Ways To Get Rid Of Mushrooms In Your Yard & Lawn

Have you spotted mushroom growth in your yard? Do you want to remove mushrooms from your lawn? You’ve come to the right place!

Learn the ways to get rid of mushrooms in your yard, and prevent new mushrooms from growing with a lawn care routine.

What’s Up with Mushrooms in Your Yard?

Have you spotted wild mushrooms in lawn and wondered why they’re there? These fungi are a sign of a healthy garden. They show up when your soil is full of nutrients, which plants love. They’re like a thumbs-up from Mother Nature, saying your garden is full of life.

They appear above the ground, showing off their caps and stems, while their main body lives underground. When the time is right, mushrooms release tiny particles called spores into the air to spread and grow in new places.

However, these fungi aren’t always a welcome sight. Sometimes, they stick out like a sore thumb, disrupting the look of your perfect green lawn. And there’s a more serious side to consider: some mushrooms can be poisonous.

If you have curious pets or kids who play outside, this could be a real worry. The last thing you want is for them to accidentally touch or eat something that could make them sick.

Common Types of Mushrooms Found in Yards and Lawns

Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that pop up in our yards, and while there are countless types, some are more common than others. Let’s explore a few that you might spot growing on your lawn.

The Field Mushroom

The Field Mushroom is a familiar sight for many. It boasts a smooth, white cap and its gills, which are the underside of the mushroom, change color from pink to brown as it matures. This mushroom is often found in grassy areas and is one of the few that’s actually edible. However, it’s crucial to be absolutely sure of its identity, as it has toxic look-alikes.

The Yellow Stainer

Next up is The Yellow Stainer, named for the yellowish mark it leaves when touched or bruised. This mushroom can be tricky because it looks a lot like the Field Mushroom. However, it’s known for its strange, chemical-like smell, which is a helpful clue to avoid confusing it with its cousin. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave it alone.

Lawyer’s Wig

Another common yard mushroom is the Lawyer’s Wig, also known as Shaggy Mane. This mushroom is easy to spot with its tall, cylindrical cap covered in shaggy, white scales. It’s actually an edible mushroom, but it’s important to consume it soon after picking, as it quickly turns into a black, inky substance.

Puffballs

Puffballs are the little white orbs you might find scattered across your yard. They range in size, resembling anything from marbles to soccer balls. These mushrooms are named for the puff of spores they release when they’re squished or mature. Some puffballs are edible when young, but again, correct identification is key.

Fairy Ring Champignons

Finally, we have the Fairy Ring Champignons. These mushrooms are unique because they grow in rings, known as fairy rings, and can cause the grass inside the ring to look darker and lusher. While they create an enchanting pattern, they are a sign of the soil’s rich fungal activity beneath your feet.

Best Ways to Prevent Mushrooms From Growing In Your Lawn

Mushrooms can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem, but sometimes they pop up where we don’t want them, like in our lawns and gardens. New mushrooms may appear on your lawn in a seemingly random manner. It is important to know ways to prevent mushrooms in the yard from growing in the first place.

To maintain a mushroom-free yard, it’s important to start with regular lawn care. Removing dead organic matter and broken branches stops these fungi from finding their favorite snacks. Maintaining a healthy lawn can reduce mushroom sprouting.
Next, you’ll want to dethatch your grass. Thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings, decaying roots, and debris that can build up on your lawn. When it gets too thick, it’s like a welcome mat for mushrooms. By removing this layer, you make it harder for the fungi to settle in. You can use a special tool called a dethatcher, or even a sturdy rake, to pull up this dead stuff.
Good water flow is key to a healthy lawn, so improving lawn drainage is a must. This means making sure water doesn’t collect in puddles on your grass. Mushrooms love puddles. Fixing any spots where water gathers can make your lawn less mushroom-friendly.

Don’t forget about aeration. This is when you put small holes in the soil so that air and water can move through it better. It’s like poking holes in a straw wrapper so you can blow into it and make a wrapper worm. Aeration helps the roots of your grass grow deep and strong, which can also discourage mushrooms popping up.
Water your lawn just the right amount. Water your grass only when it needs it, and do it during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening. This helps to reduce the chances of mushrooms because they love wet and warm conditions.
Finally, using a high nitrogen fertilizer can give your grass the boost it needs to be less inviting to mushrooms. Nitrogen helps your lawn grow thick and lush, which makes it tough for the fungi to push through.
By following these steps, you can keep your lawn looking great and discourage mushrooms from moving in. Remember, consistency is key, so keep up with these practices for the best results!

How To Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing In The Yard

While some mushrooms are harmless, others can be a sign of deeper issues or even be dangerous to pets and kids if they’re toxic.

Handpicking is a straightforward method to start with. Pop on a pair of gloves to protect your hands and gently pluck the unwanted mushrooms from the soil. This is a quick fix and can help keep your yard tidy.
For a more natural approach, consider using household items that alter the soil’s acidity. Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water on the affected areas can create an unfriendly environment for mushrooms. Another option is to mix baking soda or dish soap with water and apply it to your lawn. These solutions might stop mushrooms from coming back, but be cautious with the quantity you use. Too much can harm your grass instead of just killing mushrooms.
When dealing with persistent fungi, you might think about commercial products. You can find these in garden stores, labeled as fungicides. They’re designed to target the visible parts of mushrooms. But remember, they won’t remove the root of the problem, which is the extensive network of fungus living beneath the soil. When using fungicides, follow the instructions carefully to protect your lawn’s health and local wildlife.
Ultimately, mushrooms thrive in moist, shady conditions. To prevent future growth, ensure your yard gets plenty of sunlight and doesn’t hold water. Regularly aerating your lawn soil and removing excess thatch can also help.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Some mushrooms that grow in lawns and plants are harmless. Others mushrooms are poisonous to humans and pets, and may even cause lawn diseases. It is important to know how to kill the mushrooms. Equally important is to stop mushrooms from returning.

Remove the Mushrooms: Use a rake or shovel to remove the mushrooms from your yard. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands if you’re handpicking them.
Adjust Watering: Mushrooms thrive in moist environments. Try to water your lawn in the morning so the soil has time to dry out during the day.
Improve Drainage: If your lawn or garden has poor drainage, consider aerating the soil or adding organic matter to improve water absorption.
Reduce Shade: Mushrooms mostly live in shady, damp areas. Prune back trees and bushes to increase sunlight and airflow.
Use Fungicide: There are many fungicides available that can help kill and prevent growth of mushrooms in your lawn and garden. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply the fungicide as directed.
Mow your Lawn: Keep your lawn mowed to reduce the moisture in the soil and remove any existing mushrooms.