Are Mushrooms Growing in Your Yard? Here’s Why and How to Get Rid of Them

Fungi on your lawn might actually be a good sign.

If you’re wondering why mushrooms are growing in your yard, some different factors come into play. Mushrooms, which are fruiting bodies of fungi, offer some benefits to the soil in your yard but can also be unsightly.

If you’re concerned about the mushrooms in your yard or are curious about where they came from, this guide will shed light on these moisture-loving fungi. Read on for tips and insights from plant experts to help harness the power of mushrooms—while keeping them under control in your yard.

Meet Our Expert

• Samuel Davis , CEO of London Gardeners
• Dennis Sons , owner and CEO of TN Nursery

Why Mushrooms Are Growing in Your Yard

Mushrooms flourish in moist conditions with plenty of shade . “Mushrooms grow in yards because they thrive in shady, damp areas with plenty of organic matter,” says Dennis Sons, owner and CEO of TN Nursery. They grow well in yards with thick thatch, which is a layer of dead leaves, grass, and decaying material above the soil.

“They often appear after heavy rain or overwatering, as the conditions become ideal for fungal growth," Sons says. "And decomposing plant material, such as leaves or wood, provides the nutrients mushrooms need.”

Related: 7 Plants That Improve Soil Quality, According to Gardening Experts

Impact of Mushrooms on Yards

Although they may not be the prettiest, mushrooms offer many benefits to the soil and other plants in your garden. “Mushrooms break down organic matter, improving the soil with nutrients, which can improve the health of your lawn and plants," Sons explains.

"They indicate a healthy ecosystem, as they contribute to the decomposition process and promote soil fertility," says Samuel Davis, CEO of London Gardeners.

However, the fruiting fungi have some potential drawbacks. They can be unattractive in large numbers, and some are also poisonous to pets and children if ingested.

“Mushrooms have some risks associated with them,” Sons says. “Certain types can be toxic if ingested by pets or children. They can also indicate underlying issues, such as overwatering or poor drainage, which might harm other plants.”

If you have an abundance of mushrooms, it may be a sign that your yard needs maintenance and a better drainage system. Excess water, poorly draining soil, and an overgrowth of thatch can attract mushrooms to your yard.

How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard

Maintain a Watering Schedule

Maintaining your yard with an optimal watering schedule will help keep the moisture balance in check and prevent too many mushrooms from growing. Reducing water can also help provide a less mushroom-friendly environment.

Minimize Thatch

Keeping thatch to a minimum can stave off mushrooms if you’re worried about an influx of them. Regularly mowing your lawn and disposing of the clippings will also alleviate an overgrowth of thatch and mushrooms.

Aerate Soil

“To reduce mushroom growth, improve yard drainage, and regularly remove organic debris,” Davis says. “ Aerating the soil can also help by reducing compactness, which decreases the moisture retention that mushrooms need to thrive.”

“I prefer natural remedies for controlling mushrooms, such as reducing moisture and removing organic debris,” Sons says. “Fungicides can be used if needed, but I recommend using them sparingly to avoid harming beneficial fungi and other soil organisms.”

Ultimately, the best line of defense against mushrooms is natural remedies like aeration and reduced watering. Raking up organic matter like dead grass will also help get rid of mushrooms.

If you take maintenance measures and are still bothered by the fruiting fungi, there are also chemical options. However, take precautions with chemicals to ensure the safety of other plants and the people and animals around you.

Related: 5 Things You Can Do With Grass Clippings

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