Most homeowners strive for that perfect, pristine lawn—emerald green, evenly cut, and completely uniform. So when mushrooms suddenly pop up overnight (especially in new lawn!), it can be alarming.
But should you be concerned? Let’s explore the world of lawn mushrooms and what they mean for your turf.
What Are Lawn Mushrooms?
Those mushrooms in your yard aren’t actually plants, but the fruiting bodies of fungi that live in your soil. The visible mushroom is just the tip of the iceberg—beneath the surface lies an extensive network of fungal threads called mycelium.
Why do mushrooms appear in my lawn?
Mushrooms typically appear when conditions are right—usually after periods of rain or in areas with:
- Excess moisture
- Organic matter (like decomposing tree roots or grass clippings)
- Limited sunlight
- Rich, fertile soil – especially when recently prepared for new lawn.
We find mushrooms pop up most in newly establishing lawns where you have prepared your area nicely with new organic soil and have started watering your new lawn multiple times a day – creating the perfect conditions for them to grow.
The Good News
Mushrooms popping up in your lawn is usually a good sign! They’re often a sign of healthy soil which is great for lawn to grow in.
They’re nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to your soil. This natural decomposition process can actually benefit your grass in the long run.
Should you remove mushrooms from your lawn?
In most cases, lawn mushrooms are harmless to your grass. They’ll typically disappear on their own once conditions dry out or in the case of newly establishing lawn, once the lawn is established and you stop watering as frequently.
However, if you have children or pets who might be tempted to taste them, it’s wise to remove them. We recommend an application of Mancozeb Fungicide as a preventative through vulnerable seasons or to treat existing mushrooms.
It’s also important to consider if there are other signs of your lawn struggling in this area and whether your lawn might need drainage improving or aeration.
Preventing mushrooms in your lawn
If you’d prefer a mushroom-free lawn:
- Improve drainage
- Reduce irrigation frequency (if appropriate to do so, please continue to water your new lawn a few times a day!)
- Remove decaying organic matter like fallen leaves
- Aerate compacted soil
- Mow regularly
Remember, a few mushrooms are actually a sign of a vibrant, living soil ecosystem—something every lawn needs to truly thrive!
If you have any questions about caring for your lawn you can check out our extensive blog here, subscribe to our seasonal newsletter below or give us a call, we love hearing from you.
