Too "Mulch" of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful to Your Trees

For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217

Too "Mulch" of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful to Your Trees

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Mulching is an important part of the upkeep and care of your trees, but too much of a good thing can cause more harm than benefit! Too much mulch can cause rot to root systems, insect infestation, and improper hydration. Unfortunately, mulching is one of the easiest things to do incorrectly when it comes to landscaping. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has some tips to help you make the proper mulching choices.

Survey the area - Check the area around plants and trees that are to be mulched. Determine whether drainage is adequate, and whether any other plants in the area will be affected by mulching. Most common mulch available will work well in the majority of landscapes, but some plants benefit more from less acidic mulch, like pine bark.

Check the depth - If there is already a mulched area of your landscape, check to be sure that it is not higher than two to four inches. Raking old mulch will break up layers that may have become matted together and refresh the appearance of your landscape.

Don't pile it too high - To allow for proper soil aeration, drainage, and reduction in weeds, a mulch layer should be kept several inches from the trunk, keeping both the base of the tree and its root crown exposed. It should be no more than two to four inches high and should extend to the trees drip line or beyond. Mulching the entire root system is highly recommended.

Choose the Right Mulch - Composted wood chips can make great mulch, especially when they contain a blend of leaves, bark, and wood. Fresh wood chips can also be used around well established trees and shrubs. Organic mulches are preferable to inorganic materials due to their soil enhancing properties.

"All things in moderation should be a homeowner's mulching motto," says Jim Skiera, Executive Director of ISA. "As beneficial as mulch is, too much can be harmful in more ways than one."

For more information on acceptable mulching practices, contact an ISA Certified Arborist, found at www.treesaregood.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, IL, is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org. Also, as a part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com.