On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:09:18 GMT, "David Emerling"
wrote:

Hopefully somebody in this newsgroup is knowledgeable in this area.

Isn't it true, that there is little value in piling mulch around the base of
large, established trees. I understand the practice when a tree is much
smaller and newly planted.

I appreciate that some people like the aesthetics of placing mulch around
their trees, but if the tree is 8-inches in diameter it is likely that the
root structure is so widespread that a pile of mulch around its base
provides little benefit.

True of False?

Mulching keeps the ground moist, helps prevent damage to the trunk
(keeps string trimmers and mowers away), and provides some nutrition.
A 2 or 3 inch layer is enough, but it's a waste to make "volcanoes."
Piling soil or mulch against the bark can harm the tree. I just
completed deciduouss tree fertilization using tree spikes along the
drip-line circle of the trees.