FUNGI AND SLIME MOLDS grow in mulch composed of organic debris and wood chips. Fungi and fungus-like organisms such as slime molds are decomposers, and they do it very well to the benefit of our ecosystem. Without fungi, we would be deep in organic debris and fallen leaves. With adequate moisture, fungi will break down mulch into simple sugars they use to grow and survive. Most wood decomposers are harmless to people and animals. Fungal fruiting bodies and patches of slime mold are 95% water. They may be raked lightly to break them up, or they can be removed with a shallow shovel and the material discarded. On playgrounds, curious children can get very close, and breathe or eat this material. We consider these organisms harmless, however, people are very different and their immune systems are different. There are allergies, asthma, and breathing related conditions that may affect individuals in our populations. Children and their families should be made aware that there may be organisms on playgrounds and in yards that may be producing microscopic spores that may become air-borne. Air-borne spores may cause reactions in sensitive or immuno-compromised individuals. Individuals (or their guardians) with health conditions should make judgment decisions about how much exposure can be tolerated. With our recent wet weather pattern, there will be an increased number of fungal spores in many environments. Raking will disrupt slime molds and they will dissipate naturally, or they can be scooped up and removed. Replacing mulch each year will bring in new organic material and organisms that colonize the material, so older mulch may not have as much visible fungal or slime mold growth. See the fact sheet for more info: http://extension.udel.edu/factsheet/artillery-fungus-and-other-things-that-grow-in-mulch/
NFG 7/2013
