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.
Tree Root Problems Trees are more than towering structures of bark and leaves; their roots play a crucial role in their overall health and vitality. Tree roots serve several vital functions, including extracting nutrients and water from the soil, storing…
Read More3 Types of Tree Flowers There’s nothing more spectacular than the fantastic spectrum of colors as different trees bloom. Whether you appreciate the distinct scent of blooming pine cones or despise the memory of stepping on mushy fruits, trees don’t…
Read MoreHow Storms Impact Your Trees Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. From enhancing curb appeal to improving the overall quality of life, trees are no denying essential to the ecosystem. However, like most living things, trees are susceptible…
Read MoreDo's and Don'ts of Tree Planting As winter approaches and the rains approach, it is an excellent time for tree planting. Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape; like other living things, they need regular maintenance and care. At…
Read MoreWhy Regular Tree Maintenance Is Essential for a Healthy Yard It’s easy to take trees for granted. Most homeowners would never skip a doctor’s appointment or ignore their pet’s annual checkup, but routine care often slips through the cracks when…
Read MorePruning vs Trimming: What’s the Difference? When people think about tree service, trimming and pruning are usually the first things that come to mind. In fact, the terms are often used interchangeably. After all, both involve cutting branches, shaping growth,…
Read MoreThe Best Way to Remove a Tree Stump When a tree is cut down for whatever reason, the stump left behind is not just an eyesore but also a safety hazard on your premises. Waiting for the stump to decompose…
Read MoreIf you’ve lived in Metro Atlanta for a while, then you know we love our trees. Drive through Decatur, Marietta, or Roswell and you’ll see streets shaded by towering oaks, pines, and maples. For most of us, those trees aren’t…
Read MoreWhat are the Benefits of Brush Mulching? Mulching is a standard tree care practice that helps with moisture retention and soil nourishment. While there are several mulching techniques, brush mulching offers a sustainable solution to land management, as it entails…
Read MoreTree Maintenance Tips to Prevent Property Damage Trees on your property can enhance its beauty and provide many environmental benefits. However, without proper maintenance by a professional tree care company, trees can become a liability, leading to property damage and…
Read More