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Artillery fungus is a tiny, spore-shooting fungus commonly found in mulch around homes in Wisconsin. These black specks can stick to siding, windows, gutters, vehicles, and even outdoor furniture — and once they attach, they are notoriously difficult to remove.
Homeowners across Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kaukauna, and surrounding Fox Valley communities often notice these stubborn black dots on light-colored siding. While professional house washing can help, prevention is the best long-term solution.
What Causes Artillery Fungus?
Artillery fungus thrives in:
- Wet, shaded mulch beds
- Mulch containing decaying wood fibers
- Recycled wood mulch or shredded pallets
- Areas with poor drainage or consistently moist soil
The more moisture and decomposing organic matter your mulch contains, the faster artillery fungus grows — especially in Wisconsin’s humid spring and early summer months.
How to Prevent Artillery Fungus
- Avoid recycled wood mulch: This is the biggest trigger for fungus growth.
- Choose safer mulch options: Pine bark, rubber mulch, stone, or high-quality hardwood products significantly reduce fungus risk.
- Improve drainage: Keep mulch beds dry by ensuring water runs away from the home.
- Turn mulch yearly: Aerating the top 2–3 inches exposes spores to sunlight and slows reproduction.
Can Artillery Fungus Be Removed From Siding?
Some spores can be lightened or removed through professional soft washing. At Timler Exterior Services, we use safe, low-pressure cleaning techniques designed to treat organic buildup without damaging vinyl or painted surfaces.
However, older artillery fungus stains can become permanent if they remain on the siding too long — especially on white or light-colored homes. Early treatment is essential.
Learn more about artillery fungus from this helpful reference article:
Gardening Know How – Artillery Fungus Treatment
Best Long-Term Solutions
- Replace affected mulch: Switch to mulch types less likely to host artillery fungus.
- Maintain routine cleaning: Regular pressure washing and soft washing help prevent long-term staining.
- Use a buffer zone: Consider rock or stone mulch closest to the house to prevent spores from reaching siding.
Artillery fungus is frustrating — but with the right mulch and proactive maintenance, you can protect your siding and prevent long-lasting black stains.
For professional house washing and exterior cleaning in Appleton and the Fox Valley, trust Timler Exterior Services to handle the job safely and effectively.
See customer reviews and recent projects on our Google Business Profile.
Timler Exterior Services — Serving Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kaukauna, and surrounding Fox Valley communities.