Fungus Vs Mushrooms: Who Wins The Battle?

Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be found in yards and gardens. While most mushrooms are harmless, some species contain toxins that can be harmful or even deadly to humans and animals if ingested. The presence of mushrooms in yards can be undesirable for aesthetic reasons or to prevent children or pets from accidentally consuming toxic varieties. There are several methods to kill mushrooms and prevent their growth, including improving yard drainage, using natural substances like vinegar or baking soda, and applying fungicides. However, it's important to note that simply removing or killing the visible part of the mushroom may not be sufficient, as the fungal network often extends deep beneath the surface. Understanding the growth habits of mushrooms and implementing preventive measures can help manage their presence effectively.

Using fungicide

Mushrooms in your yard are like the 'fruit' of the fungi growing beneath the soil. While fungicides can be used to kill the fungi, they may not be a permanent solution.

Fungicides can be used to kill the fungi growing beneath the soil. There are several garden fungicides available for purchase that can be used to treat your lawn. These should be used with caution in yards where children and pets play. You can buy sprayer attachments for your garden hose to spray the affected areas. Alternatively, dilute the product with water and use a backpack sprayer or pump sprayer. You can also use a granular product by sprinkling it across your lawn surface. Over time, you should see the mushrooms diminish.

Fungicides are also used to prevent and treat fungal diseases in cultivated mushroom crops. However, fungicide resistance is a challenge, and novel fungicides are difficult to develop.

Before using fungicides, it is important to consider the potential risks and explore alternative methods of mushroom control. For example, improving yard drainage through lawn aeration and dethatching can help prevent mushrooms from thriving in moist conditions. Additionally, removing mushrooms as soon as they appear and applying nitrogen fertiliser can help deter their growth.

Natural prevention

Mushrooms are like the "fruit" of the fungi growing beneath the soil. While fungicides can kill the fungi, they are not a permanent solution as they do not attack the fungus beneath the soil. Therefore, additional measures are needed to prevent mushrooms from returning. Here are some natural ways to prevent mushroom growth:

Enhance Yard Drainage

Since mushrooms thrive in moisture, enhancing yard drainage can help prevent mushroom growth. This can be done through lawn aeration and adding sand to the soil. A French drain, an underground ditch filled with gravel, can also be installed to help disperse water and prevent stagnation.

Remove Decaying Organic Matter

Cleaning up decaying organic matter can help prevent mushroom growth. This includes bagging or raking grass clippings, removing fallen leaves, and keeping the lawn de-thatched. Old tree stumps should also be removed as they can encourage mushroom growth.

Trim Tree Branches

Trimming tree branches can help minimize shade and reduce moisture retention. Cut the branches close to the trunk, just beyond the bark ridge, and angle the cut downward to prevent rainwater collection and rot. Keep trees fungus-free by removing any dead or diseased branches.

Use Natural Fungicides

A mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed on mushrooms to kill them. However, this may also kill surrounding grass, so caution is advised. Baking soda diluted with water can also be sprayed onto fungi to disrupt and prevent growth by raising the soil's pH. This method is gentle, safe, and effective, but it may require repeated applications.

Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer

Using a fertilizer high in nitrogen can deter mushroom growth by quickening the decomposition of organic matter, leaving nothing for the mushrooms to feed on. For every 1,000 square feet of lawn, use 1 pound (453.59 grams) of nitrogen. Consider adding phosphorous and potassium as well, using a ratio of 3 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorous, and 2 parts potassium.

Remove Mushrooms Early

Pull out the entire mushroom, including its roots, as soon as the caps appear. If left too long, mushrooms will release spores, leading to more mushroom growth. Put the removed mushrooms in a plastic bag to prevent spores from spreading, and dispose of them properly. Do not toss them into a compost pile.

Lawn drainage

Mushrooms in your lawn can be unsightly and even dangerous if you have children or pets who might try to eat them. While most mushrooms are harmless, some fungi can cause skin problems, lung infections, and other diseases. Therefore, it is important to take steps to eliminate them from your lawn if they become a problem.

