Dear Seasoned Spade,
I’ve been piling up mulch around my trees like I’m building a fortress, but my neighbor says I’m doing it all wrong. Is “volcano mulching” really as bad as they say, or is my neighbor just jealous of my landscaping skills?
Mulch Mountain Mike, Boise, ID
Mulch Mountain Mike,
Your neighbor isn’t jealous—just concerned. And for good reason. Volcano mulching might seem like the pinnacle of tree care, but in reality, it’s about as good an idea as using gasoline to put out a fire.
A Recipe for Root Rot
Here’s the thing: piling mulch up against your tree trunk like it’s the Leaning Tower of Pisa is basically a one-way ticket to plant disaster. It traps moisture against the bark, inviting all kinds of nasty fungal infections and rot. Think of it like wearing wet socks all day—eventually, something gross is going to happen.
On top of that, volcano mulching encourages roots to grow in all the wrong places. Instead of reaching deep into the soil where they belong, they start circling around in the mulch, strangling themselves in a slow-motion disaster. It’s like a botanical game of Twister, and nobody wins.
The Right Way to Mulch (Yes, There Is One)
First things first—ditch the volcano and embrace the mulch donut. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk, forming a nice, even layer about 2-4 inches deep around the base. Think of it as giving your tree a cozy blanket, not a suffocating scarf.
Go for organic mulch like wood chips or bark—none of that rubber stuff that smells like a tire fire on a hot day. Spread it evenly, keeping it flat and level to help retain moisture without causing a swampy mess.
And remember, more isn’t always better. Piling on mulch like you’re burying treasure will just lead to compaction, suffocating roots and keeping water from actually reaching the soil. Less is more—unless you’re making nachos.
Keep Digging (Metaphorically)
Look, gardening is all about learning from our mistakes—just ask anyone who’s overwatered a succulent to death. You’re not alone, and hey, at least you’re mulching, which is more than some folks can say. Just adjust your approach, keep those mulch volcanoes in check, and your trees will thank you by not looking like they’re on their last leg.
Seasonedly yours,
The Seasoned Spade
