Mulch is one of the best amendments to add to your garden. It helps the soil retain moisture while providing essential nutrients plants need to grow and stay healthy. However, sometimes mushrooms grow in mulch, causing Bryans Road residents to ask themselves, “Why are mushrooms growing in my mulch?”
Fortunately, Hernandez Complete Tree Service is here to tell you everything you need to know about mushrooms growing in mulch.
Hernandez Complete Tree Service is one of Bryans Road, MD’s most trusted professional tree care companies. Our team will make your tree’s look better than ever while improving their health and well-being. Finding mulching experts in Bryans Road, MD, has never been easier, thanks to Hernandez Complete Tree Service.
Why Do Mushrooms Grow in Mulch?
Mushrooms are very adaptable and grow in all types of mulch over time, transforming beautiful gardens into unsightly plots of land. Mulch contains numerous organic materials that help plants thrive during spring and summer, making it an ideal place for fungal growth. Since mushrooms are fungal fruits, they often sprout in mulch and soil once fungus develops.
Excess moisture often exacerbates fungal and mushroom growth, making it difficult to resolve during the rainy spring season. Again, mulch helps soil retain moisture, creating a damp environment perfect for mushrooms and water-loving plants.
It’s important to note that mushroom growth often indicates healthy soil and mulch, so don’t worry if you spot a few sprouts. Fungal growth within mulch is very common and ensures you have quality garden amendments for your plants and trees. However, it’s best to eliminate mushrooms quickly to preserve your garden’s appearance and make room for other vegetation.
How to Prevent Mushroom Growth in Mulch
One of the most common questions professional landscapers receive is, “Why are mushrooms growing in my mulch, and how can I prevent it?” Fortunately, preventing mushroom growth isn’t difficult once you know what steps to take. Below are a few tips for preventing mushroom growth in mulch.
Frequently Stir the Mulch
Frequently stirring mulch will prevent mushroom mycelium from taking hold. It stops stabilization and prevents established fungi from reaching the surface. Regularly stir the top portion of the mulch (about one to two inches) to prevent stabilization and growth.
Allow the Mulch to Dry
Since mushrooms need a lot of moisture to grow and thrive, allowing the mulch to dry out before watering will prevent growth. However, you don’t want the mulch to dry completely since your plants need water for photosynthesis. Only allow the first few inches to dry out to hinder mushroom growth without dehydrating your plants.
Add Worms to the Soil
Worms eat mushroom mycelium and help reduce growth in mulch gardens. They also fertilize your garden over time, giving you healthy soil without adding additional amendments. Worms and other beneficial insects can do wonders for gardens, creating living soil that provides countless advantages for your plants.
Contact Hernandez Complete Tree Service for Outstanding Landscaping and Tree Care in Bryans Road, MD
Next time you ask yourself, “Why are mushrooms growing in my mulch?” call Hernandez Complete Tree Service. Our landscaping specialists will transform your property into an enchanting outdoor space full of gorgeous trees and gardens that complement your home’s best features. We always make you our top priority and do everything in our power to surpass your expectations every time we visit your Bryans Road property.
Whether you want to remove old mulch from your garden or need professional pruning services, Hernandez Complete Tree Service is here for you.
Contact Hernandez Complete Tree Service by calling (240) 299-4639 and schedule your appointment today!
