MULCH VOLCANOES
We sometimes get the question: What is a “mulch volcano” and why is it to be avoided?
Mulch volcanoes are the mounds of mulch piled up around the base of trees, like a cone, deep and high; they look like the name they are called by: volcanoes. It is one of the most harmful – albeit, unbelievably common! – landscaping practices seen in our area.
The mulch volcano can result in significant insult to trees, and lead to tree death. Some believe these piles look attractive, but they perform no useful function, and as mentioned, are actually harmful to your trees.
The purpose of applying mulch around the area of a tree is to preserve soil moisture – especially when there has not been enough rain. Volcano style mulch application doesn’t allow rain to get through to the tree roots effectively. So the practice actually worsens the problem of not getting enough water to the root system.
Properly applied, mulch can also help modify the effect of temperature extremes over the root system of a tree. Mulch volcanoes often leave critical areas bare and unprotected. In fact, unhealthy root growth and development may occur as a complication of mulch piled in this way.
The piling up of mulch around the base of your tree can promote fungi growth, and can pre-dispose it to disease development underneath. Vermin may also make their homes at the base of the tree if the mulch is mounded high.
It is not at all uncommon to see a tree completely rotted at the base come down in a wind storm – it has a classic gnawed-off look at the toppled base, and the tree roots are often still fully embedded in the ground.
The proper application of mulch is as follows: 2 to 4 inches in depth over relatively clean, weed-free soils and roots. Keep the mulch at least 4″ away from the base of the tree, and extend the mulch covering out in a circular fashion around the tree, to approximately the drip line of the canopy. “Wide not high” is a good rule of thumb!
Dad’s Tree Service, Inc. – We help your trees stand their ground!
