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.
Yellow Leaves in Summer The sight of trees adorned with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow during fall is a natural spectacle that always captivates. However, when those same trees display yellow leaves in the summer, it may be…
Read MoreCaring for Your Tree’s Roots Planting a tree is a long-term investment, as most trees take several years to grow to their potential. While there are many ways to maintain maximum health, such as tree pruning and trimming, managing its…
Read MoreGuide to Tree Removal Insurance When a tree falls in the forest, it is nobody’s problem. However, the repercussions can be dire if a tree falls on your property. Storms and strong winds often cause tree-related damage, especially if the…
Read MoreTree Maintenance Tips to Prevent Property Damage Trees on your property can enhance its beauty and provide many environmental benefits. However, without proper maintenance by a professional tree care company, trees can become a liability, leading to property damage and…
Read MoreWhat is Tree Cabling? Trees are vital to our environment, providing shade, beauty, and ecological benefits. However, sometimes trees develop structural weaknesses that cause dangerous situations or loss premature tree removal emergencies. With that in mind, tree cabling allows property…
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 MoreHarmful Pests for Your Trees Trees are beautiful, essential for our environment, and vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage. These pests can compromise the health and longevity of trees, leading to their decline or even death. Tree…
Read MorePlanting Trees Properly Planting a tree is a rewarding and environmentally conscious act. However, following the proper planting techniques is essential to ensure its long-term health and growth. Here’s a helpful guide through planting a tree. As a professional and…
Read MoreDeep 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 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 More