What's your question? Ask

Top Questions About Mulch Problems

Click on links below to jump to that question.

Questions About Mulch Problems

  • Answered by
    Heather on
    June 1, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can treat the mulch with a fungicide to reduce the mushrooms. Also, try watering in the morning, as opposed to the evening so that the mulch has a chance to dry out some over the day so it is not wet at night, which is when the mushrooms are most likely to grow.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    June 1, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It is mushrooms, essentially. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/eliminate-mushrooms-in-your-lawn.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    Heather on
    May 3, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It would not have contained black walnut. But, if you use mulch every year, the soil may be depleted of nitrogen, which would stunt plant growth. You should have the soil tested to see if this has happened.

    Another possibility is that the mulch was dyed, which has its own issues. This article has more on that:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/dyed-mulch-in-gardens.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    June 19, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by fungus. For more information, here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm

    It can also be treated effectively with neem oil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    Heather on
    January 2, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, any time you leave dead material out, there is the potential for mold or other problems (such as pests, disease or fungus) to develop, especially in wet environments.

    I would recommend that if you are going to leave the leaves piled up around the tree, that you chop them up with a lawn mower. This will increase how quickly they decompose and reduce the amount of time they potentially have to develop a problem.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    March 13, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can also try using a weed barrier below the new mulch. Thick layers of newspaper, cardboard or landscaping cloth will work. You can lay the new mulch over the old without having to weed. The weed barrier will kill the weeds (by blocking the sunlight) and keep them from growing up through the mulch.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    March 21, 2014
    A.

    Hard to tell from this information, they could be many different things. Your best bet is to take some to your nearest extension service, or contact an entomologist at a local university; someone there may be able to identify the eggs.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
1 2 3 7

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK