The White County Cooperative Extension Service is urging homeowners to avoid a common landscaping mistake known as “volcano mulching,” which can slowly damage or even kill otherwise healthy trees.
According to White County Extension Agriculture Agent Sherri Sanders, piling mulch high against a tree trunk traps moisture, encourages decay, fungal diseases, insect activity, and can lead to girdling roots that restrict the flow of water and nutrients throughout the tree.
Instead, Sanders recommends mulching in a flat “doughnut” shape, spreading mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the tree while leaving the trunk and root flare completely exposed. The root flare—the point where the trunk widens into the root system—should always remain visible above the soil.
Volcano mulching may also attract rodents that can chew bark during winter, causing permanent damage to young trees.
If your trees have excessive mulch around the trunk, Sanders recommends gradually removing it until the root flare is visible while maintaining only a 2 to 3-inch mulch layer around the tree.
Homeowners with questions about tree care, planting depth, or landscape maintenance can contact the White County Cooperative Extension Service at 501-268-5394 or visit the office at 2400 Old Searcy Landing Road in Searcy.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture says one simple rule can help protect your landscape for years to come:
“Mulch wide, not deep. Keep it off the trunk and expose the root flare.”
