How to get rid of mushrooms in lawn: 9 proven methods that actually work

Mushrooms popping up in your lawn? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues American homeowners face, especially during wet seasons.

While lawn mushrooms are usually harmless to your grass, they can be unsightly and create safety concerns. They may pose slipping hazards and some species can be dangerous if consumed by children or pets.

This guide will help you understand how to get rid of mushrooms in lawn effectively using five proven methods, why they appear, and how to prevent them from returning long-term. You’ll have everything needed to restore your lawn while improving its overall health.

How to get rid of mushrooms in lawn

Remove mushrooms by hand (safely)

Manual removal is the fastest and most immediate solution for small mushroom outbreaks, especially when you need quick results for safety reasons or upcoming outdoor events.

1. Put on disposable gloves or thick gardening gloves to protect your hands
2. Early morning is the best time when mushrooms are most visible and firm
3. Grip each mushroom at the base and gently twist while pulling upward
4. Place all removed mushrooms immediately into a plastic bag
5. Seal the bag tightly and dispose of it in your regular trash. Never add to compost
6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after completing the task
7. Clean and disinfect any tools used during the process

Best use cases: This method works perfectly for isolated clusters, fairy rings, or when you have pets and children who need immediate access to the lawn area.

Cautions: Never attempt to identify or taste any mushroom species. Some toxic varieties can cause serious harm if handled without gloves or accidentally ingested. Always assume any wild mushroom could be dangerous.

Improve lawn drainage and reduce moisture

Since mushrooms thrive in consistently moist conditions, addressing drainage issues tackles the root cause of the problem rather than just treating symptoms.

1. Use a core aerator and create holes every 4-6 inches across affected areas
2. Identify depressions where water pools and fill with quality topsoil, then overseed
3. Water deeply but less frequently, only 2-3 times per week
4. Always water early morning (6-8 AM) to allow grass blades to dry before evening
5. Consider French drains or catch basins for consistently soggy areas
6. Ensure gutters direct water away from lawn areas prone to mushroom growth

This approach is essential for lawns with persistent mushroom problems, clay soil, or areas that stay wet for extended periods.

Dethatch and rake regularly

Thatch buildup and accumulated organic debris create the perfect feeding ground for fungi, making regular lawn maintenance crucial for prevention.

1. Check if the thatch layer exceeds half an inch by examining a small soil core
2. Use a dethatching rake for light buildup or rent a power dethatcher for heavy accumulation
3. Spring or early fall provides optimal recovery conditions
4. Remove all loosened thatch, fallen leaves, and organic debris
5. Bag and dispose of all removed material – don’t leave it on the lawn
6. Fill in any thin areas with appropriate grass seed for your region
7. Rake weekly during fall leaf season and monthly otherwise

Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilization accelerates the decomposition of organic matter that fungi depend on for food, essentially starving them out while promoting healthy grass growth.

1. Select a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio like 21-0-0 or 25-3-3
2. Conduct a soil test to determine current nutrient levels and avoid over-fertilization
3. Follow package directions carefully, typically 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet
4. Use a broadcast spreader for uniform distribution across the affected area
5. Apply light watering within 24 hours to activate the fertilizer
6. Look for increased decomposition activity within 2-3 weeks
7. Apply a second treatment after 6 – 8 weeks if mushrooms persist

Best use cases: Lawns with abundant organic matter, recent tree removals, or areas with buried wood debris.

Apply fungicide (when necessary)

Chemical fungicides should be considered a last resort option, reserved for persistent mushroom problems that don’t respond to natural management techniques.

1. Choose copper-based or other lawn-safe fungicides specifically labeled for mushroom control
2. Ensure the product is safe for your grass type and local environment
3. Mow grass to recommended height and remove any visible mushrooms first
4. Use exact measurements. More is not better with fungicides
5. Avoid windy days to prevent drift to other plants or areas
6. Focus application on affected areas rather than treating the entire lawn
7. Wear protective equipment and keep children and pets away during and after application
8. Results typically appear within 2 – 4 weeks of proper application

Reserve fungicide use for severe, recurring infestations that pose safety risks or significantly impact lawn aesthetics despite other treatment attempts.

Cautions: Fungicides can harm beneficial soil microorganisms essential for healthy lawn ecosystems. Always try natural methods first and use chemicals sparingly.

