Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 6/23/2011

Question
Hope you are doing good! I had a quick question. I have something in my backyard that is hard like wood and kinda has the same texture as wood. I took my axe and lightly opened one of these things. It has a yellowish color inside. I mentioned this to my father. He seems to think it may be something that has fell out of the tree in my backyard. The tree currently has some dead branches that hang over these unknown things. The other strange thing is that each of these objects are "anchored" pretty firm to the ground. I am thinking about drilling several holes in each one and putting a salt solution in each in an effort to "kill" them. There are about seven of them ranging from a little one to one about the size of a saucer. Any ideas will greatly be appreciated! Bryan Rawlins

Answer
Dear Bryan,
I am doing well, thank you.  What you are describing sounds like some sort of fungus that basically "has a life of it's own."  I'm guessing a salt solution would kill them, but be careful with the salt, it will also render the soil barren if it breaks down these "unknown things" and leaks on the ground.
Please keep me posted.  If I find a name for these, I will let you know.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us