Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a common occurrence in lawns and gardens, but they can be unsightly and even dangerous if consumed by children or pets. While mushrooms themselves are not harmful to the lawn, they indicate the presence of fungi that feed on organic matter in the soil. To effectively kill mushrooms and prevent their recurrence, several methods can be employed, including manual removal, changing environmental conditions, and using natural or commercial fungicides. However, it's important to note that some of these methods may impact the health of your lawn, and complete eradication of the fungi may be challenging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventative measures | Maintaining a healthy lawn with good drainage and sunlight |
| Removing debris and dead roots | |
| Using deep, infrequent lawn watering practices | |
| Aerating the lawn | |
| Trimming branches on nearby trees and shrubs | |
| Removal methods | Picking mushrooms by hand |
| Mowing over mushrooms | |
| Using a commercial fungicide | |
| Using DIY mixtures (soap, water, vinegar, baking soda/powder) |
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What You'll Learn
Using a commercial fungicide
Commercial fungicides can be an effective way to kill mushrooms, but they must be used with care. While they can help minimise mushroom growth, they can also negatively impact overall soil health and the ecosystem of your garden or lawn.
Fungicides are chemical compounds that come in both powder and liquid form. They can be applied as a spray to target the fruiting bodies of the fungi. However, it's important to note that the main portion of the fungus lies underground, where fungicides may not reach. Therefore, it is more effective to take preventative measures to stop mushrooms from growing in the first place.
If you have a major mushroom outbreak, certain commercial fungicides, such as azoxystrobin or flutolanil, might be effective. However, these must be applied multiple times and by a professional. Repeated applications are often necessary for heavy infestations to reduce the number of spores in the soil.
When using commercial fungicides, it is crucial to follow instructions carefully and take the necessary precautions. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid any potential health risks associated with the chemicals. Additionally, be mindful of the surrounding plants and wildlife that may be affected by the fungicides.
While commercial fungicides can be a quick solution to a mushroom problem, they should be used as a last resort. Natural measures, such as modifying the conditions that favour mushroom growth, are often a better and safer option. This includes improving drainage, aerating the soil, and removing thatch, excess moisture, and organic matter that mushrooms feed on.
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Removing by hand
Mushrooms can be removed by hand, but it's important to wear gloves to prevent contamination from spores, especially if you're dealing with a poisonous species. As you pull the mushrooms, try to remove as much of the cap and stalk as possible at the base of the mushroom. This is easiest to do when you remove the mushrooms early before the spores are released. If the fruiting body is larger or has roots that reach down into the soil, use a small spade or garden trowel to dig around the base of the mushroom, then remove as much of the root structure as you can. Dispose of the mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the spread of spores. Make sure not to leave any bits behind.
If you're dealing with potted plants, pluck mushrooms as soon as you see them appear and throw them in the trash immediately. Provide ample air circulation by keeping the plant near a window or fan, and avoid over-watering. Let the soil become dry at the top before watering again. Use a watering bulb to keep the soil deep inside the pot moist, while keeping the upper layer dry.
To prevent mushroom growth, avoid over-watering your lawn. Water in the morning instead of at night so that the sun will help excess water evaporate. Trim down tree branches to minimise shade, and cut close to the trunk just beyond the bark ridge. Angle the cut downward so that rainwater does not collect in the hole and cause rot. Improve your lawn's drainage by using a hand aerator to aerate the section of your lawn with mushrooms, or install a French drain to help water drain faster from your yard.
If you want to get rid of mushrooms for lawn appearance or to protect children and pets, a simple homemade fungicide can be made by mixing vinegar and water and spraying it directly on the mushrooms. However, be careful where you spray because it can kill anything else it comes in contact with. Another option is to mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of dish soap with 2 gallons of water and fill holes poked into the soil around the mushrooms with the soapy water.
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Increasing sunlight
Mushrooms contain a compound called ergosterol, which converts to vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or artificial UV light. This is why it is recommended to place mushrooms in the sun before cooking them.
