Menu

Our Reviews
John Miller
google

It took a while for the weather to cooperate, but when the time came, all went well with excellent results. The crew removed a large water oak and a small trash tree. They worked well together and when finished, the job site was cleaned up nicely. They were friendly and informative. Neighbors were also impressed. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service.

Ashley Langridge
google

I had a large oak tree taken down near power lines and an outdoor kitchen. I was well informed about the work they were going to do and how long it should take. The team was professional, fast and dropped the tree safely. They used a bucket truck and climber to trim branches from the top half of the tree with no damage to the yard around the tree.  I am extremely pleased with Driscoll Tree service work.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

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 mulching materials, but wood chip or arbor mulch offers a wide range of benefits.

secondary

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.

Mulch Attracts Rodents

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.

Mulch Attracts Termites

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 Acidifies Soil

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 Lowers Soil Nitrogen

secondary

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.

Mulch Encourages Disease

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.

Other News

blog1
Jun 05,2022
How to Find a Reliable Tree Service Company

How to Find a Reliable Tree Service Company Trees are incredible ornaments that beautify the landscape and increase the value of properties. They can also provide fruits and much-needed shade as well as protection from high winds. Unhealthy and disheveled…

Read More
blog1
Jan 11,2023
How to Save a Storm-Damaged Tree

How 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 More
blog1
Oct 16,2024
What Should I Do if My Tree Is Touching a Power Line?

What Should I Do if My Tree Is Touching a Power Line? Trees provide many benefits, from improving air quality and curb appeal to providing a habitat for wildlife. However, trees can grow close to power lines, posing safety risks…

Read More
blog1
Mar 21,2024
Best Trees for Fence Lines

Best Trees for Fence Lines Fence lines often provide an excellent opportunity to enhance the beauty and privacy of your property. However, choosing suitable trees to plant along these boundaries requires special consideration to improve the aesthetics and functionality of…

Read More
blog1
Aug 10,2023
The Importance of Mulching Newly Planted Trees

The Importance of Mulching Newly Planted Trees Regarding landscaping and gardening, the intricacies of nurturing nature’s wonders are both an art and a science. One crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed but is paramount is mulching newly planted trees. Mulch,…

Read More
blog1
Mar 14,2023
Tree Pruning: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Tree Pruning: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Trees rarely need any maintenance in the winter because they are dormant. However, spring is around the corner and offers property owners a chance to prune trees in the backyard. It is advisable…

Read More
blog1
Oct 07,2025
Tree Roots vs. Your Driveway - What Homeowners Should Know

It’s one of the most classic homeowner dilemmas: you plant a tree, watch it grow tall and proud for decades until, one day, you notice the driveway starting to buckle. Cracks appear and spread; the once-smooth concrete begins to lift…

Read More
blog1
Jul 10,2024
Seasonal Tree Care Tips: Summer Edition

Seasonal Tree Care Tips: Summer Edition As summer kicks into full gear, trees in your yard require special attention to stay healthy and vibrant. As a trusted tree care company, Driscoll Tree Service provides routine inspections and maintenance to protect…

Read More
blog1
Dec 30,2024
Guide to Trimming Trees Near Power Lines

Guide to Trimming Trees Near Power Lines If there’s one piece of advice we could give about trimming trees near power lines, it would be this: leave it to the trained and experienced professionals. Working around live power lines is…

Read More
blog1
Nov 11,2025
How to Know When It’s Time to Remove a Tree from Your Yard

How to Know When It’s Time to Remove a Tree from Your Yard We love trees as much as the next person, but we'll be the first to say that some trees are better off gone. Suddenly-leaning trees, overgrown branches,…

Read More