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Will Black Mold Hurt the Grass?

Lawns are prone to a number of disorders, which include pest infestations and pathogen related problems such as black mold or slime mold, a fungal infection. Fungi are thread-like, microscopic organisms and the most frequent cause of grass disease, according to the North Dakota State University Extension. Slime mold, or black mold, is an aesthetic disorder that will not hurt or affect the health of your grass.

  1. Causal Agent

    • Slime mold is caused by single-cell fungi from the Fuligo, Mucilago or Physarum groups. The fungi are attracted to decaying bacteria, protozoa or organic matter in the grass in overly moist conditions. The disorder is likely to affect all warm-season and cool-season grasses. The causal fungus grows only on the surface of the grass blade and does not affect the color.

    Symptoms

    • Early signs of slime mold include distinct round to irregular 4- to 8-inch diameter, gray to black, crusty patches on the grass. These are the fruiting bodies or reproductive spores of causal fungi. As the fungi spread, the entire lawn surface may give off a black look. The patches often have an oily appearance at the start of the disorder, gradually assuming a dried look. Symptoms of slime mold are less noticeable during sunny conditions.

    Favorable Conditions

    • Slime mold is more of a problem in areas with warm and humid weather. Long periods of rain between late spring and early summer also favor fungal growth. The disorder is not seen annually but takes between two to three years before recurring.

    Control

    • Fungicides are not required nor are they effective in controlling black mold on grass. A hard jet of water will disintegrate the fungi patches in the grass. Dethatch lawns regularly, as the excessive organic material in accumulated thatch promotes fungi. Improve drainage in poorly drained sites and aerate the lawn for better air circulation. Lightly raking the affected areas also helps to break up the fungal patches.

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