Weed killer around trees?

[whitenack]

Hi all,

I have a baby red maple, around 1-1/2 to 2" in diameter. I planted it last fall, and this spring, some weeds have invaded its space. I have done a good job in removing the grass from around its dripline, and this weekend I plan to give it a proper mulching, but is there anything I can do to stop the weeds from planting themselves under my tree (other than gettting down and pulling each individual weed)?

Would weed killer harm the tree?

Thanks,

cvw

 

[Elmore]

Mulch and if that's not good enough apply a pre-emergent herbicide.