How to Mulch Around Trees the Right Way

Trees want mulch over the root zone, not piled against bark. Keep mulch a few inches back from the trunk, spread two to three inches deep, and extend as wide as practical — ideally toward the drip line over time.

Volcano mulching traps moisture against the stem, hides the root flare, and encourages roots to grow up into the mulch. That leads to stability and health problems years later.

If your trees look like they are erupting from mulch mountains, a correction now is simpler than dealing with decline later. This is a small detail with large consequences.