Properly mulching your trees is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support their health, particularly during the hot and humid summer months we experience here in Hampton, Virginia. However, if applied incorrectly, mulch can cause more harm than good. Mercury Mulch understands that using the right mulching techniques leads to strong, healthy trees.

Why Summer Mulching Is Essential

During the summer months, mulch protects the root zone of your tree in several ways, including:

• Locks in soil moisture during prolonged dry spells
• Shields roots from extreme temperature swings
• Suppresses weed growth around the base of the tree
• Reduces the risk of mechanical injury from lawnmowers and string trimmers

But there’s a common pitfall to avoid: the dreaded mulch volcano. This happens when mulch is mounded against the trunk, which can trap moisture and invite decay, pests, and disease.

Smart Tree Mulching Tips

For a long-lasting, healthy tree canopy, follow our recommended best practices:

• Clear the base first: Remove any weeds, grass, or leftover mulch before applying a fresh layer.
• Find the root flare: The base of the trunk where it starts to widen should always be visible, not buried.
• Use organic mulch: Spread 2–4 inches of shredded hardwood, bark, or wood chips.
• Mulch wide, not high: Extend the mulch ring as far out as the tree’s canopy if possible.
• Keep it away from the trunk: Leave a 2–3 inch space around the trunk to allow air circulation and prevent rot.

These simple steps can help reduce tree stress, promote healthy root development, and maintain a neat and professional-looking landscape.

Order Premium Mulch with Mercury Mulch

Looking for high-quality mulch in Hampton? Mercury Mulch offers a great selection of organic mulches ideal for protecting trees through the summer. Whether you’re managing a commercial property or just sprucing up your yard, we make it easy with fast mulch delivery right to your home or job site.

Not sure how much to order? Try our easy-to-use mulch calculator to browse our products and get what you need without the guesswork.

Get Your Trees Ready for Summer

Healthy trees start at the roots, and Mercury Mulch has everything you need to support a thriving landscape. In addition to premium organic mulch, we offer topsoil, compost, construction gravel, and fill sand—delivered right to your door. 

Contact the Mercury Mulch team at (757) 219-2033 to schedule your delivery and keep your outdoor space looking its best, season after season.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. “How to Mulch Trees.” Kansas State University, Accessed June 27, 2025. https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/trees-shrubs/how-to-mulch-trees.html.