A homeowner encountered concerns after asking for advice on his new Little Gem magnolia tree on the r/landscaping subreddit.

In the post, the OP shared a picture of his freshly planted magnolia tree growing up a trellis and asked, “Is this a mulch volcano or acceptable?”

The term “mulch volcano” refers to an excessive amount of mulch that accumulates at the base of a tree and can be harmful to the plant.

Commenters assured the OP that the mulch was fine, but there were several concerns about the tree’s proximity to the house.

One person wrote: “This will be a beautiful tree where it is, but you MUST learn how to prune and train it properly or the result will be a mess.”

Little Gem magnolia trees are native to North America and produce large white, fragrant flowers in the spring, making them a beautiful addition to any garden. Native plants and trees have adapted to the local environment, which includes soil and climate, and they maintain mutualistic relationships with local wildlife that benefit both the plants and animals.

Native plants are important for pollinating insects such as birds, bees and butterflies. Pollinators are essential for plant reproduction and are called keystone species because many other animals, including humans, depend on them. The production of several fruits, such as kiwis and melons, as well as Brazil nuts and cocoa beans, is entirely dependent on pollinators.

Renaturalizing your garden is also a great way to save money. Because they’re adapted to the local climate and soil, native plants don’t require fertilizer or water once established, meaning lower water bills and less spending at the garden center.

Contacting local garden centers that specialize in native plants is a good way to find out what works in your area. The OP here didn’t seem concerned about the placement of the tree, as the person he spoke to assured him it wouldn’t be a problem, despite several commenters feeling it was “too close to the house.”

The OP replied, “I should clarify that this is a ‘Little Gem Magnolia’, so it may not be a problem.”

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