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.
Removing Hazardous Trees Before They Fall We’re no hippies – but we love trees as much as the next guy. Trees cool our homes, boost property value, and make a yard feel complete. Still, loving trees doesn’t mean ignoring reality.…
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 MoreWhat Equipment Do Tree Removal Professionals Use? A tree removal is rarely the first choice… and it shouldn’t be. At Driscoll Tree Service, we will always explore ways to preserve a tree before recommending removal. However, removal becomes the only…
Read MoreHow Shade Trees Benefit Us As the temperature increases, many people seek refuge indoors. However, shade trees can protect you from the heat and sun, allowing you to undertake various outdoor tasks. Whether you want to grow birch or maple…
Read MoreIron Chlorosis in Trees Trees play a crucial role in the ecosystem, from purifying the air to improving curb appeal. However, many signs of tree damage go undetected, hence the need to schedule regular maintenance checks with a reputable tree…
Read MoreHealthy Trees Vs Dangerous Trees: What to Watch For As a property owner, protecting your trees is a top priority if you want safety, aesthetics, and functionality. The last thing you want are potentially hazardous trees causing property damage and…
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 MoreAvoiding Tree-Related Hazards on Your Property Trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts. They provide fresh air, shade on a hot day, curb appeal, and even fruits and nuts for your table. In fact, many homeowners love their trees so…
Read MoreCommon Land Clearing Mistakes You Should Avoid Land clearing is an essential step in many residential and commercial development projects, whether building new infrastructure, expanding urban areas, or creating agricultural fields. However, the land-clearing process can be overwhelming, increasing the…
Read MoreUnderstanding Root Rot Treatment for Trees Roots are vital for the growth and overall well-being of trees. Since roots spread throughout your backyard, it's difficult to detect signs of damage. A common culprit to look out for is root rot,…
Read More