I decided to go with a rubber mulch tree ring around the free in the front of our house. We have lived in this house for three years.  Each year I buy more much to put around the tree. For $15 a Lowes, I hope this ring lasts for at least 10 years ($1.50 a year).  That sounds better than buying and spreading much each year.   I did decide to take out some of the dirt and old mulch under the ring to lower the ring to the ground.  This should make mowing easier too.

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