Mushrooms Growing in Wood Porch
We have some mushrooms growing out of the cracks in some decorative details on our front porch. The mushrooms are approximately 8 feet above ground and are in one limited area. The porch is all wood and is exposed to the elements so it does get wet and damp during rain and heavy fog but otherwise should be dry. Any advice on how to self treat or recommendations for a professional to solve are appreciated. We want to nip this in the bud so as not to risk larger structural issues (same area as a supporting wall for the deck overhang/roof).
Jul 24, 2016
Parent Replies
I'm sure you'll get more expert advice from contractors, etc., but in the meantime I can tell you that I had a similar problem, and after doing some research I purchased a bottle of ORANGE OIL. That was four years ago, and we've have seen no mushrooms since! (Orange oil is also non-toxic, which is a tremendous plus.)
Mushrooms live off of decaying wood. If your a seeing the mushroom caps it means the hypha (roots) are all throughout the wood. Your porch is NOT safe to walk on. It could collapse the next time someone walks on it. Remember the six students who died in Berkeley when the porch they were standing on suddenly collapsed? You are in the same situation.
You need to find the extent of the damage. Take a screw driver and begin poking at the wood. If the wood is soft remove it and continue poking until you hit wood that's solid and has no signs of rot. After doing this be sure to wash your hands thoroughly as the mushroom could be poisonous. Everyday you delay the mushrooms are eating more of your deck.
Please don't allow anyone to walk on the porch until you know the extent of the rot. A fall from 8 feet is enough to cause serious injuries or worse. This in not something you can put off. You need to do this NOW so you know if it's safe to walk on or not.