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HOA Question mulch volcanoes

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by lauralynne, Mar 9, 2019.

  1. lauralynne

    lauralynne Member

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    Hi Neighbors,

    A lot of the trees and plantings in our area have way too much mulch around them -- it looks as though new mulch keeps being added, but the old mulch is never removed. Mulch volcanoes can cause severe damage. Would the HOA be open to talking to the landscapers to ask them to change their practices? Thank you!

    Articles with graphics:
    https://www.yourgreenpal.com/blog/dont-kill-your-trees-make-sure-you-are-mulching-them-the-right-way

    https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business-best-practices/stop-mulch-volcanoes/
     
    KTdid likes this.
  2. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    They've been doing that for years and probably charge by the yard. Mulch is fine once it decays but when they pile it up high around the trees it forces the roots to grow up above the base and eventually kills it.
     
  3. The Broadlands Community

    The Broadlands Community Well-Known Member

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    Often times trees that appear to have mulch volcanoes actually were not planted in the ground, so the root ball is simply too high and creates the appearance of a volcano. This is the case for many of the mature trees in the community. From afar, it appears they are piled high with mulch, but if you dig around, you will see there is only a thin layer of mulch. We demulch every few years to ensure we do not get a large buildup. If there are specific trees you have concerns about, please let me know locations and I will verify if this is a root ball issue or if there is indeed too much mulch.
     
  4. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    All the trees root balls were planted below ground. Then landscapers proceeded to mulch above the crown which forces the feeder roots to grow up out of the ground into the mulch creating a mound that appears to be the root ball, but it is not. If we are paying landscapers who don't know how to plant trees then it's time to look for a competent contractor.
     
  5. The Broadlands Community

    The Broadlands Community Well-Known Member

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    Are you referring to newly planted trees? Most of the mature trees were planted by the developer. Feel free to contact me to discuss further.
     
  6. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    I was referring to the mature trees. They were planted correctly, albeit too close to each other. What you described are the feeder roots growing up into the mulch.
     
  7. lauralynne

    lauralynne Member

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    Thanks for your response, Broadlands Community Member. Yes, I'm referring to mature trees where the root balls are below ground. There are a number of trees on my street (Fullerton Street) and throughout the community with mulch volcanoes. Do you know if it is possible for the landscaping contractors to review and selectively de-mulch any excessive areas this year?
     
  8. The Broadlands Community

    The Broadlands Community Well-Known Member

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    I reviewed over a dozen trees on Fullerton with HLS last week. Only 2 had more than 3 inches of mulch and one was due to a homeowner adding more mulch. The contract does not include funds for de-mulching on courtyard lots, but we discussed ways to selectively de-mulch and not add 3" more next year where it is not needed, pending individual requests from homeowners on their lots. In all other cases, the root crown was exposed and the balls were covered with 3 inches or less before you hit soil and roots.
     

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