Why fungi occur
Bark mulch is a natural product. It is normal for fungal spores to adhere to the chaff. They have established themselves in the bark and persist until the ambient conditions allow germination. The peeled pipe bark is crushed and sieved by mechanical processes. Treatment with fungicides does not take place.
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No reason to worry
If you observe a fungal mycelium during storage, the material either has residual moisture or it has become damp. Fungal spores can germinate and grow optimally under humid and temperate conditions. This does not affect the quality, because Mushrooms in the bark mulch take on important functions in the decomposition of the chaff. They have no negative effects on the vegetation in the bed and disappear as soon as the mulch material dries off after it has been spread.
Typical fungus growth
The same species that occur naturally in the forest grow on the shredded bark in the garden. They do not settle on living plants, but decompose dead material. A typically musty smell that is reminiscent of forest floors spreads outside.
Mould
Fungi develop Bark mulch in the bed, the substrate is already in an advanced stage of decomposition. It thickens over time, so that optimal ventilation is no longer given. This creates a humid microclimate in which various fungal spores germinate optimally. In shady beds, mushroom mycelia form, even in the early stages, which turn out to be white Toppings demonstrate. White mold is a typical saprophyte that appears between the pieces of bark and on the surface in damp weather.
More types
Countless fungal spores of all kinds spread in the air. They settle on the ground in rainy weather and wait there for optimal germination conditions. For this reason, it is not uncommon for hat mushrooms and hose mushrooms or types of slime mold to appear between the pieces of bark. A common slime mold is the yellow tan blossom, also known as witch butter. Their fruit bodies do not have a typical mushroom shape, but are reminiscent of a viscous mass.
Recommendations for action
Although such species are harmless to plant health and humans, gardeners find them unaesthetic and annoying. You do not necessarily have to take action against the fungal attack, as it will set itself over time. If you still want to do something, you need to be thorough.
How to take action against fungi:
- Loosen the mulch layer well so that the chaff can dry off
- Remove visible fruiting bodies from mushrooms to prevent further spread
- Shovel is ideal for removal
