Weedkiller And Mushrooms: What's The Deal?

Mushrooms in your yard or lawn can be unsightly and may pose a danger to children and pets if ingested. While some sources suggest that mushrooms indicate healthy soil, others argue that fungal diseases are not desirable. The roots of mushrooms burrow deep into the soil, forming a complex underground system, making them difficult to remove. Various methods can be employed to eliminate mushrooms, including manual removal, improving drainage, aerating the soil, and using natural or chemical fungicides. One popular method is to use weed killer or vinegar, which contains acetic acid, to kill the mushrooms. However, it is important to exercise caution as these substances can also harm grass and other plants. This article will explore the effectiveness of weed killer in eliminating mushrooms and provide insights into alternative methods for effective mushroom control.

How to identify 'good' and 'bad' mushrooms

Mushrooms are often associated with healthy soil and can be beneficial to your lawn. However, some mushrooms can be toxic to humans and pets, so it is important to know how to identify both good and bad mushrooms. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to do that:

Identifying Good Mushrooms

It is generally advised to leave the identification of wild mushrooms to professional mycologists (scientists who study fungi). However, if you still want to identify edible mushrooms, proceed with caution. Observe the appearance of mushrooms in your area and learn from reliable sources. Do not eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure it is edible.

Some general rules for identifying safe mushrooms include:

• Avoid mushrooms with white gills. Edible mushrooms typically have brown or tan gills.
• Choose mushrooms without a ring around the stem. Many mushrooms with this feature are poisonous.
• Look for mushrooms with tan, brown, or white caps and stems rather than red.
• Chanterelles are often found under hardwood trees and conifers in the fall to early spring. They have small caps with concave centers, with a yellow to golden-yellow colour and wavy, upturned edges.
• Puffballs are globe-shaped with white or pale tan caps and unique, densely packed spines on the cap. They grow along trails and woodland edges in the fall and winter. Cut them in half to check if they are edible – they should be pure white inside.
• Shags have tall, column-like caps with flaky shingles and numerous, blade-like gills that hang down over a hollow stalk.

Identifying Bad Mushrooms

Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include:

• Avoid mushrooms with a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva.
• Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt, or ring on the stem.
• Avoid mushrooms with scales or warts on the cap. Many toxic mushrooms have off-coloured patches on the cap, which make them stand out.

The Amanita genus includes some of the most toxic types of mushrooms. They can be identified by their white gills and dry, umbrella caps. The majority of Amanita mushrooms are red, orange, yellow, white, or grey.

To be certain, take a spore print of the mushroom and check that it is white. Cut the stem away from the cap using a pocket knife, then gently push down on the cap to press the gills onto a dark piece of paper. Wait overnight and check that the spores on the paper are white.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult a knowledgeable expert to identify any mushrooms you are unsure about. You can connect with a mushroom expert through a local mycological group or at a local university.

Natural ways to kill mushrooms

Mushrooms in your lawn can be a sign of healthy and fertile soil. However, some mushrooms can be toxic to humans and pets, leading to severe illness or even death. If you have children or pets, it is important to remove mushrooms from your lawn to prevent any accidental ingestion. Here are some natural ways to kill and prevent mushrooms from growing in your yard:

Improve Drainage and Sun Exposure

Mushrooms typically thrive in damp and shaded areas. By improving the drainage in your yard and increasing sun exposure, you can make the environment less hospitable for mushroom growth. Clean up any damp leaves, grass clippings, or organic debris that may be providing a food source for the mushrooms. Prune branches on trees or bushes that create shady spots, and aerate the soil to improve drainage.

Reduce Watering and Limit Fertiliser

Mushrooms thrive in moist conditions, so reducing your watering can help dry out the mushrooms and make it harder for them to grow. In addition, limiting the use of fertiliser can reduce the availability of food sources for mushrooms.

Use Natural Fungicides

There are natural fungicides that can be used to kill mushrooms. For example, you can mix a few drops of dish detergent with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the mushrooms. Alternatively, you can use horticultural vinegar diluted with water and sprayed directly onto the mushrooms. Always wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves, when handling these substances.

Remove Mushrooms Manually

When you see mushroom caps appearing, it is important to remove them manually as soon as possible. Put on gloves to protect your hands from spores, then use your hands or a small trowel to lift the mushrooms out of the ground. Place the mushrooms in a plastic bag and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of spores. Remember that simply plucking the mushrooms is not enough, as they have extensive root systems.

