Normally, fungus growing in your yard is not a good thing. However, lawn mushrooms are not all bad. Learn about the good, the bad, and the fungi, and what to do so the situation doesn’t get out of hand.

Why Mushrooms are in Your Yard

Since mushrooms are a type of fungi, and we’ve all been taught that fungi can lead to lawn disease, the initial reaction to seeing mushrooms in the lawn is not always positive. But, there are such things as beneficial bacteria. Mushrooms are a sign that the soil is ripe with hardworking microbes.

You’re more likely to see mushrooms in moist, shaded areas around trees and roots. As organic matter from tree roots, stumps, leaves, mulch, and other natural materials decompose it creates a healthy, fungi rich soil. Here’s how mushrooms can be helpful:

• This type of soil is better at breaking down woody material.
• It helps plants overcome stress, drought, and extreme temperatures.
• Mushroom root systems help the soil retain water.

There are some causes for concern when you see an abundance of mushrooms in your lawn.

• Your lawn may be overwatered or draining poorly.
• Mushrooms are a sign of some lawn diseases like fairy ring.
• Some mushrooms can be toxic to humans and pets.

If you’re worried about the amount of mushrooms in your yard, there are ways to help prevent too much fungal growth.

How to Get Rid of Lawn Mushrooms

Prevention is the best way to keep mushrooms at bay.

1. Don’t overwater trees, grass, or plants
2. Protect tree roots from mechanical damage from lawn tools
3. Avoid soil compaction
4. Remove decaying wood material
5. Add more leafy material, such as grass clippings and vegetable leaves, as mulch.

It’s not recommended to apply fungicide to treat mushrooms. This can kill beneficial microbes and do more damage to the soil. Mushrooms typically disappear quickly from the lawn, so it’s not something you need to rush to treat. Just be cautious about any pets or people around lawn mushrooms. It’s rare to find a poisonous variety growing in your lawn, but it’s possible.

For more help maintaining your lawn to be healthy and/or mushroom-free, contact Cardinal Lawns. Our lawn care specialists can help plan the best treatments for rich, airy soil that supports optimal plant and grass growth.