Had about 90 yard of alder/black cottonwood/bl maple, D fir chips and leaf/needle mulch from local trimmers/arborists(some certified) spread around on an acre in last 6 months. A few alders(avg 12 " dia), one undergrowth hemlock, a 14" dia wild cherry, and a 38" black cottonwood appear to have died this year (sprouted buds in the spring, but appear to have died). A few alders in the back die every year so not concerned about those, and this is a dry year (Seattle area). Have heard that the chips may absorb rain, thus the soil is drier than otherwise would be, exacerbating an already dry year. Any comments appreciated.