Mushrooms Growing on Your Lawn? Here’s What’s Going On

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.