I agree with you Elfie. The mulch should not be piled up against the trunk to avoid fungus/insect damage to the palm. It is best to keep the mulch about 5-6 inches back from the base and should be spread loosely no more than 2 to 4 inches thick over the surrounding area. We have lots of pines in our area and use both pine needles and fine pine bark mulch throughout the garden.
