Mushrooms in lawns are caused by fungi that live in the soil and break down organic material. The vast majority of fungal mass is below ground where it goes unseen and unnoticed until mushrooms emerge. Mushrooms are usually a good sign that your yard has a lot of organic material in the soil. They are an indication of beneficial microbial activity occurring in your soil. Mushrooms only grow when environmental conditions are just right, such as prolonged periods of wet, humid weather. They spread spores into the air and then go away when the sun comes out or the soil dries up.
To prevent mushrooms from appearing frequently, you can change the conditions in your yard. Here are some tips:
- Improve drainage by aerating your lawn to decrease the moisture that encourages mushrooms.
- Dethatch your lawn to help keep mushrooms away.
- Remove dead roots underground if a tree used to stand in the area.
- Frequently clean up after your pet to avoid animal waste left on the lawn that can bring out mushrooms.
- Reduce the amount of wood, decaying tree roots, tree leaves, or bark in the soil.
- Introduce more "leafy" material to your soil by mulching your grass clippings.
- Pay attention to how often youre watering your lawn, as too much water in the right conditions can cause your lawn to grow.
Its important to note that mushrooms are usually harmless to grasses and are almost always a good sign that the soil is healthy. They are a clear sign that nature is at work in the soil.
