While mulch can be beneficial for your trees, it can balance the soil temperature, retain moisture, and batter yet, it looks good! But, did you know if you mulch your trees the wrong way… You could injure or kill them!
The Problem with Volcano Mulching
Here’s the deal, “Volcano Mulching” is a No-No! It’s true; nobody wants to kill a tree and keep it in their yard. But the problem is that many homeowners and “professional” landscapers often mulch the wrong way. And pile mulch up around the base of the tree.
As Penn State puts it: “Mulch Volcanoes are Erupting Everywhere!.”
In my experience, this is something I see all too often, and it’s a costly mistake. At the same time, problems may not be immediately apparent. But beneath the mulch is a different story. There are several problems with “volcano” mulching, including:
- Retaining moisture against hardened bark which leads to rot
- Promoting fungal growth
- Causing improper root formation
While you may not see the issues forming above the mulch, problems are developing that will eventually kill your trees under the surface.