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I have a large area of lawn with something dark green and soft coming from the ground. For the longest time I thought it was goose poop but I am not so sure of that anymore. There are lilacs and spruce trees close by.  
 
Does anyone have any idea what this could be?  
 
If I have suggestions I can easily identify it from pictures. Thanks

Alien Poop.  
You have been visited.

Mauve said "Alien Poop.   You have been visited. "

I guess anything is possible.  
 
I tried to take a picture of it but you could not really see it too well in the picture. It looks kind of like shop grease but more green.  
 
It is very disgusting.

Maybe this is how the zombie apocalypse is going to start. Lol.  
 
But really- I googled 'green goo from the ground' and came up with this: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/nostoc_a_green_jelly_like_substance_growing_in_lawns

Sounds like a job for "ghost busters".

Although the above messages are funny and amusing, it's not their lawn that is going to be wrecked from this. I live up on the hill and noticed it about 3-5 years ago on my lawn. I took a sample of it into the big greenhouse in Headingley (Sheridians I believe) and we pulled out the books. The end result was not good, it is a fungus/mold that can only be removed by digging up the area or laying at least 6 inches of new top soil and reseeding. DO NOT RAKE IT. It will just spread it.  
The problem is, is that this fungus is transferable and can go from lawn to lawn via birds, the sole of your shoes, pets, wind anything. Watch when it dries, it will go dark almost like a black and crunch under your feet or in your fingers. I have tried everything off the shelf, but now need to decide how to move forward myself.

I have totally stepped in it and tracked it on my shoes. I even nearly wiped out because it was slippery and I did not see it at first.  
 
The picture I saw when opening the link seems to be the same thing as what I have.  
 
This is going to be a real challenge to conquer. I think I would rather deal with a zombie apocalypse. I watch TWD: I know what to do.  
 
Thanks for your input guys.

Dealing with aliens would be easier. It will slowly choke out your grass. The thing is now that you know it exists, you will see it everywhere when out and about. At ball diamonds, at parks, your neighbors lawn. Once you figure something out other than digging up the lawn, please share it and good luck.

The alien poop on your lawn?  
 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostoc

Mauve said "The alien poop on your lawn?     https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostoc "

That is the stuff. It is not piled so high - just scattered. But yep that is it.  
 
Gross eh?

is what it is. I had it in my lawn. I have a large spruce tree in the yard and it keeps the lawn quite shaded which causes the lawn to hardly ever dry out. Eventually it keeps spreading and although you can lift the gobs off your lawn it didn''t seem to kill it. If you let it get out of control it eventually will consume your lawn.  
 
I tried many chemicals that you buy in stores but nothing worked. So phoned the Hort line and Dr.Paton told me that the only way I would get rid of it was to use Copper sulphate (Bluestone) if you can find any. I eventually found a place that would sell it to me. It took about 3 cupfulls in 2 gallons of water over 3 different times but I finally got rid of it and now have my lawn back. Also have 50 pound bag of Bluestone in my basement LOL  
 
Edited by Blade, 2016-10-26 12:06:57

Better call Ghostbusters, lol.

Blade said "is what it is. I had it in my lawn. I have a large spruce tree in the yard and it keeps the lawn quite shaded which causes the lawn to hardly ever dry out. Eventually it keeps spreading and although you can lift the gobs off your lawn it didn''t seem to kill it. If you let it get out of control it eventually will consume your lawn.     I tried many chemicals that you buy in stores but nothing worked. So phoned the Hort line and Dr.Paton told me that the only way I would get rid of it was to use Copper sulphate (Bluestone) if you can find any. I eventually found a place that would sell it to me. It took about 3 cupfulls in 2 gallons of water over 3 different times but I finally got rid of it and now have my lawn back. Also have 50 pound bag of Bluestone in my basement LOL     Edited by Blade, 2016-10-26 12:06:57"

I am not sure if it's that or that nostoc stuff.  
 
Soooooo, your 50 lbs bag .... is any of that for sale?  
 
I would buy some to try it.

Happy_ Hour said "    Blade said "is what it is. I had it in my lawn. I have a large spruce tree in the yard and it keeps the lawn quite shaded which causes the lawn to hardly ever dry out. Eventually it keeps spreading and although you can lift the gobs off your lawn it didn''t seem to kill it. If you let it get out of control it eventually will consume your lawn.     I tried many chemicals that you buy in stores but nothing worked. So phoned the Hort line and Dr.Paton told me that the only way I would get rid of it was to use Copper sulphate (Bluestone) if you can find any. I eventually found a place that would sell it to me. It took about 3 cupfulls in 2 gallons of water over 3 different times but I finally got rid of it and now have my lawn back. Also have 50 pound bag of Bluestone in my basement LOL     Edited by Blade, 2016-10-26 12:06:57" I am not sure if it's that or that nostoc stuff.     Soooooo, your 50 lbs bag .... is any of that for sale?     I would buy some to try it. "

You can call it whatever you want Nostoc or blue green algae but it is the same thing.  
Click the link, I spent a lot of time to find out what it was and how to get rid of it.  
 
http://www.downgardenservices.org.uk/bluegreenalgae.htm  
 
Sent you a pm

It's gross. I can remember seeing this stuff in our horses pasture.  
 
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/nostoc_a_green_jelly_like_substance_growing_in_lawns  
 
Seems to be some good tips on this website.  
I read on another forum that people have successfully gotten rid of it with baking soda, or Borax.  
 
Good luck, sounds like it's a tough battle.  
Let us know if you're successful at getting rid of it, and what you used.

keep you posted. I am trying to decide if it is best to wait till next spring or get at it now.

Maybe Robin Williams made another flubber?