Menu
As we head towards cooler months, it is critical to maintaining a healthy yard. One of the essential tree care practices before winter is adding a layer of mulch around your trees. You can use many mulching materials, but wood chip or arbor mulch offers a wide range of benefits.
However, there are concerns about the use of mulch, and it isn’t easy to discern myths from the truth. At Driscoll Tree Service, we have a professional and well-trained team of service providers ready to help you make the right decision for your trees. Let’s look at some myths and determine their legitimacy.
While this is a significant concern among homeowners, mulch doesn’t attract rodents. However, if mulch is piled high, it increases the chances of attracting unwanted critters as it decays. We recommend adding a 2-4-inch layer of mulch, ensuring your trees have access to nutrients and the roots are warm throughout winter. Rodents usually build homes by tunneling, so a thin layer of mulch can’t support nesting. Hire a professional tree service if you need professional help to ensure your trees get the right mulch.
This myth is true, as termites only feed on deep and damp mulch. Termites usually prefer large wooden structures that are damp and soft, like softwood and cardboard. Wood chips are an excellent mulching material because they contain a mixture of dry wood types, which aren’t a termite’s favorite food. Wood chips from cedar and redwood are also recommended for mulching because they contain compounds that repel termites.
Mulch is an organic substance that has little impact on soil acidity. Although the part of the soil in contact with mulch may acidify a little as it breaks down, it can’t alter the soil acidity. The roots are spread out and can’t be affected by the slight acidity on the surface. If you are mulching your trees, avoid mixing fresh mulch deep into the soil to allow air circulation and effectively disburse nutrients as mulch decays.
Mulch temporarily ties up nitrogen during decomposition, making it unavailable to plants. The impact is only felt on the surface in contact with the mulch, meaning it has little effect. The roots are deeper down beneath the surface, where they can access nitrogen released from the mulch. It is advisable to onboard a reputable tree care company to ensure mulch is mixed correctly in the soil without risking the well-being of your trees.
Diseases need a specific environment for them to thrive, and improper mulch application can create these conditions. As mentioned, the proper way to apply mulch is to ensure it is between 2-4 inches away from your trees to prevent trapping moisture and subsequent contamination. If you suspect deterioration on your trees after applying mulch, you need to hire a tree care company for maintenance.
Contact us at Driscoll Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our representatives. We leverage extensive industry knowledge and experience to ensure your trees are in tip-top condition throughout the year.
Pruning Mistakes That Invite Pests Into Your Home Proper pruning keeps trees healthy, encourages strong growth, and grabs the attention of prospective buyers and tenants. When pruning is done hastily or incorrectly, however, it can open the door to much…
Read MoreDon't Ignore This Winter Tree Maintenance Winter is often characterized by barren trees sleeping dormant against ice and snow. While this is a breathtaking sight, property owners often overlook maintenance, forgetting these sleeping giants are alive under the snow. Proper…
Read More3 Reasons to Have Your Fruit Trees Trimmed This Year Tree trimming might seem like just a haircut for your trees, but it’s much more than aesthetics when it comes to fruit trees. Annual trimming plays a vital role in…
Read MoreMyths About Tree Care Maintaining healthy trees requires proper care practices. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or hiring tree service providers, regular care is essential for the trees’ overall well-being. However, most people rely on the internet for information,…
Read MoreCaring for Your Tree’s Roots Planting a tree is a long-term investment, as most trees take several years to grow to their potential. While there are many ways to maintain maximum health, such as tree pruning and trimming, managing its…
Read More5 Common Reasons Why Your Trees Die? Trees enhance the aesthetics of any living space and contribute to the local ecosystem. However, trees are susceptible to infections and infestations, causing premature death. A dying or dead tree in your backyard…
Read More6 Tree Pruning Tools Pros Use When caring for your trees, there is no room for compromise. Professional arborists understand the importance of using the right tools for the job. Whether it’s trimming branches for aesthetics or maintaining the health…
Read MoreThe Advantages of Landscaping for Real Estate Most people assume landscaping entails levelling the terrain of a property to enhance curb appeal. While this is partially true, there’s more to it. Whether it’s including plants, paving, gardening or adjusting visible…
Read MoreWhy are My Tree Branches Falling Off? As the summer temperatures rise, the tranquility of your garden may be disrupted by branches falling off your trees. Unlike the more common storm or ice damage, these occurrences can leave you puzzled,…
Read MoreHarmful Pests for Your Trees Trees are beautiful, essential for our environment, and vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage. These pests can compromise the health and longevity of trees, leading to their decline or even death. Tree…
Read More