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Controlling Lawn Fungi
Mushrooms and Toadstools appearing in lawns are common and are often an indicator of healthy soil. They are not harmful to the lawn but, for many people who strive to have an attractive lawn, they are an unwanted guest.
Why do Mushrooms and Toadstools appear in lawns?
It is quite common for mushrooms to appear in lawns if there has been some degree of disturbance of the soil. Often newly turfed or seeded lawns can suffer from this problem for a while because the fungus spores have been triggered during the landscaping process. Mushrooms and toadstools are the fruit of the fungus and tend to settle down after a period and should not persist as a long-term problem, with some not fruiting again for several years and only appearing for several weeks when they do return. However, some may find it frustrating to have spent time and money on a shiny, new lawn only to find it spotted with mushrooms.
Moist, humid, and shady conditions are also ideal for mushrooms to thrive, so you may find them more commonly in lawns lacking in sunlight or those with poor drainage.
How can I treat or control Mushrooms or Toadstools in my lawn
There are no chemical treatments that will effectively eradicate Mushrooms or Toadstools and realistically they cannot be dug out due to their deep and far-reaching rooting system. The best method of control is to brush the Toadstools off as and when they appear. This will ensure that they are removed before they have an opportunity to produce their spores (seeds) which, if released, will produce more toadstool growths. Once removed from an area it is unlikely that they will return too often.
Mushrooms love carbon-rich soil so also avoid leaving lawn clippings and piles of leaves on the lawn, as this abundance of organic matter is a feast for developing fungi and can make them grow faster and larger.
Like with many other lawn diseases and pests, if the underlying conditions causing these problems are addressed, then they are less likely to happen in future. Mowing and watering correctly, dethatching and aerating regularly and ensuring the lawn gets enough light will all help increase the overall health of the lawn and make it more resilient.
What if I have a persistent Mushroom or Toadstool problem?
If they do re-appear in the same place regularly, this is possibly an indication of an abundance of organic matter, or fungi spores. The most likely cause is the presence of decaying organic matter such as a dead tree stump or tree roots. The only solution to this problem is to dig out the entire area to a depth of approximately 40cm, remove the decaying organic matter and then replace it with fresh soil, followed by seeding or turfing.
Can I eat Fungi that appears in my lawn?
Some mushrooms that appear in lawns and UK meadows are edible and a delicacy to eat, but other can be very poisonous if digested. We strongly recommend you do your research and are 100% sure you know your mushrooms before attempting to eat them.