Removal "volcano" soil & mulch on trees - Ask Extension
Hello, general question....I want to expose more of the bark on the central leaders of trees as close prominity to the basel flame. BUT the trees have...
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Removal "volcano" soil & mulch on trees #874186
Asked June 22, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT
Hello, general question....I want to expose more of the bark on the central leaders of trees as close prominity to the basel flame. BUT the trees have copious amounts of soil (mostly clay) and mulch that have added over the years. When i try to remove both soil & mulch. I see secondary thinner roots. Ok to keep removing soil/mulch because it is eroding bark? I hope this makes sense. Many thanks.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Sandra, thank for the question.
Sometimes when trees are planted, they may be planted to deep or can sink after settling in a hole dug too deep. Balled and burlapped trees may have soil pushed up around the flair giving the appearance of a false soil line. Thes adventive roots can be carefully pruned off. An air spade would be best but careful hand digging can work. Doing this can give the tree a better chance of a future. Check out the following links:
courier-journal.com/story/life/what-is-mulch-volcano-and-why-volcano-mulching is bad for trees
Beware of Volcano Mulch: How to Mulch Your Trees (youtube.com)
I hope this is helpful.
