Slime mould can be essential for nourishing soil, say tree experts of British Columbia.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Concerned About Slime Mold
Have you ever noticed a slimy but chunky substance pooled on your damp mulch? In fact, you might have been concerned that it was the leftovers of a dog’s upset stomach. This translucent yellow or orange substance is actually a collection of single-celled organisms that result from fungal spores in moist shady growth medium and is called slime mould.
What is Slime Mold?
Slime mould is neither animal nor plant but is a colony of single-celled organisms that reproduce via spores. They assist with the breaking down of organic materials such as dead wood and leaves. In other words, the very things mulch is composed of.
It is completely harmless and goes from a weird-looking jelly-like substance to practically disappearing at the end of its life cycle.
Here are the stages of growth for slime mould:
- Starts as a foamy, yellowish jelly substance
- Dries to powdery white stuff
- Darkens to a brown colour
When mulch breaks down it becomes nutrient-rich dirt. This process renews the soil and acts as a natural fertilizer.
What to Do About Slime Mold
Though slime mould is harmless, it can be rather unsightly. There is no harm in removing it from your yard or hiding it.
Here are a few solutions for slime mould:
- Cover It: Stir the mulch that has the slime mould on it and add another layer of mulch. Don’t exceed a 4-inch depth, as it can smother plants.
- Remove It: Remove the part of the mulch that has the slime mould on it. Dispose of it in a compost bin or the trash.
- Replace the Mulch: If you are concerned about the mould, you can remove the mulch entirely and replace it with fresh mulch.
- Don’t Overwater: The slime mould thrives on dampness and shade. Make sure that you are not giving your plants too much water.
Call an Arborist for Other Fungi That Can Be Harmful to Your Trees
While slime mould is completely harmless and can help with the decay process, there are many other fungal growths that can be harmful to trees and plants. If there is something on your mulch that you don’t recognize, or if there are visible mushrooms sprouting from it, you may need to consult an arborist about what steps to take next. If you need to trim your trees, always use clean, sanitized tools as diseases can be easily passed from tree to tree by using dirty tools.
Some of the most common fungal infections include powdery mildew, armillaria root rot, sooty mold, and phytophthora root rot. A certified arborist will be able to treat the tree and help you as the homeowner prevent the problem in the future. If too much damage has been done, the arborist may need to perform a tree removal, or at the very least a tree risk assessment. The health of the surrounding trees is of concern if there is a fungal infection. Removing the tree will almost always be a move of last resort when no other tree health care measures will work.
About My Tree Service
When you need tree stump removal or emergency tree service in Your Area, BC, then My Tree Service is the place to call. Locally owned and fully licensed and insured, Thompson will provide fast and effective service for any tree health needs. Call us today for a consultation with an arborist.