How to stop mushrooms from growing in your lawn, according to horticultural experts
Have you spotted mushrooms sprouting up in your lawn? Here's what you can do to get rid of them
You might think mushrooms growing in your grass are a whimsical rarity, but fungi are quite common. When conditions are right, they can pop up quickly, but with some varieties being poisonous, it's important to know how to deal with them once they appear.
Even when you've avoided all the lawn care mistakes, grass can often surprise us with random brown patches, weed growth and, in some cases, a sudden fungi infestation. And while you may welcome the addition, especially if you're one for cottage garden ideas, there are a few reasons you might not want to keep them around.
Whether you've got pets, young kids or simply don't like the look of them, we've spoken with horticulture experts to gain professional advice on removing lawn mushrooms and how to stop them returning.
How can you stop mushrooms from growing in your lawn?
The same way you might want to get rid of moss in your lawn, mushrooms can be a bit of an eyesore and get in the way of you having a perfectly manicured lawn.
"You can't completely stop mushrooms from appearing because the fungus itself usually lives unseen in the soil, but you can make the lawn less inviting," says Dr Russell Sharp, Founder of Eutrema. "Start by removing obvious sources of decaying organic matter such as buried old roots, rotting wood or thick layers of thatch. Then improve drainage and airflow through the soil."
"A garden fork or lawn aerator can help if the ground is compacted, while scarifying will remove excess thatch that stays damp for long periods. Avoid overwatering as well. If mushrooms appear, simply pick or mow them off before they open fully. That won't kill the fungus underneath, but it stops the lawn from being covered in fruiting bodies," he adds.
As Dr Russell says, mowing your lawn won't remove the fungus completely, but it can make your grass safer for pets and children.
Dr Russell is an innovator, best known for developing the range of plant care products offered by his company, Eutrema.
Why have I suddenly got mushrooms in my lawn?
If you've been sorting the garden out and suddenly come across mushrooms in your lawn, that doesn't mean anything is wrong. It simply means the conditions are ideal.
"A sudden flush usually means the weather has created the right conditions for fungi that were already there. Warm, damp soil after a period of rain is ideal, especially if there's plenty of organic material for the fungus to feed on," points out Dr Russell.
"Sometimes mushrooms appear after a tree or hedge has been removed because old roots are still rotting underground. They can also show up after new turf or compost has been added, simply because you've introduced more organic matter and moisture into the soil," he adds.
Is there a spray to kill mushrooms in the lawn?
While you might be taking a rewilding approach to gardening and want to avoid chemicals, mushrooms can still pose a threat. So your hand may be forced to try something other than sustainable garden ideas for a solution.
"There are fungicide sprays that can be used on mushrooms, but these may not always be effective," says Richard Barker, horticulture expert and Commercial Director at LBS Horticulture. "Fungicides will only target the visible part of the mushroom and will not kill the underground network of fungi."
"Mushrooms can also be temporary, usually appearing after wet weather and disappearing on their own once soil dries out," he adds.
Luckily, mushrooms aren't exactly one of the best-growing plants for drought, which is why you probably won't come across them so much during summer.
With 4 years in the industry, Richard is a gardening expert at LBS Horticulture. He is keen to share his knowledge with both experienced and beginner gardeners, and prides himself on keeping up to date with the latest horticultural trends.
How long do mushrooms last in grass?
If you're particularly worried about mushroom sightings in your lawn, the good news is they don't tend to stick around for too long.
"Mushrooms usually last for a few days in grass before they rot or dry up by themselves. They appear soon after wet weather, but dry conditions can make them shrivel up and disappear within a day or two. If the weather stays wet and humid, outbreaks can remain for a week or more," explains Richard.
What are the dangers of mushrooms growing in a lawn?
As mentioned previously, it's no secret that mushrooms can pose a potential risk if they're a poisonous variety, so it is best to act quickly and get rid of them manually when you can.
"For the lawn itself, most mushrooms aren't a problem at all. The main concern is safety because some species are poisonous if eaten, and it's very difficult for a non-expert to identify every mushroom correctly," says Dr Russell.
"If you have young children or pets that might pick them up, I'd remove them as soon as you see them and dispose of them safely. A heavy flush can also make the lawn look untidy, but that's usually cosmetic," he continues.
So when you're out watering your garden plants or scarifying your lawn, be sure to keep an eye out for any fungi hiding in your grass.
If you're looking to try meadowscaping your garden, you may want to leave the mushrooms to grow. This won't have any negative effect on your other plants; just ensure you keep any curious hands away from the fungi.
