Homeowner bewildered after storm reveals unusual sight in backyard: 'Can anyone shed some light on what is going on here?'

A homeowner took to Reddit to ask about the unusual-looking root structure that was exposed after their 10-year-old maple tree was toppled unexpectedly in a storm.

"Can anyone shed some light on what is going on here?" they asked.

The tree appeared not to have roots in the photos.

Redditors chimed in and seemed to come to a consensus that the homeowner had piled too much mulch around the base of the tree, otherwise known as a "mulch volcano." They also let the original poster know that the Norway maple tree was not native to her Central Illinois location.

Native trees and plants are acclimated to the soil conditions and climate where they originated, so they require less care and fewer resources. By rewilding your yard and planting a natural lawn, everything in your garden can thrive.

The OP was trying to help the tree by placing mulch around it, but the practice is actually harmful. Too much mulch can block oxygen and sunlight, and it keeps too much moisture against the tree bark, which can cause it to rot, likely what the OP experienced with their maple tree. The rot destroyed the root structure, causing the tree to topple in the storm.

If too much mulch is piled around the base of a tree, the roots can grow into the mulch. From there, the roots may wrap around the trunk and cut off the tree's ability to absorb nutrients.

Commenters on the Reddit post encouraged the OP to replant a native species and discouraged them from placing mulch around it.

"It was rotted by the mulch," one Redditor explained. "Needed the root flare exposed and the mulch moved away from the base."

"Volcano mulching doesn't even look good," said another. "Lots of poorly planted trees just struggle their entire lives."

"Parallel to the ground is a bad sign," one Redditor joked.

What's the hardest thing about taking care of your yard? Mowing the lawn 🏡 Controlling weeds 🌿 Keeping pests at bay 🐿️ I don't have a yard 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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