Question
In St. Petersburg,FL there are many confined(in soil surrounded by cement curbs)oaks.  When it gets cold they send out runners that travel 2-10',pushing thru asphalt to emerge into sunlight.They're hooded mushrooms.Only show up in cold weather.Once reach surface become very delicate,shooting out black spores when pressed. What is happening?

Answer
Lynn, Mushrooms are the fruiting and reproductive structures of Fungus. The fungus could be feeding of of the oak tree's or they could be harmless and found in the soil naturally. Positive identification of the organism would be needed and there are literally hundreds of thousands different Funghi. I would say that the fungus has attacked the trees and thrives because of there constant stressed conditions. I wouldn't recommend doing anything. Most Fungus are actually very beneficial to humans and trees because they digest all of the dead organic matter that the planet produces, they are like tiny unseen and unthanked garbage men cleaning our world.


             Regards, Gary Overton