When it comes to trees, try to avoid the dreaded “mulch volcano,” a volcano-shaped mound surrounding the base of your tree.
Mulch piled up in a 1- or 2-foot tall mound “around the trunks of young trees is taking a good idea way, way too far,” said Paul Cappiello, executive director at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood, Kentucky. “Aside from being bad for your trees, it costs you money – either just materials (if you’re doing the volcano building yourself) or materials and labor (if you hire it out).”
