---
title: "I am prepping for the cold snap we’re about to get down here in zone…"
description: "I am prepping for the cold snap we’re about to get down here in zone 9 and when I raked up the old wood chips this is what I found. Is this natural…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/CQDcNKuFT2eBWinfsTKHmQ/nhotjkDJwqKpNIMo2gtorl"
community: "Gardening and Outdoor"
author: "Amy"
published: "2026-01-23T19:34:02.094543Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/Alftrk1ZQIeUM2aja7ziqQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# I am prepping for the cold snap we’re about to get down here in zone…

_Posted by Amy on 2026-01-23_

I am prepping for the cold snap we’re about to get down here in zone 9 and when I raked up the old wood chips this is what I found.  
Is this natural decomposition and nothing to worry about or is it something I need to treat before putting down fresh pine straw?  
Tia.

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/Alftrk1ZQIeUM2aja7ziqQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/jUYcMNaVTceJlozd84A-Dg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/XycWfTOMRmC2Y-HkrhdVvw.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2026-01-23

That's likely a slime mold or possibly a fungus beginning to bloom. It's harmless, but if you find it unsightly you can treat it with a fungicide. The most likely species would be dog vomit slime mold or a less-yellow relative of it

### Amy commented on 2026-01-24

Ok. In that case, I’ve read it can be beneficial for the soil. I’ll just cover it with pine straw and forget it’s there. 😉

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