Apply Nitrogen Fertiliser

Applying a high-nitrogen fertiliser to your lawn can speed up the decomposition of the organic material that mushrooms feed on, thereby shortening their lifespan. Nitrogen fertilisers can be applied using a sprayer or by hand, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Use Baking Soda or Hydrated Lime

Baking soda and hydrated lime can be used to raise the pH level of the soil, creating an environment that mushrooms do not favour. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the affected areas or mix it with water and spray it onto the soil. Similarly, you can sprinkle or spray hydrated lime onto the affected areas, but be sure to protect yourself with gloves and goggles when handling these substances. Keep children and pets away from the treated areas for a few days.

Please note that while these methods are natural, they may still have an impact on the surrounding grass and plants. Always exercise caution and test any treatment in a small area first to understand its effects.

Using chemicals to kill mushrooms

Mushrooms in your lawn can be unsightly and even dangerous, especially if you have young children or pets. While mushrooms indicate healthy soil, they can also signify fungal diseases, which are not good for your lawn.

The roots of mushrooms form a complex underground system, making them difficult to remove. However, there are several chemical treatments you can use to kill mushrooms. Here are some methods to consider:

Fungicides

Fungicides are chemicals designed to kill mushrooms. They can be applied directly to the mushrooms or the soil. When using fungicides, carefully follow the instructions on the label as they can be toxic to plants, animals, and humans.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps raise the pH level of the soil, creating an environment that mushrooms do not favour. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water and aerate the soil around the mushrooms. Then, pour the solution over and around the mushrooms, allowing the water to drain freely into the soil. Be cautious not to overwater, as baking soda can harm grass. You may need to repeat this process several times for effective results.

Dish Soap

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap with 3 gallons of water and pour the solution over the mushrooms. Ensure you aerate the area around them first so that the water drains well. Like baking soda, dish soap alters the pH level of the soil. However, be cautious not to use too much, as it can raise the pH to a level unsuitable for grass growth.

Vinegar

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is harmful to mushrooms. Dilute 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar and spray the solution directly onto the mushrooms. Be cautious when spraying, as vinegar can kill any plant it comes into contact with.

Hydrated Lime

Hydrated lime also raises the pH level of the ground, making it unfavourable for mushrooms. Wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, when applying lime to your lawn. Keep children and pets away from the treated area for a few days.

While these chemical treatments can be effective, they may require multiple applications and can be harmful to your grass and other plants. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions when using any of these methods.

How to prevent mushrooms from growing

Mushrooms thrive in damp, shaded areas, so a simple way to prevent them from growing is to dry them out. You can do this by improving drainage in the area, reducing turf watering, and increasing sun exposure by pruning trees and shrubs. However, keep in mind that this method can also harm or kill grass, as it requires less frequent watering and mowing.

Another way to prevent mushrooms from growing is to make the environment less attractive to fungi. Mushrooms typically grow in shady, moist conditions, so creating the opposite environment can help. This can be done by limiting shade on the lawn, aerating the soil regularly, and cutting back on fertiliser.

Additionally, you can try to remove the food source for mushrooms. Mushrooms feed on organic matter, such as thatch, stumps, old roots, construction debris, and grass clippings. By removing this organic matter, you can reduce the chances of mushrooms appearing.

If you want to get rid of mushrooms that have already appeared, you can try manual removal methods such as mowing, kicking them over, or using a golf wedge. These methods will help decompose the mushrooms but will not remove the fungi underground. You can also try using natural substances like baking soda, vinegar, or dish soap mixed with water. However, these methods may require multiple treatments and can also harm grass.

For a more aggressive approach, you can use store-bought fungicides or mushroom-specific products. Hydrated lime, for example, can be sprinkled or sprayed on the affected areas to raise the pH level of the soil, making it less favourable for mushrooms. Always follow safety precautions when using any chemical products, such as wearing protective gear and keeping children and pets away from the treated areas.

The benefits of mushrooms

Mushrooms are a type of fungus that is native to North America and Europe. They are a good addition to meals due to their savoury flavour and meaty texture. They are also known for their amazing health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of mushrooms:

Nutritional Powerhouses

Mushrooms are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B6. They are also one of the few food sources that are naturally rich in immune-boosting vitamin D.

Low in Sodium, Fat, and Calories

Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, making them a great substitute for saltier ingredients. They are also low in fat and calories, which can help reduce overall calorie intake when used as a substitute for meat in recipes.

Cancer Prevention

Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Studies have shown that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms per day may lower the risk of cancer by up to 45%.

Cognitive Health

Consuming two cups of mushrooms each week can cut the risk of developing cognitive impairment in half. Research also suggests that mushrooms may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Bone Health

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining and building strong bones. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, especially when exposed to UV light or sunlight.

While mushrooms offer these great health benefits, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe to consume. When foraging or identifying mushrooms, it is crucial to be cautious as some varieties can be highly toxic to humans and pets.

Frequently asked questions