Say goodbye to yard fungi and enjoy a beautiful, mushroom-free yard.
Seemingly overnight, mushrooms can pop up all over your yard.
If you strive for aneat and tidy lawn, you may not be too enthusiastic about their arrival.
Credit:Getty Images / landbysea
Why are they there?
Is there anything you’re free to do about these weird growths?
While it might seem like mushrooms are randomly appearing, theres actually a complex process involved.
Mushrooms appear when the environmental conditions are favorable to reproduce.
The underground vegetative structure, called the mycelia, feed on decomposing organic matter.
With ideal conditionstypically high humidity and a period of rainfallthe fruiting bodies develop.
But homeowners may not be as excited to see those mushrooms spread.
Read on for tips on how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard.
Mow them, kick them over, or use a golf wedge, says Waltz.
Theyll decomposequickly if knocked over.
Fungicides typically arent effective because you cant get them down deep enough underground to prevent the fruiting bodies.
However, remember that this will not remove the fungi underground, just the visible mushrooms.
Dont be surprised if they pop up again.
As long as conditions are right, theyll be back, says Waltz.
Why Do I Have Mushrooms In My Yard?
But even though some people find mushrooms unsightly, they wont damage your lawn.
What Causes Fairy Rings?
Some species emerge in a circular or semi-circular shape, called a fairy ring.
Its often more noticeable onunder-fertilized lawns.
Rarely, this area may become a localized brown spot.
Are Yard Mushrooms Poisonous?
You may wonder if the mushrooms in your yard are dangerous.
Maybe, maybe not.
On the other hand, even toxic mushrooms are not poisonous to touch.
They may cause skin reactions, but toxic mushrooms are harmful only if ingested.
Can I Keep Mushrooms From Growing In My Yard?
Unfortunately, no, and both warm and cool season grass types are susceptible.
Published Aug 26, 2019.
Fairy ring prevention and control.Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
Managing mushrooms in the lawn.
Moore J.Why Mushrooms Grow In My Yard (Sometimes).NC State Extension Homegrown.
Published Nov 30, 2021.
