The proper irrigation, or a good summer rain, are exactly what you need to keep your lawn green in the summer, but these conditions can also be optimum for the growth of mushrooms. Lawn mushrooms typically occur when there is some decaying matter under the soil, most often the roots of a tree that was cut down.
The mushrooms are actually the fruiting body of an underground network of mycelium. Due to the extensive nature of mycelium networks and the spreadable nature of mushroom spores it can be difficult to eliminate them using pesticides and fungicides. Fortunately, many species of mycelium are actually good for your soil and are not a cause for concern as long as the lawn is properly maintained.
Not a Pretty Sight
The bad news is that mushrooms can also make your lawn look quite unsightly. Fairy Ring is a common fungal disease that leads to the growth of mushrooms in a lawn, and causes some dying off of the grass in large ring shapes. It appears as a dark green outer ring with yellowish-brown grass in the center. You will be able to make a positive identification of this problem once the mushrooms have sprouted in the ring.
These Tips will Help
Below are a few tips for dealing with Fairy Ring or other mushrooms in your lawn. You may also want to see our “Common Lawn Issues” e-book for a more extensive guide to the most common diseases and best treatments.
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- If the mushrooms are not causing the lawn to change color or die-off many people choose to simply pull off the mushrooms or mow over them with the lawn mower. This is certainly the simplest short-term solution.
- If the mushrooms are occurring in an area that is browning off you may apply the appropriate fertilizer to revitalize the lawn.
- The browning of the lawn can result from the inability of water to penetrate the areas where mushrooms are growing. Core aeration or simply using a pitchfork to poke holes in the lawn can help with getting water into your soil.
- If the growth of mushrooms and the browning of your lawn are persistent then you may need to take drastic measures. Digging out the area and repeatedly cultivating it before eventually filling it with new soil and seeding or re-sodding is a lot of work but it may be your best bet for a permanent solution.
If these solutions don’t seem to be working then don’t hesitate to contact a lawn care professional. There may be an underlying issue with your soil composition, or the turf you have growing, that a professional will be able to properly identify and treat.
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