Mulch Volcanoes
Damage from incorrect mulch applications arounds trees and shrubs is becoming more common as homeowners and professionals recognize the many benefits of mulching plants.
Problems may arise, however, under certain circumstances such as excessively deep applications of mulches, organic mulches piled up against the trunk of young or thin-barked trees and shrubs, or plastic groundovers applied before the topdressed mulch, especially when plastic is in contact with heavy clay soil.
Damage:
*Inadequate oxygen
*Root mortality
*Excessive formation of adventitious roots off stems/nodes covered by mulches
*Under plastic groundcovers on hevy clay soils, many trees and shrubs produce extremely shallow and large branch roots.
*Increased vulnerability to stem canker pathogens and decay