Mushrooms might look strange, but they’re actually a sign that your soil is doing its job. Mushrooms are the above-ground fruiting part of a fungus—think of them like apples on a tree. The rest of the fungus lives in the soil, where it breaks down organic matter like old roots, leaves, or even grass clippings. All this decaying material makes for a feast for fungi!

Are They a Problem?

The good news is that the vast majority of mushrooms popping up in your lawn are harmless to both your grass and your pets. They might be a bit of an eyesore, but they’re also an indicator of healthy, active soil.

Getting Rid of Mushrooms

• Temporary fix: If you simply don’t like the look of them, knocking them over or raking them up will do the trick. They usually disappear on their own as the weather dries out.
• Longer-term management: To reduce mushroom appearances in the long term, focus on creating a less favorable environment for fungi. Here’s how:
  • Watering: Mushrooms thrive in moist environments. Adjust your watering habits to avoid creating constantly soggy soil. This encourages deeper root growth in your grass and discourages fungal growth near the surface.
  • Aeration: Compacted soil can trap moisture and create ideal conditions for mushrooms. Aeration ican improve drainage and air circulation. This allows excess moisture to escape and makes the environment less hospitable for fungi.
  • Dethatching: A thick thatch layer, a buildup of dead grass stems and clippings at the base of grass plants, can trap moisture near the soil surface. This creates a prime breeding ground for mushrooms. Dethatching your lawn removes this layer, improving air circulation and reducing moisture buildup.

What about Poisonous Mushrooms?

While most lawn mushrooms are harmless, accurately identifying mushroom types can be tricky. If you have young children or pets who might put things in their mouths, it’s safest to err on caution and remove any mushrooms you see. If you’re seriously concerned, contact your local university extension service or a mycologist (mushroom expert) for help with identification.

A dead, brown lawn is a major eyesore and a source of frustration. You want that lush green carpet back, and you want it fast! While there’s no magic wand to restore a dead lawn instantly (unless you call a professional to come and rip it apart and drop sod in), the good news is that you can often revive it with the right steps. The key to getting the fastest results is figuring out what happened to your grass.

Is Your Grass Really Dead?

Before you panic, take a closer look. Brown grass doesn’t always mean it’s completely gone. Some grass types go dormant during drought or extreme heat, turning brown to conserve energy. A quick “tug test” will tell you the truth – gently tug on a handful of brown grass. If the blades break off easily, it’s likely dead. If they hold on, there’s still hope! Dormant grass often greens right back up with regular watering.

It’s Not Magic, But It Can Be Fast

Click here for landscaping ideas without hiring costly designers

Reviving a dead lawn takes a little time and effort. However, you can see significant improvement quite quickly by figuring out why your grass died and taking the right steps. Here’s a timeline to set your expectations:

• Weeks 1-2: Once you address the underlying cause (like adding water in a drought or aerating compacted soil), you should start to see signs of recovery, especially in minor damage situations. New grass seeds will begin to germinate during this time.
• Months 1-3: With continued care (watering, mowing at the right height), your lawn should be well on its way to recovery. Overseeded areas will be filling in, and overall greenness will be improving.
• Beyond 3 Months: With proper maintenance, your lawn should be fully revived and thriving by the end of the growing season.

What to Do If Your Grass is Dead

If your grass failed the tug test, don’t despair. Here’s what you need to do based on how severe the damage is:

• Minor Damage:  If you have patches of dead grass or an overall thinning lawn, overseeding is your friend. This involves spreading new grass seed over the damaged areas while also providing a boost with fertilizer to give your existing grass some extra love.
• Significant Damage:  When larger areas are affected, look deeper. Soil compaction can suffocate roots. Aerating your lawn will help. A heavy thatch layer can also block water and nutrients – dethatching can make a big difference. If insects or diseases are the culprits, you’ll need targeted treatments.
• Widespread Death: In cases of extreme damage, sometimes starting fresh is the most practical (though not necessarily the fastest) solution. Reseeding a large area or laying new sod can give you the fresh green lawn you crave.