14 Best Ways to Combat Mushrooms Growing in Mulch

Many gardeners use mulch to control weeds. Furthermore, it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also brings a bit of color into their yards.

However, they must encounter some fungi-related issues at some point. If you’re one of them, remove mushrooms growing in mulch now.

Mushrooms that grow in mulch can be slightly problematic. You definitely don’t want them in your fabulous garden. I recommend tackling this problem immediately. It’s time to keep them from growing in the yard.

There are some effective methods you can take to eliminate mushrooms in mulch. Read on to find out the incredible ideas for achieving the best results. I also will dismiss several common mushroom myths here.

Why Are Gray Mushrooms Growing in Mulch?

Before talking about ways to kill mushroom that grows in mulch, you should know why mushrooms love to do so.

Mulch contains lots of decaying matter. No wonder it becomes an ideal environment for mushrooms. Normally, mulch consists of hay, pine straw, peat moss, barks, and wood chips.

These materials develop an acidic substrate that mushrooms undoubtedly love. As a result, there will be gray fungi in mulch sooner or later.

Are Mushrooms Growing in Mulch Edible?

Many mushrooms in mulch are toxic. That’s why I suggest you should never consume them. Moreover, various lawn mushroom species can grow in your yard.

Some common types of garden fungus are slime mold, morels, wood blewits, amanitas, puffballs, and ink caps.

Some of the mushrooms in the yard are harmless, while others are eatable. No matter what kind of mushrooms grow in mulch are, you shouldn’t take any chances because they typically have poisonous look-alikes.

You may be curious to know whether mushrooms growing in mulch bad for dogs or not. To prevent unwanted mushroom poisonings in your pets, solely throw them in the waste. Another option is composting the fungi.

How to Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing in Mulch Bed

Killing mushrooms can surely be a time-consuming and challenging task. Knowing which solution works best is crucial. I’ve rounded up some wonderful methods from expert gardeners. Let’s have a closer look at them.

1. Consider Using Compost

If you’re dealing with nasty mushroom woes currently, using compost instead of mulch could be a remarkable solution to them.

Mushrooms can thrive when you fill your yard with barks and wood-based mulch. Compost won’t create this problem since it’s much more difficult for them to grow in the yard with organic compost materials.

If fungi cannot use decaying matter as food, they certainly won’t be able to grow vigorously. Although you eventually need to deal with unnecessary mushrooms, then they must be very sparse.

You can either apply compost as a top layer or mix it into the garden soil. The decaying materials in compost have broken down, so there will be a less organic matter for the mushrooms.

For desirable results, consider using compost that is 6 months old or over. Just in case you made compost yourself and put mushrooms in it, don’t forget to check for white thread-like roots.

The aforementioned is certainly a hint of mycelium growth.

The only drawback of organic compost is it doesn’t give your yard the same visual appeal as mulch. Needless to say, mulch is not only so colorful but also improves the overall presentation of the garden.

2. Substitute the Current Mulch with a Fresh One

I clearly mentioned this earlier. However, you just could go ahead. Then, completely replace your old mulch.

It’s truly a great idea to apply this if your mushroom issue is really bad. Also, you should consider a different kind of mulch since it might be not as mushroom-friendly as the previous one.

The problem is that most gardeners don’t need to spend a large amount of money on replacing their mulch when there are mushrooms in it. If your budget is tight, then don’t purchase some gardening stuff.

Try removing the pesky mushrooms another way. Who knows, it might be possible to rescue things nicely.

Simply have a look at your issues first. Then, determine whether you must replace the mulch or just kill the mushrooms. Lastly, take quick action.

I suggest you take some preventative measures with a new mulch. It’s seriously important to keep fungi from growing in it.

3. Call Landscape Professionals

This method could be your last resort. If you don’t feel like removing mushrooms growing in mulch due to limited energy and time, then calling the experts is a brilliant idea.

The landscaping companies can certainly do everything. They also will ensure you amazing results. Moreover, the professionals can add new mulch into your yard while eliminating mushrooms that have grown on it.

Compared to other solutions to mushrooms growing in mulch, this is surely the most practical option for those who don’t have plenty of time.

If you plan on killing fungi fast, then calling in professionals is a convenient solution. However, try handling things yourself for much less money.

You’ll have to pay landscape professionals to have them remove mushrooms growing in mulch while spicing up your yard. If spending a lot of cash to get things done is okay, it undoubtedly can be a nice experience.

4. Trim the Trees to Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing in Mulch

Don’t forget to trim your shrubs and trees around the mulch. Mushrooms love to grow in shady and dark spots. Consider this as an important precaution.

Overgrown shrubs and hanging large tree branches can definitely have an impact. If you want to eradicate mushrooms growing in mulch, then trimming things is the right solution.

Use pruning shears to cut the thin branches at the plant’s bottom off. On the other hand, trim thicker ones using hand saws.

This method will ensure that the mulch has enough time for drying a bit before the upcoming watering schedule. It also helps prevents the mulch from being too damp.

Pruning the overgrown tree limbs surely requires a bit of time. You better be certain that they don’t create shadows over your yard. It will keep nasty mushrooms from growing with ease.

You should trim your shrubs in order to remove the shade. However, this solution might not be practical if certain plants in the garden must grow in partial shade.

