I planted 25 fruit trees and 5 pecan trees seven years ago when I moved to this location. I'm totally organic. Most of the trees were bare rooted. At planting time (I planted these trees in the fall), I put about four inches of compost in a ring around the trees. The compost covered the entire root system at the time out to 3 feet from the trunk. In the spring I covered the compost with 3-4 inches of shredded hardwood mulch. I've repeated this process every spring and fall; i.e. compost in the fall and mulch in the spring. It allows me to mow around the trees without getting too close to the trunk.

My question is: Is there benefit to continue putting these organic amendments around the trees or is it better to rake the mulch away and allow the grass to grow normally around the trees? My rationale for pulling the mulch/compost away from the trees is that the root system has expanded and is no longer covered. Am I doing more good by leaving the mulch/compost or should I rake it away?

I would probably rake the mulch out and stop the heavy annual additions. The trees are probably very healthy by now. Keeping a low mulched area so the grass doesn't compete with the trees would still be a good idea. Vinegar spray can also be used to keep a small non-grass area around the trunks. Do you have some photos?