Mushrooms: The Unsightly Fungus in Your Lawn

Did you know mushrooms have the ability to recycle agricultural wastes and actually feed off of decaying matter?

  It’s a pretty interesting fact to ponder, but when mushrooms decide to take up a presence in a nicely groomed lawn they also have the ability to cause a headache for a homeowner.

The most common reason for mushroom development is because of buried scraps that have started to decay. This can be caused from construction lumber, dead tree roots, or other organic matter that has started to decompose.

Although mushrooms are usually harmless and do not necessarily cause any diseases in the lawn, they can be unsightly to a homeowner and unfortunately, picking them does not kill off the fungus completely.

Here are some simple ways to control mushrooms in your lawn:

• Fungicides: Can produce results but are not as effective since they are not getting to the root of the problem, which is decaying organic matter under the soil.
• Reduce irrigation: Overly watered soil or soil that has poor drainage presents a perfect environment for mushrooms to grow. You want to let the soil dry out to control mushrooms.

• Increase air movement: Try aerating or thatching your lawn to improve water penetration and air circulation throughout the roots.
• Fertilize your lawn often: Fertilizing will speed up the process of decomposition in the lawn.
• Remove them: Will keep up the appearance of your lawn.
• Grind down old tree stumps: Helps reduce the sources of food for mushrooms to thrive on.

If you would like more information on treatments to rid your lawn of mushrooms, please call 1-800-533-6330.