Mushrooms growing in lawns and landscapes have become a common sight this spring. This is mainly due to the amount of moisture we have received during the month of May. While their presence can be a source of concern, most lawn mushrooms are not related to turf disease. It’s important to know that the fungi that produces mushrooms is always present in the soil your lawn is growing in. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of the various fungi living in the soil. When there’s enough moisture, the fungus blooms, producing the mushrooms we’re seeing now. Mushrooms are basically fungal flowers, looking to reproduce by releasing spores (think flower pollen) into the air. While different varieties of fungi produce different fruit forms, the fruiting body typically consists of a cap and a stem.
Common lawn and garden mushrooms are white with domed caps. Brown as well as orange-colored mushrooms may also appear.
The fruiting body is a small portion of the larger fungal life cycle. Known as mycelium, the main component of the mushroom organism remains active underground, forming an intricate root system of tiny threads called mycorrhizal networks.
Mushroom mycelium are decomposers. They break down dead and decaying organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, thatch, and old roots. If there is organic material available, the fungal system will continue to grow, and mushrooms will emerge again as soon as the growing conditions are right. In addition, it’s important to note that through this decomposing process, the mycelium network helps increase the nutrient availability, which helps your grass grow.
What should you do about mushrooms growing in your lawn? Nothing. They’ll often disappear as quickly as they appeared. Using fungicides is not recommended. Fungicides will not eliminate mushrooms. If the mushrooms really bother you, put on a pair of gloves and pick them up or use a broom to knock them down and then dispose of them.
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