Mushrooms can appear unexpectedly, turning a well-kept lawn into something that looks untidy or even concerning. While their sudden growth often leaves homeowners puzzled, the real challenge is knowing how to address them effectively. If you've been searching for practical ways how to get rid of mushrooms in lawn, you're in the right place. This guide will help you take control and keep your lawn looking clean, healthy, and free from unwanted fungi.
Why Are Mushrooms Growing in Lawns?
Mushrooms are actually the fruiting bodies of underground fungi. They release spores to create more mushrooms. Below the surface, these fungi grow through a network called mycelia, which can spread quickly, up to half a mile in a day.
You may notice mushrooms growing in lawn areas that are shady, damp, and rich in organic material. Fungi feed on decaying matter like fallen leaves, old grass clippings, wood, or tree roots. They’re nature’s recyclers, breaking down waste and releasing nutrients into the soil. This process helps plant growth, but it also means more mushrooms.
Lawn mushrooms thrive in wet, humid conditions. Poor drainage and overwatering create the perfect habitat. If your lawn stays damp and shaded, you’ll likely see mushrooms appear, especially if there's buried organic debris beneath the surface.
Are Mushrooms Bad for Your Lawns?
Mushrooms in your lawn are generally not a sign of poor health. In fact, they indicate healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Mushrooms thrive in environments where there is plenty of organic matter for them to feed on, such as decomposing leaves and roots.
While some mushrooms can be toxic if ingested, they are typically harmless to touch. Even poisonous varieties are dangerous only if consumed, not from skin contact. If you have children or pets, it's a good idea to remove them to avoid any risks. Though mushrooms don’t harm your grass or cause disease, many people choose to remove them for aesthetic reasons.
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Lawn (Step-by-Step)
To get mushrooms under control, you need to address both the surface growth and the conditions that let them thrive. Here’s a step-by-step plan.
Step 1: Identify the Cause
Mushrooms and toadstools grow in moist, shaded areas with decaying material. Sometimes they form fairy rings—circular patches of mushrooms and discolored grass. These rings appear because the fungus feeds on underground matter, creating visible changes above.
While fungi are natural soil builders, controlling them is more about appearance and prevention.
Step 2: Remove Mushrooms by Hand
As soon as you see mushrooms, pick them.
- Wear gloves.While many mushrooms are safe to touch, some can irritate skin or be toxic.
- Pick early.Remove mushrooms before they release spores. This stops them from spreading.
- Seal and trash.Put mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag and throw them away. Don’t compost them, or the spores could return.
Step 3: Aerate the Lawn
Compacted soil holds moisture, which mushrooms love. Aerating breaks up the soil and allows better air and water flow.
- Use a lawn aerator or a garden fork to create holes across the yard.
- Focus on areas where mushrooms frequently appear. These spots may hold more moisture or decaying matter.
Learn more ways to aerate your lawn with eufy guides.
Step 4: Clear Organic Debris
Fungi thrive on decaying material, so reduce their food supply.
- Remove thatch.This is the layer of dead grass and debris on your lawn. Use a dethatching rake to clear it out.
- Eliminate buried wood.If you have old tree roots, stumps, or buried wood chips, remove them if possible. These hidden materials fuel mushroom growth.
Step 5: Adjust Watering Habits
Moisture is one of the top reasons mushrooms keep coming back.
- Water in the morning.This gives the soil time to dry out during the day.
- Water less often.If your lawn stays wet, reduce watering frequency. Your goal is to keep the lawn slightly moist, not soggy.
Step 6: Treat Fairy Rings
Fairy rings can be stubborn. They may leave patches of green or brown grass in circular patterns.
- Soak the area deeply.Use a sprinkler or soaker hose to saturate the ring. This can help break up the fungal growth.
- Replace soil if needed.You can try digging out the top layer of soil where the ring appears, but most of the time, simple steps like aerating the lawn, using surfactants, and feeding it with nitrogen work just as well—and with less effort.
Step 7: Promote Lawn Health
A strong, well-kept lawn makes it harder for mushrooms to grow.
- Reduce shade.Trim overhanging trees or bushes. Sunlight naturally dries out damp areas and prevents fungi from thriving.
- Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.This helps your grass grow stronger and makes it less hospitable to mushrooms.
- Mow regularly.Don’t let your grass get too long. Shorter grass allows better air circulation and dries out faster.
For a more hands-off approach to lawn upkeep, automated solutions like robot lawn mowers can help. Products like the eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18 and eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 are designed to simplify mowing while maintaining an evenly trimmed lawn. These smart mowers use pure vision FSD technology, so there’s no need for wires or signal stations. With accurate mapping and obstacle detection, they ensure full coverage and avoid collisions in complex gardens. The E18 covers up to 0.3 acres, while the E15 is ideal for lawns up to 0.2 acres, making them great options for effortless, consistent lawn care.
Practical Tips to Prevent Mushrooms from Growing in Lawns
Now that you’ve removed the mushrooms, it’s time to stop them from coming back. Here are some preventative tips:
- Clear the lawn regularly.Pick up leaves, grass clippings, and twigs. Organic debris keeps the soil moist and provides food for fungi.
- Dethatch often.Removing dead grass and moss improves air flow and reduces fungal habitat.
- Improve drainage.If water pools in your yard after rain, consider adding soil amendments or regrading.
- Aerate annually.This not only helps prevent mushrooms but also strengthens your lawn.
- Water wisely.Only water is needed when the grass starts to wilt, and it should be done early in the day. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which leads to soggy topsoil.
- Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer.A strong lawn competes better with fungi. The best time to fertilize is during the growing season—spring and fall in most parts of the U.S.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get rid of mushrooms in lawn is key to keeping your yard clean, safe, and healthy. While mushrooms signal good soil, they’re not always welcome. By tackling the root causes—moisture, organic waste, and compaction—you can eliminate current growth and prevent future outbreaks. With a few simple steps and ongoing care, your lawn can stay fungus-free all year round.
FAQs
How do I stop mushrooms from growing in my lawn?
To stop mushrooms from growing, reduce excess moisture and remove decaying organic matter like leaves, old roots, or wood. Improve drainage by aerating your lawn and avoid overwatering. Keep your grass short and remove thatch regularly. Increasing sunlight by trimming trees can also help. These steps create a less favorable environment for fungi and discourage future mushroom growth.
What is the best mushroom killer for lawns?
Fungicides labeled for lawn use can help control mushrooms, but they often treat the symptom rather than the cause. The best approach is to remove the food source fungi feed on—such as buried wood or old roots—and improve lawn conditions. If using a product, choose one safe for grass and follow directions carefully. Organic options like vinegar or baking soda may help but are less effective long-term.
How do I permanently get rid of mushrooms?
To permanently remove mushrooms, focus on changing the environment they thrive in. Aerate the soil, improve drainage, remove buried organic material, and cut back shade to reduce moisture. Adjust your watering habits and mow regularly. Removing the mushrooms alone isn’t enough—they’ll keep returning unless the root cause is addressed. With consistent lawn care and prevention steps, you can stop mushrooms from coming back for good.
Why are mushrooms growing in my grass?
Mushrooms grow in grass when the soil is moist, shady, and rich in organic material like dead roots or leaves. They are the visible part of fungi living underground, breaking down debris and enriching the soil. Their presence usually means your soil is healthy, not harmful. However, if the area stays damp or has poor drainage, mushrooms are more likely to appear frequently.