So i have made an observation about putting cardboard around newly planted trees.  Last year we had a bunch of extra cardboard in the shed, and i had seen Billy Bond use cardboard around his trees at planting time, i think he said it was to keep the weeds from growing.  I did this on 2 of my new trees, and i can see a difference in the amt of water they need, plus they just look more robust compared to the trees without cardboard.  I simply spread the cardboard near the rootball, then threw some homemade compost on top.  On the other trees, i left out the cardboard.  Its only 2 trees so far, so cant say for sure, but i will do this for any tree i plant this fall, to see if it proves to be a good addition.  In any case it cant hurt, and probably attracts more soil activity.  Anyway, just an observation. #trees #permies #gardening #homesteading #cardboard 

 So you’re putting the cardboard in the hole with the root ball? 

 No, the cardboard on the surface, all around the trunk, leaving a few inches around the trunk open. 

 I like compost on the ground surface (+biochar for bonus points), covered with cardboard and then a few inches of mulch (woodchips are my favorite, but straw or hay also work). Basically old-fashioned lasagna gardening. 

 Really, anything to cover the soil is beneficial. I suspect that cardboard is less permeable than loose mulch and probably gives a slight improvement for water retention. That can probably cut both ways, since it will also slow/prevent infrequent rain from soaking in.  

 Sounds logical, plus i do think there's something about cardboard that stimulates insect and microbial activity.  And in my area, we rarely have too much rain for extended periods, so the cardboard could help retain soil moisture.  Just my initial thoughts. 

 Yes to everything herein. 
It indeed helps the microbiology. 

Worms love it, mycelium networks grow faster and the water retention is a big win. 

 I've done that and think it helps a little.  It only helps protect for a year or two, but I guess that is enough time to help them get somewhat established. 

 Yeah I need to do this too, putting under mulch keeps weeds down too 

 Mulch is key in all forms of cultivation.