Why Are Mushrooms Growing In My Lawn And What Does It Mean?

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Copyright (c) 2013 Alpine Laurel

Mushrooms growing in your lawn isn't what you would like to see. There are many things it can signal to you. Most of the time, mushrooms aren't going to be a serious problem so you don't really need to worry about it too much. You can remove them by hand if you feel they are unsightly.

Healthy Lawn

Mushrooms on your lawn may not look appealing, but they aren't a serious problem either. Many people don't realize it, but when you see mushrooms growing, it is a sign of a very healthy lawn. Mushrooms are a form of fungi and they will aid in breaking down dead organic materials. This allows more organic nutrients for your grass.

Excess Moisture

When mushrooms are growing in your lawn, it means that there is excess moisture. This could be due to heavy rains and there isn't anything you can do about that. However, if it is sunny during the day and not much rain, it could mean you are watering more than you need to. The extra water is being retained in the soil and that has made conditions right for the mushrooms to grow.

Sometimes, mushrooms will show up due to the amount of watering that new sods needs. If the temperatures are warm, the conditions could be perfect for mushrooms to develop. Within a few weeks of adding the new sod though the watering will be cut back. That should be enough to resolve the problem.

Extra Shade

If you notice that the mushrooms are growing in a shaded area provided by trees, plants, or bushes it may be time to trim them. By allowing more sunlight to get to those areas once again it can take care of the situation in no time at all. Sometimes, an old stump is the culprit for them growing so having it removed will alleviate the problem.

Mowing

If you mow your lawn regularly, thatch isn't going to build up. Too much thatch can provide the right conditions for mushrooms to grow. Avoid leaving clipping longer than 1 inch on the lawn after mowing.

Raking

Every few months, take the time to thoroughly rake your lawn. Removing old leaves, debris, and old mulch is going to reduce the ability for the mushrooms to grow. If you have outdoor pets, make sure you clean up their feces daily. This will reduce the chances of mushrooms growing too.

Aerate

It is a good idea to aerate your lawn annually. This process allows for better air flow and for better drainage. This is a great way to prevent the soil from remaining damp and creating the ideal conditions for the mushrooms to start to grow.

Conclusion

Mushrooms growing on your lawn isn't something to be alarmed by. If you decide not to do anything about it that is definitely an option. If you do decide to take action, make sure it is positive. Don't rely on any types of chemicals to kill the mushrooms and they can also be harmful to your lawn and to the environment.

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