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Mulch is a staple in our
landscapes. It helps to protect against extreme temperature fluctuations in
the soil, helps with moisture retention, weed reduction…and it looks good.
But depending on the type of mulch you use, there are things that show up
and that can be downright scary!
A mulches break down,
especially the shredded hardwoods, bacteria and fungus help in the process.
You never see the bacteria, but you will see the fungus! Take a look.
This is a slime mold
commonly known as ‘Dog Barf Fungus’. It grows in these low flat piles, and
can be pink, orange, brown, and usually fade to white. It is not harmful to
plants…it just looks bad. Fluff up your mulch to keep it airy, or if this
shows up, simply scoop it up and throw it away.
This is birds nest
fungus. Starts out with these miniature mushroom looking structures, and
they eventually open up exposing these egg like looking structures, thus the
name bird’s next fungus. Again, no control besides fluffing the mulch or
scooping them up and throwing them in the trash.
And how about
mushrooms? They come in all sizes and shapes, and again, are a part of the
process, especially in the shredded hardwoods, or where there is any organic
matter breaking down in the soil. Again, no control for mushrooms, besides
fluffing the mulch, kicking them over, or getting out the golf clubs and
practicing your gold swing on them.
Here’s one last fungal
thing I’d like to show you. See this blue green stuff growing on the side
of this tree. It’s not a disease…it’s called ‘Lichens’. It’s a naturally
occurring phenomenon where algae and fungus are growing together on the
outside of the tree bark. Nothing to do about it…it doesn’t harm the
trees…just let it be. |
