mulch - Do it right!

Perfect amount of mulch around a tree.

​We are sure you have seen this before, vast mounds of mulch around a tree. Please don't do this! While it might have a visual appeal, this amount of mulch is quite deadly for the tree. We call these piles mulch volcanoes. There are two compelling reasons. Not to do this to your trees, according to Nebraska Extension, and we agree!

First, tree roots need oxygen to survive. In most soils, oxygen is in the top 18 inches or so of the earth. It's no accident, then, that roots readily exist, thrive, and grow in the top 18 inches of soil. Heaped mulch around trees,  puts the lowest tree roots out of the oxygen penetration range. Under these conditions, roots begin to die back, slowing tree growth and potentially causing tree death.
​The second reason mulch volcanoes are a terrible thing has to do with the tree trunk itself. The best way to mulch trees is with a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips or shredded bark. At a minimum, the mulch circle should extend outward at least 3 feet away from the tree trunk. 

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