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.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Fruit Trees Trimming is one of the best things you can do for your fruit trees—but only if you do it correctly. At first glance, this task may seem like an easy task, but…
Read MoreWhat Can Go Wrong With Untrained Tree Removal If you’ve ever stood in your yard and looked up at a big and diseased or aging tree, then you know the mix of feelings it can stir. On one hand, that…
Read MoreTree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid Do you have trees on your property that seem in bad condition due to improper tree trimming techniques? This is a common problem that most people make, compromising the health and well-being of…
Read MorePruning Mistakes That Invite Pests Into Your Home Proper pruning keeps trees healthy, encourages strong growth, and grabs the attention of prospective buyers and tenants. When pruning is done hastily or incorrectly, however, it can open the door to much…
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 MoreWhat's The Right Time of Year to Remove Trees? Trees provide a range of benefits to your property and the ecosystem. Whether it is enhancing curb appeal and giving shade or cleaning the air, the value of trees can’t be…
Read MoreWhen most people hear the word pruning, they probably think of someone snipping away at tree branches with big clippers. While that’s technically true, tree pruning is way more complex - and interesting - than just cutting random limbs. Pruning…
Read More6 Tree Pruning Tools Pros Use When caring for your trees, there is no room for compromise. Professional arborists understand the importance of using the right tools for the job. Whether it’s trimming branches for aesthetics or maintaining the health…
Read MoreWhat Are Hidden Underground Hazards? Underground hazards are often overlooked, yet they pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. These hazards range from natural occurrences to human-made dangers, and knowing them is crucial for any property owner.…
Read MoreReasons for Early or Dull Fall Color Autumn is celebrated for its breathtaking foliage transformation, as lush green leaves gradually change to vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. However, not all falls are equal, and some are more memorable than…
Read More