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Municipal arborist urges Charlotte residents to avoid "mulch volcanoes"
Summary
Ryan Mathis, a municipal arborist with the city of Charlotte, advised residents to mulch in a donut shape (not a "volcano") to protect tree root zones and recommended slow, consistent watering; he noted Charlotte's tree canopy covers about 47% of the city with a goal of 50% by 2050.
Ryan Mathis, introduced in the transcript as a municipal arborist with the city of Charlotte, urged residents not to pile mulch against tree trunks, saying people are creating "mulch volcanoes," which can suffocate roots and encourage harmful soil bacteria. Mathis said mulch should be applied like a donut around the trunk, protecting the critical root zone so air and water can circulate.
"They're creating mulch volcanoes, and that's a big no-no for us," Mathis said. He warned that too much water applied too quickly can also harm trees: "You run the risk of suffocating that tree, it'll drown just like you." Mathis emphasized that slow, consistent watering is the best policy, particularly for young trees that need time to establish.
The segment noted that Charlotte's tree canopy covers about 47% of the city and that the city has a goal of reaching 50% canopy cover by 2050. The advisory framed canopy cover as providing environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and decreased stormwater runoff, and cited mental and physical health advantages of urban tree cover.
The remarks were delivered as a public advisory segment for "City Speaks." Ned Hibbard closed the piece by crediting Mathis and the City of Charlotte for the guidance.
