Mulch is genuinely good for trees when it's applied correctly. It moderates soil temperature, retains moisture, and reduces competition from turf grass at the root zone. But in yards across Duluth, Lawrenceville, and the North Atlanta suburbs, we regularly see a problem that looks like good tree care from a distance: mulch piled up thick against the trunk, sometimes a foot or more high in what landscapers sometimes call a "mulch volcano."
That style of application causes real harm. Mulch packed against the bark traps moisture, promotes fungal rot at the base of the trunk, and creates ideal conditions for insects and disease pathogens to establish at the most vulnerable point of the tree. Over time, it can also encourage the development of girdling roots — roots that circle the trunk instead of spreading outward — which can slowly strangle a tree from below grade without any visible sign above ground until the damage is well advanced.
The correct approach is a ring of mulch two to four inches deep that starts a few inches away from the trunk and extends out to the drip line. The trunk base should be visible, not buried. This is a small correction that makes a significant long-term difference in tree health.
If you've got trees with heavy mulch against the base, it's worth pulling it back. And if you're not sure whether your trees are showing signs of this kind of stress, we're happy to take a look.
Have you noticed mulch piled against the trunk base on any of the trees in your yard or neighborhood?
#NorthAtlantaTreeService #AtlantaArborist
Side-by-side photo showing a "mulch volcano" application (trunk buried) next to a correctly applied mulch ring (trunk visible, proper distance). This is a highly shareable educational visual that resonates with homeowners. Authentic North Atlanta yard photos strongly preferred.
Canva text suggestion: "Mulch Volcanoes Are Killing Trees" or "The Right Way to Mulch Your Trees This Summer"