What Causes Lawn Mushrooms And Are They a Concern?

Mushrooms are tasty when sautéed, mixed into pasta, or added to an omelet. However, your lawn may not be the ideal location to encounter them. Regrettably, that is precisely where they prefer to thrive. While mushrooms may not be visually appealing, they are unlikely to result in significant harm. The majority are not dangerous.

But how can you tell if the mushrooms in your yard are part of the problematic minority? What actions should you take if there are mushrooms growing in your yard? In the following sections, we will inform you about some information regarding mushrooms growing in your lawn, what they might suggest, and ways to recognize certain typical lawn mushrooms. You will also be educated on ways to restore your lawn to a healthy, fungus-free condition. Discover all the details ahead.

Is It Beneficial Or Harmful To Have Mushrooms Growing In Your yard?

In general, having mushrooms in your lawn is not a negative occurrence. Actually, it frequently indicates that your lawn has been getting ample water. Additionally, mushrooms assist in breaking down organic material, potentially increasing the amount of nutrients available in your soil. Sometimes, mushrooms may suggest that your lawn is receiving too much water or has poor drainage. (1) If you believe that there is too much moisture causing the lawn mushrooms, try changing your watering routine: you may be watering too often.

Sometimes, mushrooms can indicate lawn diseases like fairy ring. This prevalent grass infection can impact all kinds of turf, and is frequently difficult to manage. We offer personalized treatment plans to revitalize your lawn's health, strength, and liveliness.

Identifying Typical Mushrooms Found In Your Lawn

Various varieties of mushrooms may appear in your yard. Nevertheless, certain types like ink caps and foul-smelling fungi are more prevalent. Here, we will introduce some of those typical species of mushrooms found in lawns. Keep in mind that this manual is designed to assist in your comprehension of possible mushrooms on your lawn, rather than serving as an absolute mushroom identification guide.

Since there are toxic mushrooms, it's best to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar fungi. If you are unsure about the type of mushroom growing in your yard, wear gloves when removing them or seek assistance from a professional for identification and handling. With that said, continue reading for a brief overview of some lawn mushroom species our experts often come across.

Inky Caps

The Encyclopedia Britannica states that "inky caps" is a term that can be used for over 350 mushrooms in the Coprinus genus. These typical mushrooms found in lawns are frequently seen near tree stumps or at the edges of roads. Their tall caps are bullet-shaped and their black spores often darken the gills underneath the caps. Upon reaching maturity, the caps of the mushrooms turn into liquid, resulting in a distinct ink-like mark on the ground (hence the name).

Puffball Mushrooms

Puffballs are named appropriately. These mushrooms that grow on the ground are white, round-shaped, and can vary in size from that of a golf ball to larger than a beach ball, as stated by the National Park Service. Upon reaching maturity, the fruiting body of the fungus bursts open, releasing a mass resembling a cloud that contains numerous microscopic spores. Puffball mushrooms generally develop during late summer or early autumn and are commonly found in grassy areas or wherever they can thrive on decaying leaves and other organic materials.

Stinkhorns

Stinkhorns, let's just say they have a strong odor. These rapidly growing mushrooms emit a strong smell that can reach up to six inches an hour, often attracting unwanted pests such as flies. The positive news: Although they are fond of lawns and mulched areas, stinkhorns vanish rapidly. If you notice any on your lawn, you can remove them by the stem; if not, they will eventually disappear (along with their bad smell).

Mower’s Mushroom

The mower's mushroom, also known as Panaeolus foenisecii, is frequently seen on newly planted grass. These slender-stemmed mushrooms are small and range in color from tan to medium-brown, with slightly rounded conical caps. They do not damage the lawn and are typically easy to manage by watering less often.

Fairy Ring

The presence of a ring of mushrooms on your lawn typically indicates the presence of fairy ring, a form of fungal disease affecting lawns. Nonetheless, fairy rings can also appear without any mushrooms. Indications of a fairy ring may manifest as patches of discolored grass and circular dark green spots of various sizes on your lawn. Reach out to us for assistance in addressing the issue if you detect any of these fairy ring indicators in your yard.

How to Eliminate Mushrooms in Your Yard

The appearance of most plants reflects their true nature. Pulling out lawn weeds by their roots will typically result in a cure, at least for that specific weed. Fungi are distinctive. The visible part of a fungus is simply the mushroom, which acts as its fruiting body. It is what disperses the mushrooms' spores to different places, often assisted by the wind. However, eliminating the fruiting body does not eliminate the fungus as the mycelium, similar to a leafy plant's roots, is completely hidden underground and cannot be seen without a microscope. In simpler terms: Removing the visible part is simple, but managing the underlying fungus is much more challenging.

Nevertheless, there are certain actions you can take to reduce the growth of fungi in your yard. Foremost is to ensure that the soil drains effectively. Honing in on reducing thatch can improve drainage, and aeration may also be beneficial in certain situations. With this service, our lawn care specialist will aerate your lawn carefully to encourage a thicker, healthier turf. Aeration helps to loosen soil and break down thatch, benefitting drainage in a win-win situation.

Exposing the area to sunlight (whenever possible) can also aid in reducing fungal growth. You might also consider eliminating any decaying plant matter (such as fallen leaves) to limit the mushrooms' access to food. In the end, keep in mind that while mushrooms may not look nice, they are not likely to cause damage to your lawn, so don't worry too much. Your Live Love Lawn specialist can give advice on reducing mushrooms in your yard and create a personalized plan to keep your lawn in top shape.