Mushrooms growing around crape myrtle

Question

Why does my crape myrtle have mushrooms growing around the root wood stem? One of my crape myrtles has mushrooms in the bark around the tree (mulch) and also right at the base of the tree.

Answer 1

Mushroom grow in environments that are moist and rich in decaying organic material. This is why they are commonly found in mulch. Mushrooms are actually a sign that the soil around the tree is good soil. But, if you find them unsightly, you can treat the area with a fungicide.

Toadstools that are attached to trees are harmless and will not hurt the tree. But, again, if you do not like the way they look, they can be removed and the area can be treated with a fungicide to keep them from returning.