To get rid of mushrooms in your yard effectively, follow these key steps:
Remove Existing Mushrooms
- Pull mushrooms out from the base as soon as you see them to reduce spore spread and prevent ingestion by children or pets. Wear gloves and dispose of them in a sealed bag
- Mowing over mushrooms can chop them up and make removal easier, but be sure to collect and dispose of the pieces properly
Eliminate Food Sources
- Mushrooms feed on organic matter like leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and dead roots. Regularly rake and remove these materials from your lawn to limit mushroom growth
Improve Lawn Conditions
- Reduce thatch: Dethatch your lawn to remove the layer of dead organic matter that fosters fungi
- Aerate soil: Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage and reduce soggy conditions that favor mushrooms
- Improve drainage: Fix any drainage issues to prevent standing water or waterlogged soil
- Reduce shade: Trim back overgrown trees and bushes to increase sunlight exposure, as mushrooms thrive in shady, damp environments
Adjust Watering Practices
- Avoid overwatering; water deeply but infrequently, preferably in the morning to allow the lawn to dry during the day
Use Treatments if Needed
- Natural fungicides: Spray mushrooms with diluted vinegar (4 parts water to 1 part vinegar) or a mild dish soap solution to kill them. Be cautious as these can harm other plants
- Fungicides: For persistent problems, apply a fungicide formulated for mushrooms, following all label instructions carefully
Additional Tips
- Use inorganic mulches like rocks or gravel instead of organic mulches that provide food for fungi
- Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to speed up decomposition of organic matter, reducing food for mushrooms
- Always assume mushrooms in your yard could be poisonous and avoid consuming them
By combining physical removal, improving lawn health and drainage, adjusting watering, and using treatments as needed, you can effectively reduce and prevent mushrooms in your yard
