Learning how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch can save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation. Yellowing of the leaves in the spring due to the wetness from heavy rains is one of the most common and least costly of all the fungal plant infections. This fungus attacks the root systems and the cellulose layers of the plant and eventually destroys the plant. How to prevent the fungus on mulch starts with prevention by ensuring that you take care of your plantings after they have been infected.
If the infection has already started then the best solution for how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch is to make sure that you remove it right away. Once the fungus has begun to develop it will spread to other plantings including the flowers and fruit trees on your property. There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of spreading this fungal infection.
Mulches should be used to help protect the plant from direct sunlight. If the plant has exposed roots, they should be covered when possible. The best way to protect a plant is to avoid direct contact between the plant and any objects in the garden like fences, mailboxes, or other garden structures. If you can’t avoid contact avoid watering the plant during daylight hours.
It’s important to use organic mulches to help prevent this problem from occurring. For your garden you should use organic products that are designed to keep soil conditions ideal for plant growth. If the yellow fungus is located on the plant then you need to aerate the location. An aerated plant will be able to absorb more moisture from the soil. This will help prevent the fungus from getting a foothold.
Another step on how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch is to check for signs of damage. Look for signs of decay or rotting on the plant. Look for any areas that appear to have been affected by water or root rot. You should also be aware of overgrowth of roots which can lead to the plant drying up and falling apart. If you find any rotting material on your mulch then you should contact a local gardener immediately to ask for advice on how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch from occurring.
Mulch with protective granules will prevent the yellow fungus from getting a foothold on your landscaping. These mulch protectors work by creating an airtight covering over the top of the soil. The airtight covering will prevent the fungi from entering the soil in between the granules. These mulch protectors are highly effective but can take some time to dissolve. Once they are dissolved, you will still need to check and clean your mulch between cracks and crevices regularly.
Tree stumps can also be a home for the fungus. If you find tree stumps exposed to the elements (like rain or snow) they may not only be an eye sore, but they can also be a breeding ground for the fungus. Inspect your tree stumps regularly and check for cracks, holes, or other signs of damage.
One other important step on how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch is to keep the mulch dry. Most mulch manufacturers recommend that mulch be kept dry between applications. If you find that yours is not being kept dry you should inspect the materials. If you find that moisture is still present in the mulch, you should contact a professional for advice on how to prevent the yellow fungus on mulch from occurring.