Lawn mushrooms, toadstools, and fairy rings are a common sight, especially after rainy periods or when the soil is rich in organic material. While they aren’t typically harmful to your grass, they can be an eyesore or even a nuisance for people who want a pristine lawn.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely remove these fungi and reduce the chances of them coming back.
Step 1: Understand why mushrooms, toadstools, and fairy rings appear
- Mushrooms/toadstools are part of a fungus that lives off organic matter in the soil. They often grow in shaded, damp areas or where there is decaying matter, such as old roots or tree stumps.
- Fairy rings are a type of mushroom growth pattern that forms rings on the grass. This is due to the fungus feeding on decomposing organic material, which leads to patches of green or brown grass in ring shapes.
Mushrooms often don’t harm your lawn, and they indicate good organic content in the soil. Removing them is more for appearance and reducing spores that spread.
Step 2: Remove mushrooms and toadstools by hand
- Wear Gloves: Mushrooms are generally safe to handle, but wearing gloves adds an extra layer of protection, especially if you’re unsure about the mushroom type.
- Pick Early: Remove mushrooms as soon as you see them, ideally before they start to release spores. This prevents new mushrooms from forming.
- Dispose Properly: Place the mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag and throw them away in the trash. Do not compost them, as the spores could spread.
Step 3: Aerate your lawn
Mushrooms and fairy rings tend to thrive in areas with compacted, damp soil. Aerating helps improve soil drainage and reduces the ideal conditions for mushroom growth.
- Use a lawn aerator to punch small holes across your lawn, allowing better air, water, and nutrient flow to the roots.
- Focus on problem areas: Pay extra attention to parts of the lawn where mushrooms frequently appear. Aerating these areas can prevent moisture buildup.
Step 4: Remove excess organic material
Since fungi feed on decomposing organic material, reducing this material in your soil can minimise mushroom growth.
- Remove thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that builds up on the soil surface. Use a thatch rake to remove it.
- Clear decaying roots and wood: If possible, remove old roots, buried wood, or other organic debris under the soil. This includes remnants from previous tree stumps or buried wood chips.
Step 5: Adjust your watering routine
Overwatering can create the perfect environment for mushroom growth.
- Water in the morning: This gives the soil a chance to dry during the day, which can deter fungi.
- Reduce watering frequency: If your lawn is regularly damp, consider cutting back on the frequency of watering. Aim to keep your lawn moist but not overly wet.
Step 6: Deal with fairy rings
Fairy rings can be especially challenging to remove since the fungus often penetrates deep into the soil.
- Soak the area: Water the ring area deeply to help break up the fungus.
- Dig out affected Areas: For stubborn rings, you may need to dig out several inches of soil within the ring and replace it with new soil.
Step 7: Maintain lawn health to prevent recurrence
- Mow regularly: Keep your lawn healthy by mowing regularly.
- Limit shaded areas: If possible, trim back trees or bushes that overly shade your lawn. This will increase sun exposure, which dries out the soil and deters fungal growth.
To get rid of lawn mushrooms, toadstools, and fairy rings, it’s best to start by addressing the root causes of fungal growth: moisture, organic material, and compacted soil. By following these steps, you can reduce and even eliminate unsightly fungi from your lawn while maintaining a healthy grass foundation.
Did you know our local lawn care experts can take the time and hassle away from dealing with these common lawn invaders? Get in touch today to learn more about our disease control, lawn aeration and moss and thatch control (scarification) treatments.
