That perfectly shaped mountain of mulch around your tree might make the yard look professionally landscaped, but it could be doing more harm than good. Mulch is genuinely beneficial when used correctly because it conserves soil moisture, moderates temperature, suppresses weeds, and protects trees from lawn equipment. The problem starts when homeowners keep adding fresh mulch without checking how much is already there or pile it directly against the trunk. Over time, too much mulch around trees can contribute to problems involving roots, moisture, oxygen, bark decay, and even pests. Before buying another bag this fall, walk outside and check whether your trees have a flat mulch ring—or a mulch volcano.
