Laura Smith
Mushrooms in your lawn can be a cause for concern, especially if you have children or pets. While some may find them enchanting, others see them as an eyesore. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which spread through spores and feed on decaying organic matter in the soil, such as grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and animal waste. They thrive in damp, shady environments, so improving drainage, removing debris, and increasing sunlight can help prevent their growth. Pulling them out by the root can also reduce spore dispersal, but it's important to dispose of them safely as some mushrooms are toxic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lawn Maintenance | Dethatching, aerating, and improving drainage |
| Sunlight | Trim branches and shrubs to allow more sunlight |
| Moisture | Avoid overwatering, rake up leaves and debris to reduce moisture |
| Organic Material | Remove organic material such as grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and animal waste |
| Fertilizer | Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen grass and boost lawn health |
| Fungicides | Use Scotts® DiseaseEx™ Lawn Fungicide or Scotts® Healthy Turf Builder® Fungicide and Lawn Food |
| Training | Train pets to avoid eating mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Remove existing mushrooms by pulling them out from the base
Mushrooms in your lawn can be an eyesore, especially if you are preparing to sell your property. They may also be harmful to children and pets if they are poisonous. While mushrooms usually do not damage your lawn, their presence signals potential problems with your grass.
To prevent mushrooms from growing, you must monitor and control the conditions they need to thrive in your garden. Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark environments, breaking down organic matter in your lawn and yard. They love patches of dead grass, thick thatch, and leaves. They also grow under trees with lots of soggy leaf mould, decaying tree stumps, and branches.
To remove existing mushrooms, pull them out from the base as soon as they appear. This will reduce the spores' ability to disperse into the environment and spread via wind and animals. It will also eliminate the risk of children or animals ingesting poisonous or harmful species. When removing the mushrooms, wear latex gloves to keep any potentially poisonous spores off your hands. Put the mushrooms immediately in a plastic bag so that the spores do not become airborne. Dispose of the bag in a trash can or incinerator.
After removing the mushrooms, you can apply a mild fungicide to the area. Mix a few drops of dish detergent and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture onto the area where the mushrooms were growing. Alternatively, use horticultural vinegar diluted with water and spray the mushroom spot for extra prevention.
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Improve lawn drainage
Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark environments, breaking down organic matter in your lawn. They grow in dead, thick patches of lawn covered in leaves, or areas under trees with lots of soggy leaf mould, decaying tree stumps and branches. The fungi live off decaying organic waste material such as fallen leaves, twigs, old grass cuttings, animal waste, buried wood, tree stumps and dead or dying trees.
To avoid mushrooms, you need to improve your lawn drainage. Here are some ways to do that:
Aerate your lawn
Aerating your lawn can improve water, nutrient and oxygen movement through the soil. This will not only improve drainage but also benefit the root health of your lawn. Timing is important, as poorly timed aeration can stress the grass. Aim for early fall when the soil is moist but not overly sodden, and lawns are not yet dormant.
Amend the soil
If you have clay-heavy soil, this can settle and compact over time, impacting drainage. Amending the soil with a top dressing of materials like sand, loam and compost that water can easily pass through can improve drainage. In some cases, you may need to till the lawn, then add seed and fertiliser.
Regrade your yard
Poor grading or sloping can contribute to drainage issues. Regrading can correct improper sloping to help with drainage and prevent water from pooling in low spots.
Install a French drain
A French drain is a trench, usually dug up to 2 feet deep and lined with gravel. A perforated pipe is placed on the gravel, and the trench is backfilled and covered with soil or stones. The location of a French drain is critical, as it needs to flow away in a downward fashion by gravity.
Mound organic material over low areas
If your yard has low spots or sunken areas that hold water, mounding organic material such as topsoil mixed with compost or rotted manure can help. Add enough to create a slight rise compared to the surrounding soil level. Repeat if standing water returns, then sow grass seed and cover with straw or another lightweight material.
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Remove organic matter
Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark environments, breaking down organic matter in your lawn. They love patches of dead grass, thick with thatch and covered in leaves. They also grow in areas under trees with lots of soggy leaf mould, decaying tree stumps and branches. The main body of the fungus lives underground, breaking down organic matter in the soil. This breaking-down function helps the soil absorb nutrients more easily, and nutrient-rich soil is then able to support good lawn growth.
To prevent mushrooms from growing, clear your lawn of organic matter. Grass clippings, leaves, and twigs can all increase moisture levels, creating an inviting environment for mushrooms. Rake up and dispose of any organic matter on your lawn, including leaves, twigs, grass cuttings, and any other waste materials. If you have an area where a tree used to stand, even if the stump is gone, the dead roots underground may encourage mushroom growth. If the stump is still there, you can have it removed. If it's gone, keep the area well-raked and aerated to improve drainage.
If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch (interwoven dead grass between the grass and soil), this can also contribute to mushroom growth, so dethatching is recommended. Thatch is an organic layer composed of old grass roots, crowns, rhizomes, and stolons that sit on the soil surface. A thatch layer greater than half an inch thick may inhibit the infiltration of water, air, and fertilizer, harbour insects, and create an environment that invites disease. Dethatching your lawn will keep it healthy by fetching out all dead grass, weeds, and moss.
