(833) 4MY-TREE

Blogs

Will Putting Mulch Around a Tree Kill It?

You might diligently place mulch around your flower beds to help the landscape look nicer, but what about your trees? Will putting mulch around a tree kill it? Our team at Schneider Tree Care, a leader in tree services in Greenville, SC, is here to set the record straight.

Mulching Offers Ample Benefits

There’s a reason why so many property owners meticulously put mulch around their yards. The organic material makes a huge difference in tree and plant health. The biggest benefits of proper mulching include:

Soil temperature regulation: Placing mulch above the soil insulates it. As a result, the soil will stay cool during the summer and remain warmer during the winter.
Improved moisture retention: Since the mulch insulates the soil, it’s less likely to dry out quickly. This is especially important in drought-prone areas.
Root protection: The material can safeguard tree roots from damage due to lawn equipment.

You stand to gain many benefits from this practice, but be mindful of the potential setbacks.

How Improper Mulching Harms Tree Health

So, will putting mulch around a tree kill it? Only if you don’t use the proper techniques. Careless mulching could lead to a tree’s decay.

Too much mulch can hold excess moisture, making the tree susceptible to root rot. Tree suffocation becomes a major concern for property owners. A heavy layer of mulch around the trunk can deprive the roots of oxygen and slowly suffocate the vegetation.

It’s also possible that the tree may try to compensate by growing new roots. However, they may end up wrapping around the tree. You must apply mulch correctly to avoid girdling roots and other serious problems.

How To Correctly Place Mulch Around a Tree

You don’t have to be an expert landscaper or certified arborist to properly place mulch around trees. Just follow these tips:

Don’t form mulch volcanoes: The material shouldn’t form a huge volcano-like structure around the trunk.
Ensure you can see the root flare: You should always see where the roots begin to flare out from the trunk. Following this method creates a nice doughnut shape around the tree.
Keep the layer thin: Spread your mulch in a layer between 2 and 4 inches thick. This avoids tree suffocation and excess moisture.
Replace when necessary: Organic mulch may only support your vegetation for a year or two. Replace it when you notice changes in the vegetation, such as weeds popping out from the soil.

Consult Our Arborists for Professional Solutions

Will putting mulch around a tree kill it? What is the best technique for mulching shrubs? How can you tell when to call a tree expert?

Schneider Tree Care has the answers to these and any other concerns you might have. Reach out to our specialists whenever you face issues with your vegetation on your property and want to maintain a landscape full of healthy, vibrant trees. Submit our online contact form or call (864) 244-3088 to request an estimate.

Bark Scale Beware: Tackling the CMBS Threat Across the Southeast

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia sp.) are among the most beloved landscape trees in the Carolinas and throughout the Southeast. Known for their striking blooms that provide a splash of color from late spring through the end of summer, these trees are a fixture in both formal and casual landscapes. However, their widespread popularity comes with its own set of challenges. The presence of a single plant species in large numbers within an area can lead to increased pest and disease problems, which are less common in environments with greater biodiversity. Nature, as it prefers, flourishes in diversity.

Crape myrtles are not spared from their share of adversaries. Common issues such as aphids and powdery mildew are only part of the problem. Recently, a new pest has made its way to the Carolinas, causing concern for crape myrtle enthusiasts: the crape myrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), or CMBS.

These diminutive pests, white and small, take residence on the plant from the twigs to the trunks. About the size of a pencil tip, they are mostly stationary, making it crucial to differentiate them from certain types of ladybug larvae. While both may appear similar, ladybug larvae are larger and more mobile. CMBS proliferates rapidly on an infected tree, quickly resulting in the darkening of the crape myrtle and the surrounding ground with sooty mold—a direct consequence of the honeydew produced by their feeding. Initially, this mold is more of an aesthetic issue, but as the infestation escalates, it can severely affect the health of the crape myrtle and any undergrowth.

Addressing a CMBS infestation involves a variety of treatment options, each dependent on factors such as the time of year, severity of the infestation, and specific location of the affected plants. Consulting with an ISA-certified Arborist can ensure the development of an effective treatment plan to combat CMBS and other prevalent issues, safeguarding the vitality and splendor of crape myrtles in the region.

Author:
Brandon Hogan, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
Schneider Tree Care Charlotte

Celebrating Excellence: Spotlight on ISA Board Certified Master Arborists Scott Carlson and Brandon Hogan

We are pleased to share the accomplishments of Scott Carlson and Brandon Hogan, who are both Board Certified Master Arborists (BCMA) through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a level that represents the highest achievement in arboriculture. Scott recently joined Brandon in holding this distinguished certification, with Brandon having been certified for about four years.

Their BCMA status places them in a small group of professionals, with around 30 in North Carolina and about 10 in South Carolina, highlighting their deep knowledge and expertise in the field. The BCMA certification covers 19 areas of knowledge, indicating the broad understanding they have in everything from the scientific aspects of arboriculture to business and client relations.

