Why Mulch Volcanoes Harm Trees and How to Fix Them
Mid Florida Tree Service • December 18, 2025
December 18, 2025
Mulch is one of the simplest ways to support a healthy landscape, but it has to be used correctly. One of the most common mistakes we see in neighborhoods across Hillsborough County and eastern Pasco is the mulch volcano. This is the tall, cone shaped pile of mulch stacked directly against the trunk of a tree. It may look tidy at first, but it creates serious long term problems for the tree.
What a Mulch Volcano Really Is
A mulch volcano forms when mulch is piled high around the base of a tree instead of being spread in a wide, even layer across the root zone. The trunk ends up buried in several inches of mulch, and the natural flare at the bottom of the tree is completely hidden. This prevents the tree from breathing properly and traps moisture against the bark.
Why Mulch Volcanoes Are Harmful
Mulch is helpful when applied correctly, but a volcano shape works against the tree. These are the most common problems we see.
- The mulch holds moisture against the trunk, which invites decay.
- The constant moisture also makes it easier for fungi and insects to invade the bark.
- Roots begin growing upward into the mulch, which creates weak, unstable root systems.
- The buried trunk flare loses access to oxygen.
- Over time, the tree becomes more vulnerable to disease and storm damage.
A mulch volcano often takes years to show its effects, but by the time symptoms appear, the damage can be difficult to correct.
Signs That a Tree Has Been Harmed by Improper Mulching
Some homeowners do not realize the mulch is the cause of the problem until the tree begins to decline. Look for these early warnings.
- Bark that stays damp or shows signs of softening.
- New roots growing near the surface of the mulch.
- Thin or yellowing foliage.
- Reduced growth compared to previous years.
- Small cracks or splits in the trunk above the mulch line.
If these symptoms are present, the tree may already be stressed and needs prompt attention.
How We Correct Mulch Volcanoes
Fortunately, mulch volcanoes can be fixed with proper care. When we address this problem, we focus on restoring airflow and protecting the trunk.
- We remove the excess mulch from the base of the tree.
- We uncover the root flare so the trunk can breathe naturally.
- We check for decay or pests that may have developed.
- We level the mulch into a shallow, even ring that does not touch the trunk.
- We provide guidance on long term mulching practices to keep the tree healthy.
Correcting a mulch volcano not only helps the tree recover, it reduces the risk of future problems.
Proper Mulching Technique for Healthy Trees
The best mulch application is simple and does not require large amounts of material.
- Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk at all times.
- Spread mulch in a wide circle over the root zone, usually two to four inches deep.
- Avoid piling mulch higher than needed.
- Refresh the mulch only when it has broken down naturally, not by adding more on top.
- Inspect the tree regularly for signs of stress.
Proper mulching supports moisture retention, soil temperature control, and nutrient cycling without harming the tree.
Keep Your Trees Healthy With Proper Mulching
Mulch volcanoes may be a common sight in Florida, but they are easy to avoid with the right techniques. If you are not sure whether your trees have been mulched correctly, or if you suspect past mulching has caused damage, we can help.
Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a tree health assessment or mulching consultation.
By Mid Florida Tree Service
•
December 18, 2025
Mature trees are one of the most valuable parts of a landscape. They offer shade, beauty, and stability that younger trees have not yet developed. Over time, though, Florida soils can become compacted or depleted of nutrients. Deep root fertilization is one of the most effective ways to support the long term health of a mature tree, especially when normal surface fertilization is no longer enough. At Mid Florida Tree Service, we use this method to strengthen roots and improve overall tree performance. What Deep Root Fertilization Really Is Deep root fertilization delivers nutrients directly into the soil near the tree’s root zone. Instead of spreading fertilizer on the surface, we inject a custom nutrient solution several inches to a foot below ground. This helps the tree access nutrients more easily and encourages deeper, stronger root growth. The process benefits mature trees in ways that surface treatments cannot. Why Mature Trees Benefit From Deep Root Fertilization Even healthy trees can suffer when the soil around them becomes compacted or when nutrients wash away during Florida’s rainy season. Mature trees often need support to maintain their canopy size and structural strength. Here are the main benefits: The tree receives nutrients directly where roots can absorb them quickly. The treatment loosens compacted soil and increases oxygen flow. It supports new root growth deeper in the soil. The tree becomes better prepared for drought or heavy storms. It improves leaf color, canopy density, and overall vigor. For older trees that may be experiencing slow decline, this treatment can help restore growth. Signs a Tree May Need Deep Root Fertilization Not every tree on a property needs specialized care, but mature trees often show early signs when the soil no longer provides what they need. Common indicators include: Thinning or pale foliage. Branch dieback at the tips. Smaller leaves than normal. Slow or uneven canopy growth. Reduced resistance to pests or disease. If a tree is showing more than one of these symptoms, a soil and root zone evaluation can help determine whether deep root fertilization is the right approach. How We Perform the Treatment We begin by assessing the tree and the surrounding soil. If the tree is a good candidate for deep root fertilization, we prepare a blended nutrient mixture designed for Florida landscapes. During the treatment: We inject the solution into the soil throughout the root zone. We distribute the nutrients evenly to avoid overcrowding or burn. We ensure the root flare remains uncovered so the trunk can breathe. We provide guidance on watering and ongoing care to support recovery. Most trees respond within one growing season, and many show improvements in as little as a few weeks. Supporting Tree Health for the Future Deep root fertilization is not a cure for every problem, but it is one of the best ways to give mature trees the nutrients they need for long term strength. When combined with proper pruning, soil care, and regular inspections, this treatment helps trees stay healthy and resilient for years to come. Give Your Mature Trees the Support They Need If your trees are showing signs of stress or you want to help them stay strong through Florida’s challenging weather, deep root fertilization may be the right solution. We can evaluate your trees and create a plan that fits their specific needs. Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a tree health assessment or deep root fertilization service.