Some waste materials will be hidden below the soil's surface, such as wood and large tree roots. While it may be challenging to remove these, you can take steps to minimise their impact on mushroom growth. Core aeration is the mechanical removal of soil cores from the lawn, which relieves soil compaction and manages thatch, improving water and air movement in the soil. Loosened soil allows for improved root growth. Actual soil cores must be pulled from the soil at a rate of about nine per square foot and are then left on the lawn surface to decompose. Core aeration can be done by lawn care operators or by the homeowner using rented equipment.
While it may be challenging to remove all organic matter from your lawn, by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the conditions that encourage mushroom growth.
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Dethatch your lawn
Dethatching your lawn helps keep mushrooms away. Thatch is a layer of living and dead grass shoots, stems, and roots that forms between the green grass blades and the soil surface. A thin layer of thatch (less than 0.5 inches) is beneficial to your lawn as it provides insulation and helps conserve soil moisture. However, when thatch builds up to more than 0.75 inches thick, it can cause problems. Excessive thatch can reduce drainage, prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the soil and grass roots, and increase pest and disease problems.
To determine if your lawn needs dethatching, check the thatch layer by digging up a small portion of your lawn grass and soil with a garden trowel or spade. If your thatch is 1-2 inches or more, you will likely notice poor grass colour and weak, thin growth. If your lawn has excessive thatch, you have two options: dethatching and aerating.
You can dethatch your lawn manually or with the help of equipment. For small lawns, use a dethatching rake, which is a heavy, short-tined rake with curved blades designed to dig into your lawn and pull up thatch as you rake. For larger lawns, you can rent a dethatcher (also known as a vertical cutter, verticutter, or power rake). Before beginning the dethatching process, mow your lawn to half its normal height. Use the dethatching rake to dig into the thatch and pull it upward, loosening and removing the buildup. After dethatching, use a leaf rake to get rid of the loosened thatch. If there are bare spots, use a patching product to repair them, then water your lawn to help it recover.
Keep in mind that dethatching can be time-consuming and may require multiple sessions to remove excessive thatch. Removing too much thatch at once can damage grass roots, so it is important to be cautious. If your thatch is over 2 inches thick, consider hiring a professional for the job. Additionally, avoid dethatching when your lawn is dormant or stressed, as it can cause irreversible damage. The best time to dethatch is during peak growth times for your grass type. For cool-season grasses, dethatch in late summer or early fall, while for warm-season grasses, dethatch after spring green-up as they enter early summer's peak growth.
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Cut tree branches to allow more sunlight
Mushrooms in your lawn indicate that the soil is healthy and rich in organic material. However, they may not be aesthetically pleasing to some, and they can be dangerous if ingested by children or pets. Mushrooms thrive in damp, shady environments, so one way to prevent their growth is to increase sunlight by cutting back tree branches. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Identify Problem Areas
Locate the areas in your lawn that are prone to mushroom growth. Mushrooms often appear in shady spots, particularly after rainy spells. Inspect your yard and take note of areas with dense tree coverage.
Assess Plant Placement
Evaluate the placement and condition of trees and shrubs near the problem areas. Consider which branches may be casting excessive shade onto the lawn. By identifying these branches, you can determine which ones to trim or thin out.
Cut Tree Branches
Using appropriate tools, carefully cut and trim the identified branches. The goal is to allow more sunlight to reach the previously shaded areas of the lawn. Make sure to cut the branches in a way that maintains the overall health and structure of the tree.
Thin Out Dense Branches
In addition to cutting back branches, thin out the dense branches to further increase sunlight. This involves selectively removing individual branches to create openings for sunlight to penetrate. Focus on areas with dense foliage that block sunlight from reaching the ground.
Maintain Tree and Shrub Health
After cutting and thinning, ensure the remaining trees and shrubs are well-maintained. Regular pruning and trimming will help control their growth and prevent future shade issues. Additionally, consider the overall placement of trees and shrubs, and assess whether any need to be relocated to reduce shade in specific areas.
By following these steps, you can effectively increase sunlight to your lawn by cutting and trimming tree branches. This will help create an environment less conducive to mushroom growth. Remember to dispose of any organic debris, such as cut branches, as mushrooms can feed on them. Combining this approach with other prevention methods, such as improving drainage and reducing moisture, will further help discourage mushroom growth in your lawn.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark environments, so it's best to avoid overwatering your lawn and ensure it gets enough sunlight. You can do this by pruning nearby trees and bushes.
Mushrooms feed on decaying organic matter, so it's important to keep your lawn clear of debris such as leaves, grass clippings, twigs, and animal waste. You should also dethatch your lawn to improve drainage and reduce moisture retention.
You can pull or dig up the mushrooms, being sure to remove them from the base to prevent the spores from dispersing. You can also try spraying the area with water and dish soap or applying a fungicide.