One effective way to get rid of mushrooms is to improve lawn drainage. Mushrooms thrive in moist, shaded areas with organic material, so by enhancing drainage, you can make your yard less attractive to them. Here are some specific steps you can take to improve lawn drainage and deter mushroom growth:

Aerate your lawn

Aeration helps to improve drainage and allows air to circulate deeper into the soil. You can use a lawn aerator tool, which you can buy or rent, to pull narrow, cylindrical plugs of soil out of the grass every couple of inches. This process helps to break up thick organic matter and improve drainage.

Dethatch your lawn

Dethatching involves removing thick organic materials like dead grass, mulched leaves, and other debris that haven't fully decomposed. When organic material becomes too thick, it can impede drainage, so by removing it, you can help water flow more freely and discourage mushroom growth.

Adjust your watering schedule

Watering your lawn less frequently and only when necessary can help reduce excess moisture that supports mushroom growth. Water in the early morning rather than at night to take advantage of the sun's evaporation power and prevent water from sitting and becoming a breeding ground for mushrooms.

Apply nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizer can help deter mushrooms by quickening the decomposition of organic matter, leaving the mushrooms with nothing to feed off of. Use about 1 pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of lawn, and consider adding some phosphorus and potassium as well.

By implementing these drainage and lawn care strategies, you can effectively reduce the conditions that favour mushroom growth and enjoy a healthier, more attractive lawn.

Removing mushrooms

Mushrooms in your yard are a sign of healthy, rich soil. However, they can be unsightly, may be harmful, and can be a source of concern if you have children or pets, especially if they are toxic. While simply plucking mushrooms does not kill them, it is still important to remove them as soon as you see the caps appear. If you leave them for too long, they will release spores, leading to more mushrooms.

Improve Drainage and Sunlight

Since mushrooms thrive in moisture, improving yard drainage can help prevent their growth. You can enhance drainage through lawn aeration and, if needed, adding sand to the soil. Finding a good lawn aerator tool will allow you to provide the necessary drainage to ensure your lawn does not stay damp. Additionally, trimming trees and bushes and reducing shade can increase sunlight, drying out your yard and making it less favourable for mushroom growth.

Use Natural Fungicides

Natural fungicides, such as vinegar, can be effective in killing mushrooms. Simply spraying mushrooms with a vinegar solution will kill them, but it may also kill surrounding grass, so spray carefully. Another natural preventative treatment is baking soda, which helps disrupt mushroom growth by raising the soil's pH. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water until it dissolves, then spray the mixture onto the mushrooms and surrounding soil.

Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer

Applying a nitrogen fertilizer can deter mushrooms from growing in organic matter. The fertilizer quickens the decomposition of the matter, leaving the mushrooms with nothing to feed off of. Use 1 pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Dig Out the Mushrooms

Using a shovel or spade, dig out the cluster of mushrooms. Dig at least 12 inches down to remove as much of the fungus as possible. After removing the mushrooms, toss the pieces into a trash bag, tie the bag, and throw it in the bin. Do not dispose of mushrooms with your grass clippings or other lawn waste, as this could amplify the problem.

Use Commercial Fungicides

Commercial fungicides can be used to kill the fungi growing beneath the soil. However, they will only kill the fruiting part of the fungi, and may not provide a permanent solution. These products should be used with caution, especially in yards where children and pets play. You can buy sprayer attachments for your garden hose or dilute the product with water and use a backpack or pump sprayer.

Fairy rings

The growth of fairy rings usually begins in the centre and expands outward in a uniform, circular pattern. There are three types of fairy rings, depending on soil type, the specific fungus involved, and environmental conditions. Type 1 fairy rings are most common on golf course putting greens and occur when the fungi produce compounds that reduce the amount of water the soil can absorb, leading to drought conditions that cause the grass in the ring to brown and die. Type 2 fairy rings involve fungi that efficiently decay organic matter, releasing nitrogen that promotes lush growth and results in a dense green ring of grass. Type 3 fairy rings have rings of mushrooms that appear during wet periods, particularly in the fall.

Managing fairy rings can be challenging. Waiting for natural changes in environmental conditions that cause fairy rings to disappear is one option. Other methods include core aeration to reduce thatch buildup, which can harbour fairy ring fungi, and the application of nitrogen fertiliser to deter mushrooms by depriving them of organic matter to feed on. For Type 3 fairy rings, hand-removing or raking and disposing of the mushrooms is recommended, as they may be poisonous. It is important to note that fungicides are typically not effective in preventing fairy ring development or reducing their severity.

Frequently asked questions