Fungus in Cedar Mulch

Identification

• Cedar mulch is made from the heart wood of the western red cedar. Placing cedar mulch in your flower beds and garden often provides insect-repelling properties, as well as maintains moisture surrounding your plants. However, mulch made from wood chips often contains the artillery fungus. Wood chips supply a high level of carbon, which is a source of food for the artillery fungus.

Effects

• The artillery fungus is characterized by sticky, dark spores. These spores damage houses, driveways and automobiles and are difficult to remove.

Management

• Use mulches that contain at least 85 percent bark -- instead of wood chips -- to reduce fungi development. Alternative mulches containing stone or marble also can prevent the development of fungi in your flowerbed. Consider placing alternative mulches close to your house or automobiles.