Trees
Trees are wonderful growing plants - they provide us with shade and cool breezes in the summer and insolation from the elements in the winter. However, growing a new tree successfully requires some special information that nature does not provide.
Mulching

I have a friend who becomes upset when she sees trees with mulch mounded up around the trunk. I agree with her. This technique used by some landscapers and unsuspecting tree owners does make the yard and the trees look very nice for a while. However, this technique will kill your trees. I know first hand that it does, since I killed two fruit trees.
When you mulch a tree, you need to make sure that the tree can get enough water. Mulch should be away from the trunk and there should be a trough around the trunk so the water can go down to the roots.
Putting mulch up high on the tree trunk keeps water from getting to the roots and sometimes, if the tree is young, the roots start sprouting from the exposed trunk of the tree. The tree will die because its roots are exposed to the elements and also because it cannot get adequate water. I assure you that placing the mulch properly will look good, but most importantly, will keep your tree healthy.
When you mulch a tree, you need to make sure that the tree can get enough water. Mulch should be away from the trunk and there should be a trough around the trunk so the water can go down to the roots.
Putting mulch up high on the tree trunk keeps water from getting to the roots and sometimes, if the tree is young, the roots start sprouting from the exposed trunk of the tree. The tree will die because its roots are exposed to the elements and also because it cannot get adequate water. I assure you that placing the mulch properly will look good, but most importantly, will keep your tree healthy.