![\"Examples](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Picture1.png\")
<\/a>Figure 1: Examples of volcano mulching (PLR)<\/p><\/div>\n
Purdue Landscape Report<\/em><\/a>: Tree care, in many cases, can be expensive if you require the assistance of an arborist for pruning or removals.\u00a0 Extreme weather events, characterized by extensive rain and wind, can cause damage to the canopy or, in worst-case scenarios, lead to tree failure.\u00a0 In cases of failures, weather is often the final push to already existing issues.\u00a0 One cause that can lead to decay, decline, and failure if applied incorrectly can also extend the life of your tree with proper application.<\/p>\n Mulch is the double-edged sword that can promote healthy growth by maintaining soil moisture and temperature through extreme heat, cold, and drought, enrich the soil in the critical root zone, maintain a safety area from mechanical damage from lawn care tools, and add a nice aesthetic.<\/p>\n Figure 2: Digging out and exposing the root flare (PLR)<\/p><\/div>\n But it can also cause decay through excess moisture to the root flare, damage from pests like mice and insects that can live in mulch, expose the tree to pathogens, and promote unnecessary root growth and\/or stem girdling roots that cut off nutrient supply between the root system and the rest of the tree.<\/p>\n The application is the same if it\u2019s the first time mulching a tree or a re-application.\u00a0 Add enough mulch so there is a 2\u20133-inch layer sloping away from the tree with at least a 3\u20135-foot radius around the stem (older, larger trees can benefit from larger mulch rings).\u00a0 No volcano mulching, make sure you also have around a 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the start of the mulch ring.<\/p>\n Figure 3: Creating a 1\u20132-inch space between the root flare and the mulch.<\/p><\/div>\n If you are reapplying mulch, first rake the old mulch to even the layer and mix some into the soil if possible.\u00a0 If your tree has already been mulched and has been volcano mulched, simply dig out the excess, exposing the root flare and creating that 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the mulch.<\/p>\n This simple act is relatively inexpensive, does not require a lot of time, and will help keep your tree healthy, extending its life.\u00a0 If you notice any other issues with your trees, hiring an ISA Certified arborist is the next step in managing your trees\u2019 health.\u00a0 To find an arborist near you and verify credentials, use the link at\u00a0Find an Arborist<\/a>, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).<\/p>\n View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Simple Steps to Care for Your Tree: Mulching<\/a>.<\/p>\n Subscribe and receive the newsletter:\u00a0Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Resources:<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/strong>Re-mulch Your Trees<\/a>, Purdue Landscape Report
\n<\/strong>Find an Arborist<\/a>\u00a0video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
\nTrees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR
\nMoist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Fox 59 News
\nExpert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Fox 59
\nWhy Is My Tree Dying?<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 Forestry and Natural Resources
\nTree Risk Management<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR
\nTree Pruning Essentials, Publication<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0Video<\/a>, The Education Store
\nMechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 The Education Store
\nTrees and Electric Lines<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 The Education Store
\nTree Defect Identification<\/a>, The Education Store
\nPlanting Your Tree<\/a>, video, Purdue Extension
\nTree Installation<\/a>, The Education Store
\nTree Wound and Healing<\/a>, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 Forestry and Natural Resources
\nSubscribe<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel<\/p>\n