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.
Should You Worry About Lichen on Trees? Lichens are fascinating and often misunderstood. When homeowners notice these growths on the bark of trees, it raises concerns about the health of their yard. If you notice lichens on your trees, consult…
Read MoreHow Proper Pruning Techniques Help Shape Young Trees Young trees require careful pruning during their early years to develop strong structure, balanced growth, and long-term stability. Without proper trimming, trees may develop weak branches, uneven canopies, overcrowded limbs, or structural…
Read MoreCracks, Rot, and Weak Branches: When to Call a Tree Service Trees are magnificent entities that provide numerous benefits to our landscapes and the environment. From adding shade and beauty to purifying the air we breathe, we rely on trees…
Read MoreIs That Leaning Tree Dangerous? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know There’s nothing quite like the beauty of a big, healthy tree standing tall in your yard. Whether it’s a towering oak providing shade or a row of evergreens lining your…
Read MoreIt should go without saying that when it comes to caring for your trees, hiring a professional is always the smarter choice. Whether you’re dealing with routine trimming, storm cleanup, or a full tree removal, the risks and complexities make…
Read MoreGuide 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 MoreDebunking Common Myths About Tree Removal Trees are magnificent entities that provide many advantages. However, different circumstances like disease, infestation, landscaping needs, or severe damage may prompt tree removal services. While healthy greenery is an asset for property owners, when…
Read MoreFall Lawn and Landscape Care Tips As the vibrant colors of summer fade and fall begin to take over, it's essential to focus on lawn and landscape care. Fall is crucial for yard care as you prepare for the colder…
Read MoreSummer Pruning Tips for Cherry and Apricot Trees Tree pruning is vital for optimum health and longevity. It is the equivalent of a haircut, as it enhances aesthetics and prevents diseases. Unfortunately, many homeowners prefer handling yard maintenance alone, which…
Read MoreTree Trimming Safety Tips Tree trimming is a vital aspect of landscaping and garden maintenance that helps keep trees healthy and aesthetically pleasing. However, it can also be hazardous if not done correctly, causing severe damage and premature tree removal.…
Read More