We have white/light brown powdery stuff on our mulch and at the bottom of our bushes. Is it a fungus? Should I worry?
P
What is it
No--its part of the natural decay process. Yes--its a natural, fungal activity of the decomposers, showing you that they are busy breaking down that mulch into healthy compost/soil. No--you should not worry. I'm assuming you have a hardwood or oak leaf mulch, right? You'll frequently see it while we are having these good, beneficial rains and less frequently when it starts getting dry.
I'm right down the road off Barker Cypress from you.
Debbie
(otherwise and affectionately known on the forums as mulch girl)
I'm not sure what type of mulch we have as the landscaper put it down before we moved into our home, but it does contain wood chips.
Thanks! for the help. I'v been raking it around and mixing it back in. I hope that is ok?
P
If you really can't stand the sight of it--shoot it with the hose and it will disperse it. It's harmless...
Be glad you've got it. It's a sign that you have good mulch and healthy dirt I think.
I have bumped this thread up to show ya'll this link I found on another forum--I see alot of this in early spring (Feb, March) and after all this rain, perhaps will see it again...
Debbie
link:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/sam21/dogvomit.htm
;) mulch girl
Thanks for the link, Debbie !!!
I've always wondered about that stuff. First time I encountered it was year before last where a tree had been. It was in the spore stage and hit it with the mower. FREAKED ME OUT !!!! Black cloud from hell. Didn't know if it was good or bad but I was covered with it and who knows how much went in me. Ran to the back yard, stripped down and hosed down.
I feel better now that I am more informed ;o)~
kip
Glad to be of service...
Debbie
That's some pretty wild stuff. Don't think I've ever seen anything like that.
I thought it was kinda educational and funny since I see all kinds of weird fungi in this strange assortment of mulch I use. And I have seen that before...lol
Debbie