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.
Mulch 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 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 MoreWhy My Trees Look Bad Trees are alive and need regular care. Like most living things, they can get injuries or diseases. While it is not always easy to identify signs of infection or infestation in trees, you may have…
Read MoreThe Hidden Dangers of Bagworms Bagworms are a type of moth larvae that can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs, causing severe damage and premature tree removal projects. Despite their small size and discreet appearance, these pests pose hidden dangers…
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 More4 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Where a Tree Was When a tree is removed from your yard, it can leave a space that can be challenging to fill. Fortunately, various creative and functional ways exist to fill that…
Read MoreHow to Save a Storm-Damaged Tree Storms strike anytime, causing significant damage to utility lines, houses, and commercial buildings. In addition, storms may damage trees, but it is often minor and results in no permanent damage. It would help if…
Read MoreShould I Get Tree Stump Removed or Grinded? No one likes to have tree stumps jutting out of the ground. These are not only eyesores. They are trip hazards and can attract pests and diseases. If you want to get…
Read MoreSigns It's Time to Trim Your Trees Trees play a vital role in our environment, offering many benefits, including fresh air, shade, and curb appeal. However, trees require proper care and maintenance to thrive. Regular trimming is one of the most crucial…
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 More