Improper Mulch Techniques – Mulch Volcanoes

Mulch Volcanoes Kill Plants

Although we hear about the benefits of mulch, over-mulching is the most destructive practice in the landscape today. Do you think you are safe because you have a landscape contractor? Not true, the practice of mulch volcanoes, large mounds of mulch around your trees and shrubs is highly destructive. In ten years most trees with these volcanoes of mulch, encounter a slow and painful death for the plant.

Over-mulching can kill by:

• Oxygen Starvation
• Inner Bark Death of Aboveground Root Flares
• Disease
• Excess Heat

Types of mulch; rubber, stone and dyed mulches are not beneficial for your property. Black dye mulch contains a known carcinogen. Stone mulches reflect too much heat while rubber mulches can kill the beneficial organisms in your soil.

Depth of mulch – Most mulch volcanoes are caused by untrained and unsupervised landscape crews and personnel. Old mulch that is matting in layers should be removed before new mulch is spread in place. No more than three inches is recommended.

We at Lincoln Landscaping prefer a natural milled hardwood mulch. Never pile mulch to contact the bark of trees and shrubs. Keep mulch away from groundcover plants. Actually native groundcover plants are a great substitute for mulch and as a benefit it never needs replaced.

Proper Tree Planting and Mulching Technique

Want more information about mulch volcanoes? Visit the Rutgers University Page about over-mulching by Deborah Smith-Fiola, Agricultural Agent.

If you wish to learn more about organic land care, check out a book from our “organic library” to read more about proper organic gardening and landscaping techniques as well as sustainable landscaping practices and principles.

Call us today for a free consultation or complete the form utilizing the fly-out form accessible via the envelope on the right side of the page.