Some types of fungus are very dangerous for lawns. However, typical yard mushrooms don’t pose much of a threat. You may want to get rid of them, though. We lawn treatment professionals are here to explain why they grow and how to get rid of them when they do.
Why Are Mushrooms Growing In My Lawn?
Mushrooms Love Healthy Lawns
If you have mushrooms growing in your lawn, it’s actually a good sign for your lawn! Mushrooms only grow in lawns that have enough organic matter for them to thrive. This organic matter also provides nutrients for your grass.
Of course, just because mushrooms grow in your healthy lawn doesn’t necessarily mean you want them there. However, if you only have a few mushrooms sprouting occasionally across your lawn, you don’t actually have to do anything to them. They’re not hurting your lawn.
Mushrooms Grow After Rain
Mushrooms need moisture to grow. They need much more moisture than is normally found in soil. For this reason, mushrooms tend to grow after a particularly rainy period.
Mushrooms also don’t like sunlight. They prefer damp, shady conditions, which explains why mushrooms are much more common in forests than they are in yards.
If it has rained recently, you may notice mushrooms starting to grow. This isn’t much of a cause for concern, but if you notice a LOT of mushrooms all growing in one place it can be a bit unsightly. Here’s how to get rid of them.
How To Get Rid Of Mushrooms In Your Lawn
Remove old tree stumps
Tree stumps and other decaying plant matter is the biggest culprit implicated in mushroom growth. This is because many types of fungi feed on decaying organic matter.
Getting tree stump removal or getting rid of old decaying logs that are lying in your yard will reduce the amount of decaying matter that mushrooms can use as food.
Decrease shade in mushroom-filled areas
Mushrooms don’t like sunlight. They thrive in the shade, where it’s cooler and where there is less light. You are most likely to notice mushroom growth in shadier areas, such as near trees or shrubs.
To decrease the shade that mushrooms have, trim your branches on trees, bushes, and shrubs that grow nearby. This will allow for more sunlight in shady areas, preventing mushroom growth.
Remove pet waste
Pet waste also allows for mushroom growth, as there are nutrients present in fecal matter. You may notice mushrooms growing from old dog droppings. Removing this waste can prevent a good amount of mushroom growth.
If you are having difficulty getting rid of mushrooms on your lawn, it may be time to consult professionals with lawn care in Alpharetta. They can help identify the source of the problem and develop a plan to get rid of the mushrooms for good.
