Mulch can be a costly part of your home care, so the last thing you want is to improperly use it or apply more than is needed. Most tree maintenance experts say optimal mulching depth is between 2 and 4 inchesif you're focused on properly caring for your trees. Many homeowners and landscapers are guilty of what is known as volcano mulching, where huge piles of mulch are installed around and up the base of the tree. This is not only both a waste of mulch but also an invitation for fungus, insects and small burrowing animals to move in.
Source: ShutterstockToo much mulch can become tightly packed down, reducing air flow and water penetration. Often when mulch includes fresh grass clippings the soil's pH can get out of balance, causing the tree's root system to miss vital nutrients. When mulch is piled on top of rich soil that holds moisture, root rot can develop. Anaerobic organic mulch can give off toxins which can be detrimental to young saplings.
While obviously over time additional mulch will need to be added due to decomposition, please contact Cartwright Tree Care to make sure you aren't doing more harm than good.