Menu

Our Reviews
Karen Eddlemon
google

Efficient, Affordable, and Professional what more can you ask for in a company. I had a big tree in my yard that needed to be cut down. From the estimate from Michael and the actual job being performed by his crew, everything was satisfactory. Including the clean-up. They’re also licensed and insured so that made selecting for the job even more comfortable. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service for your tree removal.

Michael Helms
google

I began using Driscoll Tree Service back in 2021 and was so impressed with their knowledge and quality of work, I have only hired Driscoll Tree Service since!  Just a few weeks ago, my large oak tree needed a trim and once again it was a great job!!

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 12,2022
How to Care for Newly Planted Trees

How to Care for Newly Planted Trees Trees are beautiful ornaments for any property, but they are more than decoration. They purify our air, offer us shade, and even provide fruit. Trees grow naturally out of the ground, but if…

Read More
blog1
Jul 18,2024
Are Holes in Trees Dangerous?

Are Holes in Trees Dangerous? Trees are magnificent entities that play a vital role in our environment. Despite the many benefits, from offering shade beauty to oxygen, many trees develop holes, causing concerns about their health and safety. If you…

Read More
blog1
Mar 21,2023
Signs a Tree Might Fall

Signs a Tree Might Fall Many property owners appreciate and love their trees but must notice the potential danger some trees present. Research shows that many tree-related accidents could be avoided if people knew the signs and symptoms of a…

Read More
blog1
Oct 10,2024
Should You Fill Holes or Cavities in a Tree?

Should You Fill Holes or Cavities in a Tree? Trees usually develop cavities and holes over time, which are often mistaken for infections or infestations. While these fissures may raise concerns about the tree’s overall health, they are a natural…

Read More
blog1
Apr 17,2025
Different Types of Trees Should Be Trimmed at Different Times

Different Types of Trees Should Be Trimmed at Different Times Towering, intricate, and surprisingly sensitive, trees are among the most impressive living things on Earth. For Metro Atlanta property owners, trees are a central part of the landscape. These functional,…

Read More
blog1
Aug 10,2022
The Best Way to Remove a Tree Stump

The Best Way to Remove a Tree Stump When a tree is cut down for whatever reason, the stump left behind is not just an eyesore but also a safety hazard on your premises. Waiting for the stump to decompose…

Read More
blog1
Jun 20,2023
Professional Tree Service vs. Handyman

Professional Tree Service vs. Handyman Large green trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. Healthy trees enhance the overall curb appeal and property value, purify the air, and attract wildlife. Routine maintenance is vital to ensure your trees grow…

Read More
blog1
Sep 09,2025
Do I Need a Permit to Remove This Tree? Here's the Real Answer

If you’ve ever stood in your yard and looked up at a big ole tree, then you know the mix of feelings it can stir. On one hand, that tree has probably given your home shade, beauty, and maybe even…

Read More
blog1
Oct 05,2023
6 Tree Pruning Tools Pros Use

6 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 More
blog1
Mar 19,2026
Eco-Friendly Tree Services: What to Look For

Eco-Friendly Tree Services: What to Look For We might forget it at times, but trees are more than landscape fixtures; they anchor ecosystems, regulate temperature, improve air quality, and, frankly, increase property value over time. So, when it comes time…

Read More