What Is Volcano Mulching & How Does It Harm My Trees?

Adding mulch around the base of your trees provides a large number of great benefits, not only to the tree, but also to the soil and the surrounding plants. However, there is a right and a wrong way to apply the mulch and doing so improperly can result in the total loss of your tree.

What is volcano mulching?

Volcano mulching is essentially, piling the mulch up around the base of your tree in the form of a volcano. Chances are, you have seen this technique used a time or two by not only homeowners but landscapers too!?

Why is volcano mulching bad for trees?

Volcano mulching is bad for a couple of reasons.

First,

Just like us, the roots of your tree need oxygen to breathe. By piling mulch up high against the trunk, you are creating a thick barrier between those roots and the surface of the soil where the roots collect the oxygen. This essentially clogs all the pores and causes the roots to suffocate, leading ultimately to the slow decline and death of the tree.

Second,

Mulching is used routinely for water retention. When applied properly, this can cut back on your trees watering needs by absorbing it from the mulch. But when the mulch is piled too high, this can result in too much water retention and cause the roots to drown in saturated soils that cannot air out.

How should mulch be applied properly?

We recommend mulching with a layer 2-3 inches thick and keeping it away from the base of the tree.

If you have further questions on how to properly mulch your trees or other tree health care questions, feel free to use the link below to be connected to a certified arborist near you for a free estimate on your property!