You’ve probably seen them all over town: trees surrounded by tall, cone-shaped piles of mulch, a.k.a. the “mulch volcano” effect. They might look neat at first, but they’re actually quite dangerous. Will putting mulch around a tree kill it? Green Acres Tree Service, your reliable tree services in Sylvester, GA, is here with the answer and explains how to get it right.
What Mulch Really Does
Mulch can be an essential part of your tree health maintenance routine. It can be organic, such as bark, pine straw, or wood chips, or inorganic, such as gravel or rubber. Organic mulch is almost always better for trees because it breaks down over time, feeding the soil and improving structure in the process.
When used correctly, it:
- Is great for soil moisture retention
- Regulates temperature
- Prevents erosion
- Reduces weeds
But those benefits disappear when it’s piled too high around the trunk.
How To Get It Right
So, the answer to “Will putting mulch around a tree kill it?” is that it depends on whether one uses the proper mulching technique.
First, don’t go more than two to four inches deep. Anything more, and you risk tree root suffocation. Always check how deep the current layer is before adding more. Sometimes, all you need is to loosen it with a rake so water can soak through.
Mulch should cover the ground under the canopy, where most of the roots are, not just a tiny ring at the base. You will need to start a few inches from the trunk so the bark can breathe. Your goal should be to see where the trunk flares into the ground.
What’s Wrong With Mulch Volcanoes?
The problem with mulch volcanoes is that they trap moisture, which invites fungus, decay, and pests. Rodents often move in, munching on your tree. Also, as the pile decomposes, it heats up, damaging the inner bark.
Over time, roots may start growing into the mulch itself, curling back toward the trunk and strangling the tree from within. In other cases, the mulch becomes so compacted that water can’t get through at all, or worse, it stays too wet and the roots drown. These effects may not be immediate, but they are serious.
In light of all this, knowing how to mulch a tree is crucial.
Fixing the Problem
Pull the mulch away from the base until you can see the root flare. Check for signs of rot, pests, or exposed roots. If the trunk looks soft, cracked, or unstable, it’s best to call a professional for a thorough inspection.
Some trees can be saved by removing girdling roots or improving drainage, while others may need to come down for safety reasons.
Contact Us for Expert Advice
So, will putting mulch around a tree kill it? Not if you do it properly. Call Green Acres Tree Service at 229-881-2538 to get it right and learn more about preparing property for forestry mulching.