Earning the BCMA certification demonstrates not only their exceptional skills but also their commitment to maintaining the highest standards in arboricultural practices. The achievements of Scott and Brandon underscore their dedication to excellence and leadership in promoting the importance of qualified arboriculture in their communities.

Congratulations once more to Scott Carlson and Brandon Hogan for their achievements and for showcasing the commitment of Schneider Tree Care and its team members to delivering fanatical client service and contributing to the advancement of the green industry.

Spring Tree Evaluation: Unveiling Hibernating Hazards

As winter fades and spring breathes new life into the landscape, it’s time to assess the health of your trees. While the changing seasons bring beauty, they also unveil potential hazards that may have been hibernating beneath the surface. This is where the expertise of your certified arborist at Schneider Tree Care and their team with the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), becomes invaluable. Here’s why these professionals are essential for a thorough spring evaluation of your trees.

Expertise in Hazard Identification

Schneider Tree Care’s team of Certified Arborists and assessors with TRAQ credentials are trained to recognize potential hazards that can affect trees. They have a keen eye for spotting signs of disease, pest infestations, and structural weaknesses that may not be apparent to the untrained observer. Their expertise ensures a comprehensive evaluation, covering all aspects of tree health and safety. When a deciduous tree experiences environmental forces (winter storms, icing, etc..) and damage is the result, the hazard can be in “hibernation” until the tree starts to bud and ultimately leaf out, increasing the weight and wind sail effects on the new defect which ultimately leads to a failure.

Tailored Recommendations

Certified arborists can provide tailored recommendations based on their assessment. Whether it’s pruning to remove weak branches, implementing pest management strategies, or improving soil health, they can suggest the most effective course of action to address any issues identified during the evaluation.

Preventative Maintenance

By conducting a spring evaluation, certified arborists can help prevent potential hazards from escalating. Early detection of diseases, pests, or structural issues allows for prompt intervention, minimizing the risk of damage to the tree or surrounding property.

Long-Term Tree Health

Certified arborists focus not just on addressing immediate concerns but also on promoting the long-term health and vitality of your trees. Their recommendations are aimed at improving overall tree health, ensuring that your trees thrive for years to come.

Accredited Companies for Peace of Mind

When hiring a company for tree evaluation and maintenance, look for one that employs TRAQ-certified arborists. Accredited companies adhere to industry standards and best practices, giving you peace of mind that your trees are in capable hands.

Conclusion

Spring is a critical time to evaluate your trees for potential hazards that may have developed during winter. Certified Arborists and assessors with the TRAQ credential are essential for conducting thorough evaluations and providing expert recommendations. By partnering with a certified arborist and an accredited company, you can ensure the health and safety of your trees, enhancing the beauty and value of your landscape.

Author:
Joshua Milbourne, Branch Manager
Schneider Tree Care Charlotte

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We know you love your trees, let us help you take better care of them. We offer a holistic approach to tree health care that considers pests and diseases, climate impacts, and the overall condition of your landscape.

Planning for the New Year

It’s a brand-new year! Now is the perfect time to think about getting your trees and shrubs on a Program to keep them happy and healthy throughout the year.

As we ring in the new year, we at Schneider Tree Care want to thank you for your business and support in the past year. We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that the new year brings you joy, health, and prosperity. As we look ahead into the rest of 2023, we want to remind you of the importance of proper tree care. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and fertilization, can help ensure the health and longevity of your trees. It can also help prevent potential hazards, such as falling branches.

The three main factors we consider in our maintenance programs are protection of the property, tree and shrub healthcare, and aesthetics. We use our specialized equipment and expertise to achieve your property’s tree and shrub care goals.
Schneider Tree Care’s customized preventive maintenance programs are designed to keep your trees and shrubs healthy, long before any severe weather, pesky insects, or harmful diseases strike. Our certified arborists walk your site with you to identify items that need immediate attention and those that can be covered in a scheduled, customized program to meet the needs of your property.

We provide specific shrub and tree care programs for comprehensive protection of your property.

Good Program: Includes nutrient applications three times per year for the health of your trees and shrubs

Better Program: Provides insect and disease protection along with nutrient applications for overall health

Best Program: Offers nutrient applications, insect and disease protection, and mitigation of fungal issues

Trees and shrubs need care just like we do. Give the gift of good health and aesthetic appeal to the plants on your property. From protection to diagnosis to treatment, Schneider Tree Care has got you covered. Contact us to make an appointment with our knowledgeable, certified arborists.

Merry Christmas from Your Schneider Tree Care Family!

Christmas is a time of giving. You‒ our valued clients‒ have given us the best gift of all, your confidence and trust all year long. Have a Merry Christmas!

Presidents Day: Recognizing our Principals

This Presidents Day, we recognize our principals – Kurt and Erich Schneider and Luther Merchant for their leadership of our company. Their actions have always inspired us to dream more, learn more, do more and celebrate the triumph!

Contact Us

864-244-3088

Home Office:

231 Tanner Drive
Taylors, SC 29687

Areas Served:

Greenville
Spartanburg
Charlotte

We Are Open:

Monday-Friday:
8:00am – 5:00pm