Landscaping expert issues alert on tree-killing 'mulch volcanoes' - solutions to prevent damage outlined here
Ready to master your garden game like a pro? Here's the scoop on keeping your trees healthy and happy through wise mulching.
Y'all know that mulch is the bomb-diggity for your plants and soil, right? It helps keep the moisture locked in, fights off weeds, and boosts the overall health of your soil. But, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it, and that's where folks usually mess up. Let's talk "mulch volcanoes" - the ultimate garden don't.
"Mulch volcanoes" got their name from those silly mounds of mulch that are piled so high around the trunk of a tree it looks like the embarrassing cousin of a real volcano. Now, if you're guilty of making a "mulch volcano," don't panic! We gotchu covered.
When you construct a "mulch volcano," you're actually negating all the good things mulch does to protect your tree. Instead, the mulch will absorb less water and can gather at the top, causing damp and triggering damaging bacteria for your tree. Additionally, it's bad for airflow since, with a lack of water, roots will start to wrap around the trunk of the tree desperately searching for oxygen. These roots are called "stem girdling roots," and they can lead to stunted growth or even the sad demise of your trees.
But, a well-mulched garden is a sight for sore eyes, and even professional landscapers like to flaunt their green thumbs. In fact, they'll even pull over their cars to Scroll down to see a video of a foul-mouthed TikTok expert, William Beerman, aka @beertheplantman, having a field day judging our landscaping skills.
So, how do you mulch like a pro?
Step 1: Hit the store
Mulch made from natural cocoa bean shells is a premium choice and can boost your garden game tenfold. Made without artificial dyes or fragrances, this baby does the trick - just make sure you use the right amount!
Step 2: Three's the magic number
Enrique Arayata, a certified arborist from Russell Tree Experts, recommends applying a 2-4 inch deep layer of mulch at least 6 feet in diameter or up to the canopy drip line of a medium-to-large sized tree.
Step 3: Mind the space
Form a small 1-inch tall "berm" around the perimeter of the mulch to encourage water to remain inside. But remember, if you leave too much of an area for water to gather at the base of the tree, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and even a snug dwelling for unwanted rodents.
Step 4: Keep it even
Don't be tempted to heap up the mulch - a "volcano" isn't going to help your tree out. Instead, spread the mulch evenly and keep it level. This approach promotes tree health by conserving moisture, moderating soil temperature, reducing weeds, and preventing the negative effects associated with "mulch volcanoes."
And there you have it - your garden will be the talk of the town in no time with these tips in your back pocket! In case you need some more guidance, check out the next articles on mulch replacement, reviving dead grass, small trees for a compact yard, and tons more amazing tips from Tom's Guide! Happy gardening, my friends!
References:
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021, May 11). Mulch. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP329
- Cornell University. (n.d.). Mulch Volcanoes and Other Common Mulching Mistakes. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://www.gardeningly.com/mulch-volcanoes/
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. (n.d.). Mulch Volcanoes: Keep Them Out of Your Garden. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/living-healthy-gardens/mulching/
- The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Mulch. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://www.mortonarb.org/learn-grow/encyclopedia/Mulch
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2018, December 3). Mulching. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardeninghelpline/Articles/v/mulching.aspx
