This will prevent the common problems associated with excessive mulching.

Sep 02, Mulching trees keeps down weeds, thus eliminating competition for water. In addition, much of the water that otherwise would be evaporated by the sun can soak down through a 2-inch layer of mulch and into the soil around tree roots.

For a long-lasting much, choose a tree-based mulch such as pine bark, mixed hardwood mulch or eucalyptus mulch.

May 10, To be clear, mulch is great for trees (when it’s applied correctly). Mulch reduces weeds, conserves moisture and improves the soil, which helps your tree stay healthy!

But when it comes to mulch, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Piling mulch too high and covering a tree's trunk, also known as “volcano mulching” can cause decay. Problems Caused by Mulch That’s Too Thick Around Trees. Jan 24, Mulch can damage trees. Too much mulch applied over the root ball or resting against the trunk (see right photos) can cause problems for trees, especially when there is a lagre range in particle sizes.

When is mulch around trees bad?

Roots often grow up and into the mulch causing stem girdling roots which can kill trees (lower photo). This is especially troublesome on trees planted within the last 10 to 20 years.

Aug 03, Mulch also keeps the soil cool.

As the mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. Cypress mulch can help control insects such as termites, cockroaches, and some species of ants because the wood- provided that it comes from old, mature trees- contains oils and chemicals such as thujone that act as insect-repellants.