05/30/2026
🌳 Are You Properly Mulching Your Trees?🌳
Many people unknowingly harm their trees by piling mulch high against the trunk—a practice known as volcano mulching. While it may look neat, it can cause serious long-term damage.
The consequences of volcano mulching:
❌ Traps moisture against the trunk, leading to rot and decay
❌ Encourages insects, rodents, and disease
❌ Can cause roots to grow in circles around the trunk, eventually choking the tree
❌ Reduces oxygen reaching the root system
❌ Weakens tree health and shortens its lifespan
The right way to mulch:
✅ Create a wide, flat mulch ring around the tree
✅ Keep mulch 2–4 inches deep
✅ Leave the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) visible
✅ Pull mulch several inches away from the trunk
A properly mulched tree will establish faster, stay healthier, and require less maintenance over time.
Before adding mulch this season, take a walk around your property and check your trees. If the trunk disappears into a pile of mulch, it’s time to change your mulching technique!
