Slime Molds in Lawn

Most often found in wet weather.

It looks slimy and keeps sunlight from reaching part of the leaves that produces chlorophyll, or green color, and it interferes with the plant's ability to function properly.

Slime molds are unusual fungi that occur on the leaves of grasses. They can cover spots or patches of grass with a white, grey or dark material.

This fungi material is the fruiting body of the slime mold. It looks slimy and keeps sunlight from reaching part of the leaves that produces chlorophyll, or green color, and it interferes with the plant's ability to function properly. It makes leaves yellow, weak and vulnerable to other diseases.

Slime mold usually develops in wet weather. It lives in soil and feeds on organic matter. It grows out on grass leaves or stems to reproduce. Slime molds are non-parasitic and don't warrant control. However, spraying infested grass with water will help wash away the molds.

They just look bad.

Slime molds aren't usually a serious problem, but they can cause somg ugly spots in the lawn. Unless the spot is large or in a strategic spot, don't worry about it.

For more information on slime molds in lawn, contact your local County Extension Office.