The Cool Down
Expert issues warning against troublesome landscaping practice: 'One of the wor…
Have you ever seen a mulch volcano? One user shared how they dug up their mound of mulch and were surprised by what they found.
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The Hidden Danger in Your Garden: Why 'Mulch Volcanoes' Are Harming Your Trees
Arborists Warn Against 'Mulch Volcanoes' for Tree Health Experts in tree care are raising awareness about a common landscaping practice, often dubbed 'mulch volcanoes,' which can severely harm trees. This method involves piling mulch high against the tree's trunk, creating a cone-like shape. According to arborist 'Arborist Tune,' this practice is one of the worst things you can do for a tree. "It locks moisture against the tree's trunk, which wants to be dry," he explains. Over time, this constant moisture can lead to decay and rot in the buried trunk, making the tree vulnerable to pathogenic fungi, diseases, and insect infestations. Furthermore, mulch volcanoes can reduce the tree's ability to get essential oxygen to its roots. Proper mulching, conversely, is highly beneficial. The key, experts say, is to ensure the tree's 'root flare' or 'trunk flare' – the point where the trunk widens as it meets the ground and roots begin to spread – remains visible and above ground. This area of the tree needs to stay dry, while the roots below benefit from the moisture and nutrients provided by the mulch. Proper mulching adds nutrients to the soil, reduces competition from grass, and protects the tree from damage by lawn equipment like mowers and weed whackers. Homeowners are encouraged to extend their mulch circles as the tree grows and even consider planting native species within the mulched area.
