How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard: 4 Natural Solutions

2024-08-29
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard: 4 Natural Solutions

While mushrooms are a natural part of the ecosystem and a sign of healthy soil, they may not be healthy for children or pets. To figure out how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard, first you'll need to understand why these fungal fruiting bodies are popping up. Then you'll be able to strategically use the best natural methods explained in this guide to deal with your shroom situation.

Wondering if it's safe to eat the mushrooms you find in your yard? Considering that some types are toxic, and a few can be deadly if ingested, it's best to never eat mushrooms growing in your yard.

Why Are Mushrooms Growing in Your Yard?

Despite how they seem to magically pop up overnight, mushrooms don’t just appear. The mushroom is only the above-ground fruiting body of an entire fungal organism, and usually only last a few days. That fungus will continue to live long after you've seen any mushrooms, thriving on wet, warm organic matter in or on the soil that it's helping to decompose. Many types of fungi that produce mushrooms feed on thatch, grass clippings, dead tree stumps, animal waste, dead roots, and fallen leaves.

Mushrooms tend to be more prevalent during wet years with high rainfall or in an overwatered yard. And shady areas that stay damp are prime locations to find mushrooms popping up through the grass. To get rid of mushrooms in the yard, change the amount of food, moisture, and shade the fungus has; it will struggle, and your mushroom problems will diminish.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mushrooms in the Yard

Removing the above-ground mushrooms doesn’t eliminate the underground mycelium, the main body of the fungus that forms the mushrooms. They’ll reappear whenever the conditions are right. To reduce how hospitable your yard is to fungi, work on reducing their food and drying out the yard.

1. Soil Management

Many fungi live in the soil, where they industriously decompose dead plant material, but they slow down or become dormant during dry weather. Aerating your lawn can improve drainage, which reduces how long the soil stays wet. Removing thatch buildup makes things tough for the fungi by removing a good food source. Both steps help your grass be healthy and vigorous, which lowers the likelihood of a mushroom outbreak on your lawn. 

2. Dry Things Out

Reducing excess lawn watering is critical to controlling the mushrooms. If your lawn is consistently damp, you’ll probably have mushrooms at some point. In large, flat lawn areas with no gradient, water doesn’t run off quickly after rain or irrigation, and the area can stay wet for days. Reduce the frequency of lawn watering and assist natural drainage by cleaning gutters and redirecting them toward areas with better drainage.

3. Let the Sun Shine

Sunshine dries things out, but heavy shade, like that found under shrubs, conifers, or at the edge of the lawn, can cause damp conditions to persist. Prune low-hanging branches and clean up old debris to let the sun reach the soil. The top inch will dry more quickly, and you’ll have fewer fungi issues.

4. Physically Remove the Mushrooms

Many mushrooms are only a concern because they may be poisonous to people or pets. Removing a mushroom and disposing of it is a quick and temporary solution to the problem. They are usually fragile and can be picked up with gloves, dug under with a shovel, or knocked over with a rake and bagged. 

Try to get them when they first pop up before they release spores. However, don’t expect the problem to be gone for good. The fungi live beneath the surface and only reproduce (make a mushroom) when conditions are right. They can survive for years underground. While removing the fruiting bodies before they disseminate spores is helpful, the spores are windborne and can easily blow in from a neighbor’s yard.

Of course, more mushrooms are destroyed by a simple pass of the lawnmower than probably any other method. If you aren’t worried about a pet or child picking them up, mowing them is about as easy as it gets.

Other Remedies

DIY remedies of dish soap and water, baking soda, or vinegar are only mildly effective. Often, the application appears to be effective because the mushrooms go away. However, the fruiting bodies only last a few days anyway. Did the remedy work, or did the mushrooms fade out on their own until next time?

Most fungicides available without a pesticide applicator license are only marginally effective against fungi in the yard. Addressing the conditions needed by the mushrooms is the best long-term solution.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.