A proper mulch ring does more for a tree's summer survival than most homeowners realize. It holds soil moisture during dry stretches, moderates root zone temperature on the hottest afternoons, and keeps a mower or trimmer from ever getting close enough to nick the trunk.
The key word is proper. A mulch volcano, piled high against the trunk, actually traps moisture against the bark and invites rot and pests. The right approach is a flat, donut-shaped layer two to three inches deep, pulled back a few inches from the trunk itself.
If your mulch rings haven't been refreshed this season, mid-summer is still worth doing it. The moisture retention benefit matters most during exactly the stretch we're in right now.
Do your trees have mulch rings, or has grass been growing right up to the trunk?
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Photo showing a properly installed, flat mulch ring around a tree base, ideally a before/after or a clear example from a recent job. Real yard photos outperform generic landscaping stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "Mulch Right, Not A Volcano" or "Protect Your Tree's Roots This Summer"