing beneficial mycorrhyzal fungi to the tree. You could add an extra 1" of compost in the spring as well, but you must be really careful not to suffocate the roots.

I've never seen gravel being any good at stopping cats from leaving their gifts, so if you want, I'd recommend small, light bits of slate (especially if using fallen leaves). This will keep a mulch in place, while allowing some water to pass through the gaps, and crucially, run off to the edge of the root run, which is where you want it, to encourage the roots to chase outwards and develop. There's my thoughts.

[Anonany]

I second Tippben's suggestions. Our cat considers the gravel drive to be fair game for anything ... but he never goes next or nigh the slate mulch !