By Mid Florida Tree Service
•
December 18, 2025
Storms move quickly through Zephyrhills, and homeowners are often left with fallen branches, damaged trees, or debris scattered across the yard. When a tree is harmed during a storm, it can be hard to know what is safe, what is urgent, and what can wait. We provide emergency tree services throughout Zephyrhills to help homeowners respond quickly and protect their property. Stay Safe and Assess From a Distance The first step after a storm is to make sure everyone is safe. Trees can hide dangerous conditions, especially when they are leaning or split. We always recommend checking your property from a distance before getting close. Look for the following: Limbs that are hanging but not fully detached. Trees leaning more than before the storm. Branches or trunks resting on roofs, fences, vehicles, or power lines. Roots lifting from the ground or soil that appears suddenly raised. If you see a threat to your home or family, call for professional help right away. Avoid Moving Large Branches on Your Own Many homeowners try to clear branches themselves, but storm damaged wood can behave unpredictably. Tension in a cracked limb can release without warning. Heavy branches may also shift suddenly when moved. We recommend leaving any medium or large debris to trained crews who have the right equipment and experience. How We Respond to Emergency Tree Calls Our goal during storm response is to make the property safe and prevent further damage. Every situation is different, but we follow a clear process when we arrive. We evaluate the entire tree to understand the extent of the damage. We identify hazards that need immediate attention. We remove broken or hanging branches. We clear debris from driveways, walkways, and access points. We advise on whether the tree can be saved or needs removal. Safety is our top priority, both for you and for our crew. When a Tree Needs Full Removal Some storm damaged trees can be pruned and restored, but others become unsafe. A tree may need removal if: The trunk has split or lost major structural support. More than half the canopy has been destroyed. The tree is leaning dangerously toward a structure. The root system has been lifted or compromised. We always explain the reasoning before recommending removal and help homeowners understand their options. Preventing Future Storm Damage Not all storm damage can be prevented, but many problems are avoidable with proper care. Regular pruning reduces weight and wind resistance. Removing weak or overextended branches lowers the risk of breakage. A tree inspection before storm season can catch issues early and give you peace of mind. We Are Here When You Need Us A storm can leave your yard in disarray, but you do not have to handle it alone. Our certified arborists are trained to identify hazards, restore damaged trees, and keep your property safe.  Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 for emergency tree service in Zephyrhills or to schedule a post-storm inspection.
By Mid Florida Tree Service
•
December 18, 2025
When you are preparing to sell your home, there is a lot to think about, and the condition of your trees is not always the first thing on the list. Healthy, well maintained trees can increase the value of your property, while neglected or hazardous trees can raise concerns for potential buyers. A professional tree health inspection is one of the simplest ways to avoid surprises during the selling process and present your property at its best. Why Tree Health Matters During a Home Sale Buyers often look closely at the landscaping, especially the trees. A strong, healthy tree adds curb appeal and makes the home feel more established. A tree that shows signs of disease or structural weakness can become a point of negotiation or even delay the sale. A tree inspection gives both the seller and the buyer a clear understanding of what condition the trees are in. Healthy trees offer benefits such as: A more appealing first impression from the street. Shade that helps reduce cooling costs. Confidence that no hazardous branches are hanging over the home, driveway, or fence line. Long term value for the buyer who will inherit the landscape. A professional inspection ensures you are aware of any issues before a buyer points them out. What We Look for During an Inspection Our certified arborists perform a detailed evaluation of every tree on the property. We focus on both visible problems and hidden signs that the tree may be stressed. During a tree health inspection, we check for: Dead or declining branches in the canopy. Cracks, cavities, or decay in the trunk. Fungus growth or soft wood near the base. Root damage or soil issues that may affect stability. Trees that are leaning or structurally imbalanced. Signs of pests that are common in Florida. Problems that may become hazardous during a storm.  The goal is to identify anything that could affect the property’s safety or appearance before listing the home. How a Tree Inspection Helps You Sell With Confidence When you have a written inspection report, you have a clear advantage in the selling process. You can correct problems ahead of time instead of reacting during negotiations. You can show buyers that your property has been professionally maintained. You can avoid last minute requests for repairs or price reductions due to tree concerns. You can demonstrate transparency, which builds trust and may help the sale move faster. An inspection can also help your real estate agent market the home more effectively by highlighting the condition of the landscape. When to Schedule the Inspection We recommend scheduling a tree inspection as soon as you begin preparing the home for listing. This gives you enough time to address pruning, removal, or soil treatments that may be needed. If you already have the home on the market, it is still not too late. A fast inspection can give you the information you need to respond to buyer questions confidently. Professional Help From Certified Arborists Our team includes certified arborists who participate in Tampa’s Self Certified Private Arborist Program. This means our evaluations follow established standards and are based on training and experience. We provide clear explanations and practical recommendations that help you make confident decisions before the sale. Prepare Your Landscape Before You List A tree health inspection is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference when selling your home. We can help you identify problems early, make the property safer, and present a well maintained landscape that appeals to buyers. Call Mid Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule your pre-sale tree inspection.
