06/12/2025
If you plan to apply mulch or ornamental bark take note...
Mulch helps β but volcanoes kill.
I'm a tree. You planted me 3 years ago. I was doing great.
Then this December you "improved" my bed with fresh mulch.
But you piled it like a volcano: 12 inches high, right against my trunk.
Here's what's happening now (that you can't see):
UNDER THE MULCH:
β Moisture trapped against my bark 24/7
β Bark softening, beginning to rot
β Fungus growing on trunk
β Rodents nesting in warm mulch, chewing my bark
β Root collar suffocating (it needs air)
β Roots growing UP into mulch instead of down (weak tree)
In 2-3 years, I'll start dying from the trunk.
You'll call an arborist. They'll say: "Mulch volcano killed it."
You'll spend $2,000 removing me and planting new tree.
All because you added 10 extra inches of mulch.
THE RIGHT WAY:
β Mulch in DONUT shape (not volcano)
β 2-4 inches deep (not 12)
β 3-6 inches AWAY from trunk (not touching)
β Spread wide (not piled high)
Correct mulching = I live 100 years, increase your property value $15,000, shade your house, save $400/year on AC.
Mulch volcano = I die in 5 years, you pay $2,000 removal, no shade, no value.
Fix it this week. Pull mulch away from my trunk. Spread it flat.
I'll survive. I promise.
