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.
Deep Root Fertilization and Its Benefits Property owners usually focus fertilization efforts on their turf and forget that huge, shady trees also need a nutrition boost. However, the process is not as simple as sprinkling a handful of fertilizer around…
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 MoreFrom the towering oaks that shade our driveways to the graceful magnolias that perfume our summers, trees are part of the charm of Georgia. They give our landscapes shade, color, oxygen, and sometimes fruit. While trees are a blessing, they…
Read MoreHow to Prevent Tree Hazards Tree failure is a tree's breakdown from various problems. All trees are vulnerable to problems, even healthy trees. Careful inspection of your trees can allow you to identify any potential hazards and possible treatments. Driscoll…
Read MoreMulch Myths and Truths 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…
Read MoreHow to Spot Diseased or Dangerous Trees Before They Become a Problem Let’s face it: not every homeowner is an arborist. Most people don’t spend their weekends studying leaf structure or bark fungus, and that’s perfectly fine. But while you…
Read MoreHave You Hurricane-Proofed Your Trees Yet? In the Southeast U.S., hurricanes aren’t just an occasional threat - they're a part of life. Georgia, in particular, faces frequent tropical storms and hurricanes that bring high winds, heavy rain, and the potential…
Read MoreBenefits of Tree Trimming Do you have a tree that needs a lot of attention, but you're unsure what to do? Whether your tree is growing too close to the house, hangs over the driveway, or is growing unevenly, the…
Read MoreControlling Tree Pests and Diseases Without Harming the Environment Maintaining healthy trees often entails controlling pests and diseases. With all the different ways homeowners can protect their yards, some cause more environmental damage in the long run. It is advisable…
Read MoreGeorgia Guide to Growing Trees If you are a resident of Georgia, there’s no better time to grow trees than now. With over 100 tree species, it is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. Before planting…
Read More