Slime Mold

Slime mold is a type of fungus that can develop on turfgrass, and it can be alarming to see for homeowners who take pride in their lawn's appearance. While slime mold can look unsightly, it's not typically harmful to the grass itself. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how slime mold appears and what to do when you see it.

First, let’s talk about how slime mold develops. When it is present, small patches will appear often overnight on your lawn. If you look closely, you will see round “pustules” on the grass blades that range in color from gray or white to orange or purple. Slime mold is actually a type of protist, a single-celled organism that behaves like a fungus. These organisms thrive in warm and moist environments, which is why they're often found on lawns that have been overwatered or have poor drainage…or commonly the case in NC, lawns that have been subjected to heavy rainfall. Slime mold spores can be carried in from wind or animals, or can survive in the soil. In the suitable environment, they germinate and begin to grow.

The good news is that slime mold is not typically harmful to your lawn. While it can be a cosmetic issue, it doesn't usually cause any damage to the grass itself. However, if you have a particularly severe case of slime mold, it can block sunlight from reaching the grass. This could affect its growth and cause mild yellowing of the grass in the infected area.

So, how do you get rid of slime mold on your lawn? The easiest and most effective way to get rid of slime mold is to simply wait it out. Slime mold will eventually dry up and disappear on its own, usually within a few days. If you're in a hurry, you may use a garden hose, rake, or broom to gently remove the pustules. It's important to note that slime mold is not a sign of a diseased lawn. In fact, it's quite common and can develop on almost any type of turfgrass. Slime mold is more prevalent in warm and humid climates, but it can occur anywhere.

Email info@tlgturfcare.com for further questions and information.