Too much of a good thing

Mulch is an important part of a healthy landscape providing a substitute for the litter layer. It provides temperature moderation, moisture retention, and a suitable environment for many beneficial organisms. However, too much mulch can be as detrimental as the right amount is beneficial. Paid by the pound or yard, set contracts and ignorance are causing mulch applications where they are not needed. Too much mulch mounded up around the base of trees and shrubs can cause problems leading to the premature decline and death of plants. Trees that have too much mulch piled around the trunk are more likely to have girdling roots. The mulch traps moisture against the trunk increasing the likelihood for disease and insect problems. Be careful of the amount of mulch being applied, do not mound it up around the base of the plant and only apply if needed. Choose a good "bark mulch" or "compost" and try to avoid using the dyed wood mulches that are taking over the landscape.