Mushrooms and Black Powdery Mold: Fungus Among Us

Two Fungal Issues

Mushrooms/toadstools + black powder on grass (rub off on shoe) = fungal activity.

Mushrooms

• Fruiting bodies of soil fungi decomposing organic matter.
• Harmless to grass; indicate healthy decomposition.
• Remove if unsightly; fungicide (baking soda spray) reduces recurrence.

Black Powder = Sooty Mold or Spores

• Could be sooty mold (on insect honeydew) or fungal spores.
• Test: Spray small area with 1/2 cup bleach/gal water. If grass unharmed in 24 hrs, treat rest.
• Better: commercial fungicide (Funginex) or baking soda spray (saturate).
• County Extension Agent for ID if unsure.

Baking Soda Protocol

• 1 tbsp baking soda / gal water.
• Spray after rainy season/cool temps for mushrooms.
• Saturate affected areas.

Severe Cases

• Black mold may need pro treatment.
• Don't breathe spores.
• Bleach test first; if grass burns, stop.

Bottom Line

Mushrooms = benign. Black powder = fungal issue. Test bleach on patch; if safe, treat. Baking soda or fungicide works. Call Extension if uncertain.