Lawn Mushrooms in Yard [Good, Bad & Causes for Mushrooms]

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Written By: Mark Marino, a Massachusetts Core Applicator License holder
and owner/operator of Lawn Phix,

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Under the right growing conditions, mushroom growth is a common occurrence. Beneficial fungi are typically present in soil, breaking down organic material, which is one of the key roles they play in nature. Mushrooms serve an essential purpose in the natural environment. However, shade, excess moisture, and an abundance of decomposing organic matter, especially wood, can cause lawn mushrooms to pop up, marring the beauty of your perfectly manicured lawn. Mushrooms grow when conditions are ideal to support their fruiting bodies.

While mushrooms certainly aren’t the worst thing that could happen to your lawn; they indicate that the soil is quite fertile. On the other hand, they can indicate that nearby tree roots or the roots of shrubs could be decaying. However, with the following tips, you can learn to contend with unwanted mushroom growth.

Why Are Mushrooms Growing in My Yard?

Healthy soil can produce mushrooms. Lawn mushrooms simply indicate that your soil is rich with organic material. When certain other conditions like shade and excess moisture are present, conditions for lawn fungi are ideal. Things like a decaying tree stump, tree roots, twigs, and tree leaves can cause mushrooms to grow alongside your grass. Of course, when the moisture dries up, mushrooms can disappear just as quickly as they appeared. 

Microbial Material and Healthy Soil

Mushrooms are one of many types of organisms that can grow on decaying organic material. If they’re growing on your grass, that means there is organic matter present to sustain their growth. Mushrooms, of course, are the fruiting bodies of fungi. The spores of fungi may be present in the soil for years. When the conditions are ideal, they erupt as mushrooms in the grass. 

Decaying Wood and Organic Material

As mentioned, decaying wood and tree leaves can support mushroom growth. However, even grass clippings provide organic matter that support mushroom growth. If you want to reduce the likelihood of lawn mushrooms, be sure to remove grass clippings and other organic material such as leaves before they can decompose.

Excess Moisture

Moisture and organic material lead to the kind of rot that lawn fungi–most fungi–love. If you have compact soil, rainwater may pool on the surface of your grass, causing an eruption of lawn mushrooms.

Are Lawn Mushrooms a Good Sign

In most circumstances, lawn mushrooms are a sign of healthy soil. Nevertheless, mushrooms in your yard may not be alright to eat, so don’t put them on pizza! There are many types of lawn mushrooms; some are poisonous. Don’t let children handle them or pets eat them. Also, keep in mind that why most lawn mushrooms pose no threat to a healthy lawn, some fungi can infect and harm weak plants growing near your grass. 

How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Lawn

If you have an abundance of lawn mushrooms or even mushrooms that are causing a fairy ring and its lawn discoloration to occur, you can use a fungicide. You can use a spray or granular fungicide; be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also use a garden spade to dig up the mushrooms. After digging them up from your grass, apply a nitrogen fertilizer to the spot; it will speed up the decay of the organic matter that the mushrooms feed on.

How to Prevent Lawn Mushrooms

Prevent lawn mushrooms by making your lawn less inviting to them. Trim tree branches to reduce shade. Aerate to reduce compact soil; this allows moisture to seep deeply into the soil. Be sure to remove tree leaves so that they don’t prevent sunlight from reaching your grass. Don’t allow grass clippings to remain on your grass either. Also, improve drainage of your yard to get rid of mushrooms.

Mushrooms in Yard FAQs

Are mushrooms in the yard poisonous?

Some lawn mushrooms may be poisonous. It’s best not to eat them. All the mushrooms that grow on lawns are not safe to consume; some can be toxic to humans and pets.

Should I remove mushrooms from my yard?

If you have young children and pets who spend time outdoors in your yard, you may want to remove mushrooms from the grass as they may be toxic. To get rid of mushrooms, use extreme caution; wear rubber gloves, for instance, if you choose to pull them up by hand. Digging them up won’t kill mushrooms unless you remove all of the fruiting body; even so, the spores of the fungi may still be present in soil. Keep an eye out for new mushrooms to appear. It’s better to reduce the ideal growing conditions for mushrooms in your landscape.

How do I treat mushrooms in my yard?

You can use a fungicide to get rid of mushrooms in your yard. Follow the directions to kill mushrooms using the fungicide carefully.

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Author's Note: this piece has been updated for accuracy since its first publication on

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Author: Mark Marino
My name is Mark Marino, and I am the founder, owner, and operator of Lawn Phix. With a passion for lawn care and turf nutrition for over a decade, I've dedicated countless hours to correcting soil and perfecting lawns. Today, my expertise, backed by formal courses at UMass Extension Pesticide Education, allows me to offer top-tier lawn care services and advice. I am a fully licensed and insured lawn care applicator in Massachusetts, specializing in comprehensive turf nutrition, weed control, and lawn pest control. My license number is AL-0053865. Contact me at [email protected] or +1 (508) 500-8402.

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