On 6/7/2009 1:24 PM, bob the builder wrote:
Hi all i am new so please be easy on me. I was digging up a dead conifer
today for a client and there was little yellow balls all over the root
ball. That when you pinch them they pop and there dry inside does
anyone know what they are please help thank you


Sounds like some form of fungus (e.g., toadstool). If you pop one, try
to avoid breathing in the dust they eject; it might be toxic.

They will disappear after all the conifer roots have decomposed. If you
want to get rid of them sooner, scatter some soil sulfur in the area.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary