Question
I have noticed some yellow/tan mushy growth coming from mulch around a japanes maple and other trees and bushes in front of my home.  It has just appeared recently. I was wondering if you could tell me what it may be.  I live in Michigan. My trees and shrubs are being sprayed with Scotts miracle gro treatment. Any thoughts.

Answer
Mulch is 'dead wood' which is decomposing. The mulch is beneficial to the trees and bushes because it keeps moisture in the soil, regulates temperature, and will decompose overtime enriching the soil.

The decomposition of wood is done by a varity of microbes in the soil, and also by some fungi, such as those responsible for creating mushrooms. The mushrooms are actually the "flower" of these fungi (the above ground manifestation of the fungi which resides in the ground).

All you need to do is to rake the much (turn it over) and that will usually solve the problem. If the mushrooms re-appear, then just rake again. There is nothing you can or should add to the mulch.

What you see is a normal part of the decomposition process of the mulch. This is quite natural and nothing to be afraid of or worried about. Mulch decompose - as it should - and that is good.


Note: unless you have some heavy feeding flowering bushes (such as roses), most bushes and trees are relatively slow feeders and do not need regular amounts of fertilizer. A single application of fertilizer in spring can be useful for most spring flowering shrubs, but frequent applications of fertilizers for trees and shrubs are typically not needed.