Table of Contents
6 Common Myths About Mulch You Need to Stop Believing
Mulch is one of the simplest ways to boost your landscape’s health and appearance, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From how much to apply to what kind to use, there’s a lot of misinformation that can lead to poor tree health or wasted effort. In this article, we’re breaking down common myths about mulching trees that many homeowners still believe. If you want to protect your trees and get the most out of your landscape care, keep reading.
Myth 1: Mulch Attracts Rodents
- Not True. Rodents aren’t naturally drawn to mulch unless it’s applied too thickly or in the wrong places. Rodents like to burrow, but loose mulch like wood chips collapses as they dig, making it a poor shelter.
However, if you pile mulch high against structures like tree trunks or building walls, it creates cozy, hidden spaces that rodents might use. Keep mulch spread evenly in a 2–4 inch layer thick enough to protect soil but not deep enough to invite unwanted guests.
Myth 2: Mulch Attracts Termites
- Not exactly. Termites don’t typically feast on mulch unless conditions are ideal for them: moist, warm, and undisturbed. Termites prefer soft, damp wood, especially untreated materials like cardboard or low-density pine. Most wood chip mulch is too dry and varied in composition to appeal to them.
Plus, some mulch, like cedar or redwood, naturally repels insects due to its aromatic compounds. As long as mulch stays dry and isn’t piled too deep near your home’s foundation, you won’t have to worry about termites moving in.
Myth 3: Mulch Makes Soil Too Acidic
- Wrong. Mulch may slightly affect the surface layer, but it doesn’t significantly change soil pH overall. As organic mulch breaks down, it may mildly acidify the top inch or so of soil in direct contact with it.
But roots deeper in the ground remain unaffected. You’d need far more material and over a long time to cause a real shift in soil pH. Just avoid tilling fresh mulch directly into the soil, and your plants will be just fine.
Myth 4: Mulch Steals Nitrogen from the Soil
- Only on the surface. And even that is temporary. When mulch begins decomposing, microorganisms breaking it down may use nitrogen from the soil surface. This process can temporarily reduce nitrogen availability right beneath the mulch.
But deeper in the soil, tree and plant roots still get the nitrogen they need. Over time, decomposed mulch returns nutrients like nitrogen to the soil, creating a healthier long-term growing environment.
Myth 5: Mulch Spreads Disease and Rot
- Not if applied correctly. In fact, mulch can protect plants from certain soil-borne diseases. Disease thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces. If you pile mulch too high and press it up against tree trunks, you’re basically sealing in moisture and inviting rot.
But when spread in a moderate layer and kept a few inches away from trunks and stems, mulch improves drainage and airflow, reducing the risk of disease.
Myth 6: More Mulch Means Better Protection
- Not quite. More mulch isn’t always better; it can actually do more harm than good. Thick mulch layers (anything over 4 inches) prevent oxygen from reaching the soil and roots. This can suffocate your trees, cause root rot, and lead to overly compacted or waterlogged soil. Excess mulch also encourages shallow root growth, making your tree less stable in the long run.
If you need more information about mulching or suspect your plants and trees are experiencing a nutrient deficiency, contact American Tree Experts Inc. today. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Call us at (973) 774-6091 and let our nutrient management experts help you bring your garden back to life.