Tree care, in many cases, can be expensive if you require the assistance of an arborist for pruning or removals. Extreme weather events, characterized by extensive rain and wind, can cause damage to the canopy or, in worst-case scenarios, lead to tree failure. In cases of failures, weather is often the final push to already existing issues. One cause that can lead to decay, decline, and failure if applied incorrectly can also extend the life of your tree with proper application.
Mulch is the double-edged sword that can promote healthy growth by maintaining soil moisture and temperature through extreme heat, cold, and drought, enrich the soil in the critical root zone, maintain a safety area from mechanical damage from lawn care tools, and add a nice aesthetic. But it can also cause decay through excess moisture to the root flare, damage from pests like mice and insects that can live in mulch, expose the tree to pathogens, and promote unnecessary root growth and/or stem girdling roots that cut off nutrient supply between the root system and the rest of the tree.
The application is the same if it’s the first time mulching a tree or a re-application. Add enough mulch so there is a 2–3-inch layer sloping away from the tree with at least a 3–5-foot radius around the stem (older, larger trees can benefit from larger mulch rings). No volcano mulching, make sure you also have around a 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the start of the mulch ring. If you are reapplying mulch, first rake the old mulch to even the layer and mix some into the soil if possible. If your tree has already been mulched and has been volcano mulched, simply dig out the excess, exposing the root flare and creating that 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the mulch.
This simple act is relatively inexpensive, does not require a lot of time, and will help keep your tree healthy, extending its life. If you notice any other issues with your trees, hiring an ISA Certified arborist is the next step in managing your trees’ health. To find an arborist near you and verify credentials, use the link at Find an Arborist, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Expert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented – Fox 59
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, The Education Store
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources
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- Figure 1: Examples of volcano mulching.
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- Figure 2: Digging out and exposing the root flare.
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- Figure 3: Creating a 1–2-inch space between the root flare and the mulch.
