These volcanoes seem to be everywhere, and they're probably my biggest landscaping peeve. They also encourage girdling roots and provide a haven for pests. So why do landscapers do it? Maybe they figure if a little is good for weed control and moisture, a whole lot would be better.

The really sad thing is that home gardeners see these volcanoes mounded up by public works employees and professional landscapers, figure it's the right thing to do, then go ahead and do it on their own property!

As for the red-colored mulch - that's my second biggest peeve, but it's pretty much a matter of personal taste:-)

Why do landscapers do it? Job security?

I have talked 'til I'm blue in the face at work about NOT putting volcanos around the trees but nobody listens.

Last night, on the phone with a friend, I told her not to do it but dollars to donuts she will.

Drives me nuts - along with the colored mulch. :-)

I've seen it too. I will ask one of those landscapers if I ever get a chance. I don't do that at my home.

Maybe it's to make it easier to mow around the trees?

Nahh, it's all about merchandising: the larger quanity of
mulch means the bozo landscaper can charge more money and
the naive homeowner thinks he's getting more for his money.
Any real gardener who's done his homework knows the actual
damage those "volcanoes" do . . .

I had always heard (and this is corroborated by Pegi on the Garden Show) that this is a sure way to kill something. She says it should be arranged like a donut with a ring of space around the tree or shrub. Probably "job security" is right.
Pat

Because they really don't like the eco friendly, tidy looking mulch rings you can get at HD or Lowes made from recycled tires that have weed fabric attached already...

I actually think its more about weed control, the less weeding for the landscaper the lower the cost, and with most clients wanting to keep their trees small (topping!) tree health isn't on top of the list...

If they want their trees small, why don;t they plant trees of species that will stay small?

My pet peeve is landscapers who plant trees practically inside the peoples' houses. In two years they will be saying the tree is "overgrown" and be taking it out. How about planting trees/shrubs far enough from the house the day you set them in?