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.
Just like your car needs regular oil changes and tune-ups, your trees also require routine trimming to keep them healthy and enhance safety. Trimming trees may not be your kind of ideal weekend activity, but it helps to keep your…
Read MoreWhat Questions Should I Ask a Tree Service Company? Mature trees do more than make a yard look good. They also provide shade, improve air quality, and in some cases even produce fruit. They can also boost property value by…
Read MoreHow to Prune Fruit Trees Trees are an excellent addition to any landscape. We get a lot of benefits from trees, especially fruit trees. Every homeowner with an orchard wants to enjoy the fruits from their trees, but first, it…
Read More5 Resilient Tree Species that Benefit People and the Planet Trees around the world have been celebrated for thousands of years. These magnificent entities offer many benefits to the planet, drawing people to connect with them. As a property owner,…
Read MoreWhy Trees Are So Important to Your Community As Arbor Day approaches, it reminds us of the significance of trees in our communities. Besides aesthetic appeal, trees are vital in enhancing the quality of life for humans and wildlife. From…
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Trees Healthy Keeping trees healthy is not just essential for the aesthetics and safety of your landscape but also improves the quality of the environment. However, like other living things, trees need routine care and maintenance…
Read MoreDebunking Common Myths About Tree Removal Trees are magnificent entities that provide many advantages. However, different circumstances like disease, infestation, landscaping needs, or severe damage may prompt tree removal services. While healthy greenery is an asset for property owners, when…
Read MoreThings That Might Kill Your Beautiful Trees Homeowners strive to have a gorgeous yard with stunning trees. However, routine care is essential to maintain optimal health and longevity. At Driscoll Tree Service, we aim to help you keep your trees…
Read MoreProfessional Tree Service vs. Handyman Large green trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. Healthy trees enhance the overall curb appeal and property value, purify the air, and attract wildlife. Routine maintenance is vital to ensure your trees grow…
Read MoreWhat's The Right Time of Year to Remove Trees? Trees provide a range of benefits to your property and the ecosystem. Whether it is enhancing curb appeal and giving shade or cleaning the air, the value of trees can’t be…
Read More