WHY ARE MUSHROOMS GROWING IN THE LAWN?
Are Lawn Mushrooms a Good or Bad Sign for a Lawn?
A few mushrooms in your lawn are not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, they are often a positive sign! Mushrooms are the reproductive structures of fungi, and both bacteria and fungi are essential components of healthy soil. The presence of mushrooms indicates that the soil is in good condition. Healthy soils are home to millions, if not billions, of beneficial microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and earthworms.
Lawn mushrooms are a clear indication that beneficial microbes are actively working in your lawn, contributing to the overall ecosystem of your yard.
Lawn Mushrooms are a Sign of a Living Soil
Healthy Lawns Have Mushrooms!
Mushrooms are more than just a culinary delight; they signal the presence of nutrient-rich, fungi-filled soil, which depends on organic matter from trees and shrubs for its vitality. Fungi play an essential role in decomposing lignin-based organic materials found in various woody substances, such as tree roots, stumps, leaves, decaying mulch, and twigs.
The benefits of fungi-rich soils are significant, particularly their ability to break down tough organic matter, including tree leaves, stems, and thatch. With their potent enzymes, fungi can effectively decompose woody materials and even animal bones, making them crucial for a thriving ecosystem. You’ll often discover mushrooms flourishing near the decaying organic matter that poses challenges for other decomposers.
Moreover, certain mushrooms can be spotted under the drip line of trees, indicating the vital mycorrhizal associations at play. Mycorrhiza, meaning “fungus roots,” encompasses beneficial fungi that bolster plant resilience in stressful conditions, such as low fertility, drought, extreme temperatures, and root pathogens. Embracing fungi-rich soils not only enriches the environment but also supports plant health and biodiversity.
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in a Lawn?
Mushrooms are a Sign of Decaying Wood
Mushrooms tend to appear in lawns primarily when there is decaying wood present. To eliminate mushrooms, you need to remove the decaying woody material from your lawn.
To reduce the presence of mushrooms, consider adding more leafy materials, such as grass clippings and vegetable leaves, rather than tree leaves, into the soil. One effective way to do this is by mulching the grass clippings into the soil. Soils rich in bacteria typically contain more leafy food sources compared to woody ones. Conversely, soils that are abundant in fungi tend to have lignin-based food sources, like decaying wood and tree leaves. Achieving a balanced ratio of bacteria and fungi in the soil can help minimize mushroom growth.
Mushrooms often appear after periods of excessive moisture, as this extra water can boost beneficial microbial activity and provide the fungi with the ability to produce a fruiting body which is the mushroom itself. Importantly, mushrooms are not harmful to your lawn; in fact, their presence is usually a positive indicator! They signify healthy soil, which is essential for promoting vigorous lawns and strong trees. Most of the time, mushrooms will disappear as quickly as they appear.
If you notice mushrooms in your lawn, understand that they are breaking down woody organic matter in the soil, and contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
The lawn in Boulder, Colorado, is experiencing a significant mushroom problem that arose after heavy rainfall. Nearby, there is a tree stump, which is likely contributing to the issue. The mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that are feeding on the decaying tree stump.
Mushrooms in a Lawn FAQs
Is Using a Fungicide to Kill Mushrooms in a Lawn a Good or Bad Idea?
Using fungicide to kill mushrooms in a lawn is generally not recommended. While fungicides may eliminate the visible mushrooms, they do not address the underlying mycelium, which is the root system that produces them. Additionally, some fungicides can harm beneficial fungi in the soil, disrupting the ecosystem. Mushrooms often appear as part of a natural decomposition process, and removing them can interfere with soil health.
Instead of applying fungicide, it is better to focus on improving lawn care practices. This can include reducing excess moisture, improving drainage, and aerating the soil. We do not recommend using fungicides, as they can cause more harm than good. Mushrooms are an indication of beneficial microbes at work in your lawn, which contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Applying fungicide will kill the beneficial microbial activity in the soil and lead to a decline in soil health. Healthy soils that are rich in microbial activity are essential for effective organic lawn and tree care. Attempting to prevent mushrooms from growing by killing beneficial microbes will result in various negative consequences.
It’s best to let the mushrooms be—they will typically disappear almost as quickly as they appeared.
Are Lawn Mushrooms Poisonous?
Not all mushrooms that grow in lawns are poisonous, but some can be toxic. While many mushrooms are harmless, others contain dangerous toxins that can cause severe illness or even death if ingested. It is crucial to never consume wild mushrooms unless they have been positively identified by an expert. Common poisonous varieties, such as those in the Amanita genus, can be fatal. If you find mushrooms in your lawn, it’s safest to avoid contact with them and seek professional advice if you suspect they may be harmful.
There are many different varieties of mushrooms that can grow in lawns, and distinguishing a poisonous mushroom from an edible one can be very challenging. While it is extremely rare to find a deadly mushroom in a lawn, it can happen. Notably, the first case of a poisonous mushroom found growing in a Colorado lawn occurred in 2018.
Before eating any mushroom that you find in your lawn, please contact a mushroom expert. If you’re concerned about mushrooms in your yard, you can remove and dispose of them to keep your dogs and children safe. Always exercise extreme caution when handling unfamiliar mushrooms.