Beware of Volcano Mulch: How to Mulch Your Trees

Volcano mulch or a tree volcano is mulch that is piled up around the base of a tree, and climbs the trunk. The shape of the mulch resembles a cone or a volcano. Volcano mulch or tree volcanoes waste money and damage trees.
Dr. Bob Ricard, one of our Extension educators and foresters, explains how to properly mulch a tree, and the damage that is caused by volcano mulch.
You can also find additional resources and information from our UConn Extension Master Gardener program. We have nine locations statewide that can answer all of your garden and landscape questions. Find an office near you at: mastergardener... or submit your question online at mastergardener... or blog.extension....
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Video: UConn CAHNR

[@happity]

Today I learned!

[@ebodnaruk]

It doesn't seem like just 2 to 3 inches of mulch is effective in stopping weed and grass growth. Recommendations?

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

Not even my fellow arborist are aware that old mulch must be raked away before applying new stuff. Since old mulch transforms into new soil. And one never wants to artificially raise grade over trees existing root system.
Ring mulching is just as bad. Flat is where it's at!

[@bham9135]

Old mulch doesn’t need to be removed unless it is covering the root flare or piled too thick.

[@papagreen7127]

Could this be the reason why my tree didn’t produced leaves on top this spring ? I don’t have a volcano mulch around my tree and it is fairly low but I think I have to exposed the root flares around my tree some more .

[@uconnextension]

Yes, it could. Email us at [e-mail] and we can provide you with more resources.

[@jeaninge7616]

FYI