A good aeration will eliminate the toxic compounds in 24 hours, but to be safe allow three days. This fungus shoots these spore masses high into the air. They stick to any surface and resemble small tar spots on leaves of plants, on cars or on the siding of homes. They are very difficult to remove. Use pure bark mulches, especially pine, or if the mulch is already in place, cover the hardwood mulch with pine needles.
Slime molds are another type of nuisance fungus.
They first appear as bright yellow or orange slimy masses that may be several inches to a foot or more in diameter. They are harmless but unsightly. It is a good idea to destroy them when small children have access to the mulched area. Prepared by Marjan Kluepfel, HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied.