Viilage of Glen Ellyn provides mulching advice

As posted in today's e-newsletter from the Village of Glen Ellyn (below).  Sadly, many local landscaping contractors still don't how to properly mulch a tree.  We need to be inspecting their work.

Help Stop the Practice of Volcano Mulching

"Volcano Mulching" refers to the practice of piling mulch against the trunk of a tree, thereby creating a volcano shape at the base of the tree. This practice is extremely harmful to the health of trees. Mulch provides numerous benefits which include; insulates soil, retains moisture, prevents weed growth, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street! To mulch trees properly, remove any grass within a circular mulch area between 3 to 10 feet in diameter, depending on tree canopy's outer diameter. Pile wood chips, mulch shred, or bark pieces within the circle, but NOT touching the trunk. Many landscapers recommend creating a "well of mulch", where the least amount is around the trunk, fanning the mulch up and out, but only piled 2 to 4 inches above the ground line. Anything higher, or piled right up to the trunk, is referred to as "volcano mulching". This practice prevents air from circulating around living bark, and can harbor mold and bugs. The use of this practice can eventually kill a tree. Be a protector of our parkway trees. Participate in these tree preservation practices, encourage landscape contractors to also do so, and help ensure the health of our Village trees for decades to come!