Simply use your common sense. Also, don’t allow shrubs and trees to get overgrown. Trust me, if you apply this technique, handling mushrooms in mulch will be much easier.

5. Try Using Less Mulch

If you’re coping with mushrooms growing in mulch, that means there is too much mulch in your yard. It lets moisture get trapped in specific spots creating a favorable environment for them.

If you apply less mulch than before, then there will be impressive results. Spread the mulch a bit thinner. Ideally, the thickness of the mulch layer should be about 2-3 inches.

This can prevent weeds and mushrooms from growing effectively.

This method is all it takes to remove resilient mushrooms in mulch. You might plan on replacing it or employ the other techniques. Remember that you need to kill the fungi physically before spreading the mulch.

It’s worth knowing that applying less mulch will be helpful to prevent unwanted mushroom growth. Avoid adding too much of it into your yard because it can surely be bad for the plants.

When there is too much mulch around the plants, it can smother them. Moreover, it keeps the plants from getting much-needed nutrients. For good results, you should apply mulch in moderation.

6. Rake the Mulch Well

You can kill mushrooms growing in mulch by raking it regularly. I recommend doing this once a week to keep the mulch from retaining too much moisture. The plants have more space to breathe than before, too.

Raking the mulch well is important. It helps break up unwanted mycelium that might have begun forming underneath.

Typically, it takes about several weeks before you’ll spot real mushrooms growing in mulch. By then, they create extended root networks that get harder to manage.

Remember that when things become overly moist, mushrooms will certainly thrive. If you rake your mulch in the yard so often, it can deter them then.

Employ this technique and see if it really helps to keep mushrooms at bay. You don’t need to go overboard because raking your mulch every day wouldn’t be worth doing.

7. Use a Special Fungicide to Kill Mushrooms in Mulch

When it comes to eliminating mushrooms growing in mulch, fungicides can work wonders. Furthermore, getting a fungicide isn’t difficult. Applying it is not hard either. Be sure to follow all the directions.

For some people, this isn’t the perfect solution because they’re afraid of the fungicide’s negative effects on their plants. If you don’t want to harm your plants, then give another route a chance.

Keep in mind that fungicides don’t necessarily remove fungi. Most of the brands that homeowners can buy only help prevent a fungal outbreak or control mildew and mold.

Fungicides can only kill mushrooms growing in mulch before they take root.

Speaking of the best fungicide for mushrooms in mulch, look no further than commercial versions like azoxystrobin and flutolanil.

They work great at controlling a mushroom infestation. However, you should call professionals to apply them.

8. Kill Brown Mushrooms Growing in Mulch with Baking Soda

Many fungi thrive in acidic soils. To eliminate them, you must increase your mulch pH first. Create a solution by combining 1 gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Then, spray it over the affected areas.

Baking soda does not only raises the alkaline levels of the soil but also works as a natural fungicide. It normally kills mushrooms within 3 days.

9. Remove White Mushrooms Growing in Mulch with Dish Soap

If you have mushrooms in flower beds, then applying a dish soap solution is a great idea. Like baking soda, it’s another household stuff ideal for getting rid of fungi.

First of all, mix 3 gallons of water with 2 tablespoons of dishwashing soap. Next, spray it on the fungi directly. You can apply this solution both outdoors and indoors.

10. Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing in Cedar Mulch

Vinegar is certainly a common household thing. It can help you keep mushrooms from growing in your cedar mulch effectively.

Since vinegar contains acetic acid, it’ll destroy spores, mycelium, and mushrooms. To create an anti-fungal spray, mix 4 parts water with 1 part white vinegar. Then, apply it to the mulch.

11. Do Not Overwater

You might have noticed some mushrooms growing in mulch after rain. This means moisture is a crucial element that encourages mushroom growth. Moreover, mulch itself is excellent at retaining water.

Just in case you use wood chips or pine mulch, be sure not to overwater it. I recommend using a watering can and pouring the water at the plant’s base. Watering with a garden hose could soak the mulch.

You also need to pay attention to the soil type underneath the mulch. Clay-heavy soils do not let water seep through fast, and thus it builds up beneath your mulch for sure. Overwatering also can cause root rot.

12. Apply Lime

Some people use lime to kill mushrooms. The truth is it actually doesn’t get rid of them. Even though lime improves soil pH, it just slows mushroom growth down without really eliminating them.

When you apply non-caustic lime, make sure to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles. They help prevent unnecessary injuries.

13. Throw Away Mushroom-Infested Mulch

For a serious mushroom infestation, I suggest you remove them immediately. Scoop the mulch top up using a shovel. After that, rake its bottom for breaking the mycelium up growing underneath.

14. Keep Your Garden Clean

To keep your mulch totally mushroom-free, you should pick up branches, fallen fruits, leaves, and dead flowers on it regularly. These could have fungal spores, which will result in an unwanted mushroom infestation.

Leaving them on the mulch will lead to the substrate’s acidity. This can create a more favorable environment for mushrooms.

Keeping the garden fungi-free isn’t difficult with the right methods. My solutions to mushrooms growing in mulch will work for both amateur gardeners and experts. You can utilize any of them to make your yard appealing.

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