Now that fall is here, we're (hopefully) heading toward some cooler months! Want a top tip for fall and winter? Tuck in your trees with a blanket of mulch.

Arbor Mulch, or wood chip mulch, has a bounty of benefits, but there are some concerns about their use.

Are they myths or truths? Let's clear up the confusion!

A Plus Mulch

Mulch Myths Debunked

Not sure if your tree needs professional attention?

A Plus Tree’s ISA Certified Arborists serve homeowners across the West Coast. A free assessment takes 15 minutes and gives you a clear answer.

→ Request a free tree assessment from A Plus Tree

Myth #1: Mulch Attracts Rodents

FALSE! Unless piled high, rodents aren't drawn to mulch.

WHY? Rodents build homes by tunneling. Try tunneling under a layer of mulch - wood chips keep falling into the hole! Now, if mulch is piled high against trees, fences, and walls, rodents may nest directly in the mulch. Apply mulch in a layer just 2-4" thick, and those pesky rodents won't call it home sweet home!

 

Myth #2: Mulch Attracts Termites

FALSE! Termites don't feed on mulch unless it's deep and damp.

WHY? Termites require underground or large wooden structures. They're also lazy when it comes to chewing. They prefer soft, damp wood like cardboard and softwood (e.g. pine and spruce lumber). Wood chips contain a mix of wood types and if kept dry, aren't a termite's favorite snack. Some wood types, like redwood and cedar, also have chemical compounds that repel termites.

 

Myth #3: Mulch Acidifies Soil

FALSE! Mulch has little effect on soil acidity.

WHY? As mulch breaks down, the soil touching the mulch may acidify a bit. But, it's very difficult to completely alter soil acidity. Down where plant roots are, there's no difference. Just don't mix fresh mulch deep into the soil!

 

Free Assessment · ISA Certified Arborists

Worried about a tree on your property?

A Plus Tree’s certified arborists have served thousands of homeowners across the West Coast. Get a free on-site assessment — no obligation, no pressure.

Request a Free Assessment →

Myth #4: Mulch Lowers Soil Nitrogen

 

FALSE! Mulch has little effect on soil nitrogen.

WHY? Decomposition of mulch temporarily ties up nitrogen, making it unavailable to plants. But this decrease in nitrogen only occurs right below the mulch layer. Deeper down, tree roots still have all the nitrogen and in the long run, nitrogen is released from the mulch. Again, just don't mix mulch throughout the soil!

 

Myth #5: Mulch Encourages Disease

FALSE! When applied properly, mulch doesn't encourage disease and decay.

WHY? Diseases need the right environment to grow. They like it damp and cool! If mulch is applied in a thin to medium-thick layer away from trees, excessive moisture won't be trapped, and disease can't thrive! To prevent contamination, A Plus discards of mulch chipped from diseased trees.

 
trees and mulch

Mulch is Magical!
Now that you know what you needn't worry about, here are just a few reasons why Arbor Mulch is magical!

  1. Releases nutrients slowly, preventing unnatural growth spurts.
  2. Retains soil moisture, preventing runoff and erosion.
  3. Suppresses weed growth.
  4. Insulates soil from extreme temperature changes.
  5. Coarse texture allows for air flow, unlike grass clippings or leaf mulch. Yes, roots need to breath!

Arbor Mulch is just like natural litter on forest floors. Mother Nature spent millions of years perfecting the process. We only need to be copy cats!

The key is applying it right! Follow this checklist to ensure you're doing all good and no harm.

  • Apply mulch in layer 2-4" thick. Top as needed.
  • Spread mulch out to tree's dripline if possible.
  • Don't pile mulch against buildings, wood fences, and tree trunks.
  • Store mulch stock piles properly.
How to Mulch Trees

Get a Free Tree Assessment — No Obligation

Tell us about your tree. One of our ISA Certified Arborists will review your situation and get back to you within 24 hours.

Need Tree Care? We’re here for you.

Request Proposal or an Assessment

About the Author:

Sophia Huang is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). She also holds a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Sophia received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from Santa Clara University, CA. Discovering her passion for urban trees, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Horticulture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Her studies and research focused on urban tree identification, biology pedagogy, and using leaf traits as predictors of tree drought tolerance. She has peer-reviewed publications in The American Biology Teacher and Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. 

Sophia joined the A Plus Tree team in 2019 as an Urban Forest Specialist and is now their Marketing and Education Leader. Her role includes training the team and educating clients on urban tree care – tree pruning, planting, removals, pests, diseases, fertilizers, irrigation, and more! She also writes for the A Plus Tree blog and helps run their Tree Health Care program. 

Related Posts