A Reddit user seeking advice about a tree's questionable placement received important, albeit blunt, feedback.
The thread on r/arborists showed two images of the problem. The post explained the homeowner's concerns: "This live oak was planted too close to the driveway, which is in disrepair and needs replacing. What can I ask of the contractor to help reduce damage to the tree?"
The top responder offered advice but also noted the common but problematic landscaping technique used to plant the oak tree.
"If you try to save the tree, the roots will keep cracking the concrete. You either get a tree and a cracked driveway or a nice driveway and plant a new tree farther away. Also, too much mulch at the base of that tree."
The user was referring to a phenomenon referred to as a "mulch volcano." This is when an excessive amount of mulch is gathered around the base of a tree, which is harmful to the tree and can lead to girdling roots. As the Missouri Botanical Garden notes, a girdling root occurs when there's nowhere left to expand and the root wraps around the tree. This disrupts the flow of water and nutrients and can ultimately cause the tree's demise.
While mulching can be beneficial to plants and soil, it should be done with the right placement. Organic matter, such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and grass cuttings, works best. And gardeners should think of a donut rather than a volcano. The University of New Hampshire advises placing a roughly three-inch layer of mulch in a ring around the tree while maintaining the same distance between the tree's stem and the mulch.
Natural solutions such as rewilding a yard with native plants offer both a way to save time and money while aiding the environment.
Commenters were similarly critical of the mulch issue. "I was gonna say, don't worry about that tree — the landscapers are well on their way to killing it anyway," one said.
Another was even more emphatic: "I don't think you'll have to worry about it for much longer. The mulch volcano around that tree is a safe way to ensure a slow death."
|
What's the hardest thing about taking care of your yard? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Mowing the lawn 🏡 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Cool Picks