Vitamin D is essential for various life processes, and its deficiency can lead to serious medical issues. Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D for vegetarians and vegans, as vitamin D3, which is commonly found in animal-based foods, is not suitable for their diet.
To increase sunlight exposure for mushrooms, place them under direct sunlight. The summer sun, from June to September, is the best time for people in northern latitudes to make vitamin D-enriched mushrooms. Mushrooms can be sun-dried or UV-zapped, and they will generate vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D produced depends on weather conditions, the time of day, and location. For example, exposing mushrooms to 15-120 minutes of sunlight will generate around 10 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) of vitamin D2.
The position of the mushrooms also affects their vitamin D production. In an experiment, shiitake mushrooms exposed to continuous UVB light with their gills facing upwards created a six-fold increase in vitamin D compared to those exposed to sunlight. Slicing the mushrooms also increases vitamin D production, as it exposes more of the ergosterol-rich surface area.
It is important to note that while sunlight is the most convenient source of UVB, it may not always be available. In such cases, artificial UVB light lamps can be used as an alternative. However, caution must be taken when using these lamps as they can cause damage to the eyes and skin.
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Improving drainage
Mushrooms thrive in damp and humid environments with poor drainage. Therefore, improving the drainage in your lawn is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent mushroom growth. Here are some ways to improve drainage and deter mushrooms:
Aerate your lawn
Aerating your lawn by perforating the soil with small holes helps to increase drainage and decrease moisture retention. This can be done using a manual core aerator tool, a power rake, or a thatch rake. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, creating a healthier environment for your lawn. It breaks up compacted soil and improves drainage, making it less ideal for mushrooms to grow.
Adjust watering schedule
Optimizing your lawn's watering schedule can help prevent excessive moisture, which is favourable for mushrooms. Water your lawn in the early morning, allowing the grass to dry out during the day. Avoid overwatering and water no more than once a week, including rainfall.
Redirect water flow
If your lawn has poor drainage due to flat terrain, redirect the flow of water to more desirable locations. Build up soil to guide excess water away from your home's foundation. You can also add a pond, water garden, or rain barrels to collect and redirect excess water.
Install underground drains
For more severe drainage issues, consider installing underground drains such as French drains, which are underground ditches filled with gravel that help disperse water and prevent stagnation.
Improve mulch drainage
If mushrooms are growing in your mulch, ensure that it has good air circulation and drainage. Use shredded bark or cedar chips, and avoid wood chips, which tend to retain moisture and harbour mushroom spores. You can also add lime to your mulch, as it changes the pH of the soil, making it less favourable for mushrooms while providing extra calcium and nutrients for your plants.
By implementing these drainage solutions, you can effectively reduce the conditions that encourage mushroom growth and maintain a healthy, mushroom-free lawn.
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Mowing them down
Mowing is one of the methods to get rid of mushrooms in your yard. It is not a permanent solution, and it may even heighten the chances of the mushrooms spreading spores across your lawn. However, mowing them down can make the mushrooms easier to pick up and dispose of.
If you decide to mow the mushrooms, it is important to dispose of them properly. Pick up the pieces and discard them into a plastic bag immediately. Tie the bag tightly before throwing it into the trash. Do not dispose of them in your compost bin.
To prevent mushrooms from growing in your yard, you can make the environment less attractive to them. Mushrooms thrive in damp, humid, and dark places with low oxygen levels. To make your yard less mushroom-friendly, improve drainage with the help of a lawn aerator, water less frequently, and mow more regularly to keep the grass short and dry. You can also try planting mushrooms' natural predators, such as slugs and snails, in your garden.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark environments, so reducing shade and moisture can help prevent them from growing. You can also try using a commercial fungicide, but this may kill your grass too.
You can try spraying the mushrooms with a mixture of water and dish soap, or baking soda, as this will adjust the pH of your soil. You can also try aerating your lawn to improve drainage and reduce moisture.
Maintain your lawn by addressing any drainage issues and removing dead trees or roots that may be providing food for the fungi. You can also try to increase sunlight by trimming back branches on nearby trees and shrubs.
