Tree Care Basics: A Starter Guide

How Do You Save A Tree That Has Been Damaged By Excessive Mulching?

17 August 2023

Johnni Knight

Mulching around a tree can improve its health if done correctly. Putting mulch on the ground around a tree helps keep it hydrated, as the mulch will absorb rainwater and slowly release it into the soil. However, putting too much mulch on the ground or putting it right next to a tree's trunk can be very hazardous for the tree.

Mulch can prevent oxygen from reaching the tree's roots or the root collar at the base of the trunk, which will cause the root system to die. When too many roots die, the tree won't be able to absorb enough moisture from the soil, and it will slowly decline and die as well. If you've accidentally damaged a tree on your property by putting an excessive amount of mulch on the ground or putting mulch against its trunk, read on to learn how you can save it.

Remove all the Mulch From Around the Tree

The first step to save a tree that's been damaged by mulch is to get rid of it all using a rake. You should also get rid of any leaves or other debris on the ground that could prevent oxygen from reaching the soil. When you've removed all of the mulch and debris, the soil will be able to breathe better and take up more oxygen, stopping the roots from dying.

Aerate the Soil and the Root Collar

Use an aerator on the soil around your tree to remove plugs of soil from the ground. Aerating the soil opens up voids in the topsoil, allowing more air to enter. It's important to get as much oxygen into the soil as you can to help your tree recover from being damaged by mulch.

You also need to expose the root collar of the tree. It's the flared section at the base of the trunk where the trunk meets the soil. Use a trowel to carefully remove soil from around the root collar until it's fully exposed to the air.

Avoid Overwatering the Tree While It Recovers

Providing the tree's roots and root collar with more oxygen will help it recover from being suffocated by excess mulch. While it recovers, you need to avoid overwatering the soil around the tree. When you overwater the soil around a tree's trunk, the soil expands, and this can drive out oxygen in the soil and kill the tree's roots. If you have a sprinkler system that waters your lawn, you may need to reduce how often you use it or aim the sprinklers away from the tree to avoid adding too much water to the soil around the tree.

If you're having trouble digging around the root collar of the tree or if your tree is declining rapidly, call a tree service in your area. They'll use pressurized air to blow away some of the soil covering the roots and the root collar to allow them to get more oxygen, helping save your tree by stopping the roots from suffocating.

Contact a local company that offers residential tree care services to learn more.

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