Tree mulching is one of the best things that you can do for your New England trees. Mulch serves a number of really great benefits.
But when mulching goes wrong and mulch volcanoes are created, this normally beneficial practice can start to cause more harm than good.
In this article, we’ll talk about why a mulch volcano around a tree can be so problematic and how you fix a mulch volcano. In many cases, if a tree is not seriously declining in health, you can remedy the situation.
Jump to:
What Is a Tree Mulch Volcano?
Why Are Mulch Volcanoes Harmful?
How To Properly Perform Tree Mulching and Why It Matters
How To Fix a Mulch Volcano
FAQs on Mulch Volcanoes
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern MA, and Southern ME
What Is a Tree Mulch Volcano?
A mulch volcano occurs when mulch is piled up against the trunk of a tree, creating a mound that resembles a volcano. Even though this is an improper way to mulch, it’s commonly done, even by some landscapers, further perpetuating the misconception that it’s okay.
In reality, mulch volcanoes can cause numerous problems that can lead to a tree’s decline or even death.
There are several reasons why homeowners and even some uneducated landscapers might create mulch volcanoes when performing tree mulching.
For one, as we mentioned, simply the fact that it is still done gives off the idea that it’s a proper way to mulch. When mulch volcanoes are created in highly visible locations like shopping centers, people might come to believe that’s what they’re supposed to be doing.
There’s also a misconception that this way of mulching is good for the tree, better protecting its trunk (even though it's quite the opposite). And some might also think it gives a tidy or neat appearance.
Whatever the case may be, this is not the proper way to perform tree mulching. We’ll talk about the proper methods shortly.
Why Are Mulch Volcanoes Harmful?
Before we talk about the proper way to mulch, let’s talk about why mulch volcanoes are so problematic. Mulch piled up against a tree trunk can lead to disease and decay as it’s preventing the flow of oxygen and trapping moisture against the trunk.
Mulch volcanoes smother the root collar (where roots join the trunk), which can be detrimental to the tree, leading to not only disease and decay but pest pressure and eventually girdling roots.
Girdled roots occur when the roots start growing out of the soil and around the base of the trunk. This is going to cut off the flow of nutrients and water.
The root collar, also known as the root flare, should always be visible and dry in a healthy tree.
How To Properly Perform Tree Mulching and Why It Matters
Forming a mulch mound around a tree is not the proper way to mulch. Instead, aim to form a donut, with the tree trunk at the center of the “donut” with no mulch piled up. This is the perfect “mulch ring.”
You also want to be sure that you are not over-mulching.
More is not better with mulch as excessive mulch will fail to naturally decompose (as it's meant to) and can become soggy and waterlogged. Instead of allowing water to percolate down to the tree roots, it might get soaked up by excessive mulch.
When tree mulching is performed properly, there are many benefits to the trees. Some of them include:
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Temperature regulation/insulation
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Weed suppression
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Moisture retention
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Nutrient enrichment
How To Fix a Mulch Volcano
If a mulch volcano already exists, pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree. If you have an excessive amount of mulch, you may need to remove it entirely to allow the area to breathe.
If the root collar is buried and difficult to expose, you might require a service called root collar excavation.
Root collar excavation is a specialized process used to expose the base of a tree and evaluate the health of its root system.
This is not simply digging around the tree. In most cases, professionals use a tool called an air spade, which uses compressed air to safely loosen and remove soil. This method allows arborists to uncover the root flare without damaging delicate roots, underground utilities, or nearby hardscapes.
Once the root collar is exposed, a trained arborist can:
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Identify girdling roots
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Carefully prune or manage problematic roots
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Evaluate overall root health
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Recommend additional treatments if needed
At the end of the day, root collar excavation is a diagnostic tool that can help you determine the next steps for your trees. In many cases, trees can be restored to optimal health down the line.
FAQs on Mulch Volcanoes
Let’s recap some of the key information with these commonly asked questions about tree mulching and mulch volcanoes.
What is a mulch volcano around a tree?
A mulch volcano forms when mulch is improperly mounded up against a tree during the mulching process. The proper way to create a tree mulch ring is to create a donut with the tree trunk in the center.
Why is a mulch volcano harmful to tree health?
A mulch volcano is harmful because it prohibits oxygen from flowing and also traps moisture against the trunk. This can lead to disease, decay, and pest infestations.
How do I fix a mulch volcano without damaging the tree?
If it's early on and the mulch volcano has not been there that long, simply removing the mulch and exposing the root collar could be enough to remedy the problem. However, in some cases a service called a root collar excavation might be necessary to unbury the root collar.
How much mulch should be placed around a tree?
Around two to four inches of mulch is the optimal amount in a mulch ring. You do not need excessive mulch. Too much mulch can lead to waterlogged soil and take moisture away from your tree.
Can a tree recover after years of improper mulching?
This is difficult to answer broadly as every case is going to be different. Whether or not a tree will recover depends on how much it has declined. Decline from improper tree mulching doesn’t happen overnight so if the problem is discovered early enough, tree health might be restored. It’s important for a trained arborist to evaluate your tree and determine the next steps.
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern MA, and Southern ME
Tree mulching is ultimately just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to caring for your New England trees. While there are going to be some tasks that you perform on your own, you still want to have a tree care expert on your side, helping guide you toward the best practices.
When you make a wise choice in tree care companies, you can let go of the worries associated with taking care of trees and simply get back to enjoying them for all of the benefits they have to offer.
With the right company, you’ll ensure your trees are getting the proper care all year long.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we’re committed to preserving the health and beauty of trees in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts by performing vital services like tree pruning, tree removal, and general tree care the right way. We’re also here to offer helpful tree care tips so that you can be well-educated on what your trees need.
When you make a wise choice in tree services, you’ll ultimately take an important step in protecting the value of your property’s trees.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and get a quote for tree care services. We service properties in and around Stratham, NH, Kittery, ME, and Haverhill, MA. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
Image Sources: mulch volcano, girdled roots
