Learn / Ask The Landscape Professional
A local landscape company just mulched my property and I am concerned how they mulched around my trees.
Answer
Your landscaper should never have mulched in that manner, even
though it seems like you see this type of job all over. Unscrupulous
and/or inexperienced landscapers are selling you mulch that you
don't need and causing damage that is intolerable. Mulch piled like
this is commonly referred to as a 'Mulch Volcano' and it will most
certainly kill the tree. A mulch volcano around a tree can cause a
number of problems including:
1. Keeping moisture up against the tree trunk which will cause rotting and decay and
become a vehicle for fungi, insects and disease to enter the tree.
2. Tree roots will actually start growing in the mulch and circle around the stem of the tree. This will
cause 'girdling roots' and will eventually strangle the tree
3. Extremely thick layers of mulch will become matted and difficult for rain water to penetrate. The hardened
mulch will actually direct the water away from the tree trunk and the root system
If your landscaper has used dyed mulch as well, you have double trouble as I wrote about several weeks ago.
Never use dyed mulch around any plants or trees, it can be toxic and not worth the risk.
You need to go out in your yard and kick the mulch pile from around the
tree. Make sure there is only a very fine layer near the base of the tree
and the mulch doesn't touch the tree trunk. Also, make sure the 'root
flare' of the tree is exposed. If you make the mulch bowl-shaped, it will
collect rainwater and provide it to the tree. Edge around the perimeter
of the ring and remove all lawn and weeds within the mulch ring. The
edge will help keep the mulch within the ring and not on the lawn.The
mulch should be no more than 2-3 inches thick and can be of any
diameter you like.The larger the ring, the less grass you have to cut.
If your mulching job doesn't look like this picture, call us.
If your original landscaper is unwilling to return to fix his mess, give
us a call and we can help. Also, if you need a bulk delivery of 10
yards or more of organic, natural brown (not dyed) mulch, we can
deliver that to you for $35/yard.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
