Does Mulch Fungus Go Away by Itself?

From insulating the roots and offering organic matter to protecting the plant against weeds, mulching does a lot. The concern is, you might start to see fungus growing in your mulch, and if you’re wondering- does mulch fungus go away by itself, and what you could do to prevent it, here’s a bit of help. 

Read on to get quick insights into just that and more.

Why Do I Have Fungus Growing in My Mulch?

Mulching is thought to be effective in keeping weeds at bay, which is why it may seem counterintuitive to find them affected by fungal growth. 

While mulch doesn’t actually contribute to the growth of mold or fungus, it can attract it when the conditions are right. After all, fungus thrives on rotting organic matter, which is exactly what mulch is. 

In certain ways, having fungi on your mulch can actually be good. This is because it can help the mulch decompose faster and release minerals into the soil, thereby improving soil fertility. 

Does Mulch Fungus Go Away by Itself?

Fungus growing in mulch does not go away by itself. This may take time, but it happens. 

If you really want to speed up the process, you can manually remove the layer of mulch that has fungus growth, and take steps to prevent it in the future. 

How Do I Prevent Mulch From Getting Fungus?

The easiest way to prevent fungus from growing in mulch is by creating an inhospitable environment for them. 

• Remember that mold and fungus usually grow in a moist and damp area, which is why changing your plant’s watering schedule can help keep the fungus at bay. 
• Water your plants only as much as necessary and allow the mulch to dry down a bit before watering it again. 
• Consider watering your plants early in the morning. That way, any excess moisture will evaporate, and your mulch will be dry, making it less ideal for any fungi to grow in. 
• Another great way to prevent mulch from getting fungus is to rake your mulch beds every now and then. 
• You can also prevent the growth of fungus in mulch by raising its pH. To do this, you can add liquid lime. While doing this, keep in mind the hardiness of your plant, and if it can tolerate changes to the soil and mulch pH. 

Recommended Read: How to Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing in Mulch

Should You Remove Mulch That Has Mold in It?

Fungus and mold growing on mulch is mostly an annoyance, and almost always harmless. 

They don’t affect the growth of plants, and hardly cause any damage to the mulch. You don’t need to take any big steps to remove them- you can just let them be.