Natural & organic remedies for lawn mushrooms

For homeowners preferring chemical-free solutions, several natural remedies can help control mushroom growth while maintaining environmental safety.

Vinegar spray solution

Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Apply directly to mushroom clusters during sunny conditions for maximum effectiveness.

However, exercise caution as vinegar can lower soil pH and potentially harm grass if overused. Test on a small area first and limit applications to heavily infested spots.

Baking soda treatment

Create a solution using one tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of water. Spray affected areas weekly during active mushroom growth periods.

This method raises soil pH slightly, creating less favorable conditions for many fungi species. The alkaline environment can slow mushroom development without harming most grass types.

Neem oil application

Mix neem oil according to package directions and spray during early morning or evening hours to avoid leaf burn.

This organic fungicide disrupts fungal reproduction cycles while being relatively safe for beneficial insects and soil organisms. Reapply every two weeks during active growing seasons.

Cornmeal method

Spread dry cornmeal lightly over mushroom-prone areas and water gently. Some gardeners report success with this technique, theorizing that cornmeal feeds beneficial microorganisms that compete with mushroom-producing fungi. While scientific evidence is limited, cornmeal won’t harm your lawn and may provide other soil benefits.

What causes mushrooms to grow in lawns?

Understanding why mushrooms appear helps you target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. Here are the main environmental triggers:

Moisture-related causes:

• Overwatering or watering too frequently
• Poor drainage and water pooling
• Shaded areas that stay wet longer
• Extended rainy periods or high humidity
• Heavy dew accumulation

Organic matter issues:

• Decomposing tree roots underground
• Buried wood debris or old tree stumps
• Thick layers of fallen leaves
• Old mulch breaking down
• Grass clippings left on lawn
• Construction materials left in soil

Soil problems:

• Compacted soil from heavy foot traffic
• Clay soil with poor drainage
• Restricted air circulation
• Thatch buildup exceeding half an inch
• Poor soil structure

Other contributing factors:

• Recent application of organic fertilizers
• Seasonal weather patterns (spring and fall)
• Areas with limited sunlight exposure

Are lawn mushrooms dangerous?

While most lawn mushrooms pose no direct threat to grass health, several safety concerns make proper identification and handling important for every homeowner.

Toxicity risks for children and pets

The primary danger comes from accidental ingestion, particularly for young children and curious pets who might be attracted to colorful or unusual mushroom shapes.

Even experienced mycologists struggle to identify many species accurately, and some toxic varieties closely resemble harmless ones.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild stomach upset to severe liver damage or death, making prevention the safest approach.

Physical safety hazards

Mushrooms create slippery surfaces when wet, increasing the risk of falls and injuries, especially for elderly family members or visitors unfamiliar with your lawn conditions.

Large mushroom clusters can also hide uneven ground or holes, creating additional tripping hazards during routine yard activities.

Professional consultation guidance

If you discover unusual mushroom varieties, notice sudden large-scale appearances, or suspect you have toxic species present, contact your local university extension service for identification assistance.

Many extension offices provide free or low-cost mushroom identification services and can advise on specific safety concerns for your region.

Never attempt to identify mushrooms using internet photos alone, as visual similarities can be deceiving.

How to prevent mushrooms from coming back

Long-term prevention requires consistent lawn care practices that address the root environmental conditions rather than just treating symptoms.

Essential prevention strategies:

• Improve drainage and aeration: Schedule annual core aeration to break up compacted soil and improve water drainage. Fill low spots where water pools and install drainage solutions for consistently soggy areas.
• Control moisture levels: Water deeply but less frequently (2 – 3 times per week), only in early morning hours. Avoid overwatering and ensure grass blades dry completely before evening when humidity rises.
• Remove organic debris: Eliminate buried wood, old tree stumps, thick thatch layers, and accumulated organic matter that feeds fungi. Keep mulch 6 inches away from grass edges and replace decomposing materials annually.
• Maintain proper lawn care: Mow regularly at optimal height (2.5 – 3.5 inches), clean mower blades to prevent spore spread, and overseed thin areas to strengthen grass density that competes with fungi.
• Optimize growing conditions: Choose sun-loving grass varieties for your area, maintain soil pH between 6.0 – 7.0, and increase sunlight penetration through selective pruning in shaded areas prone to mushroom growth.

Conclusion

Mushrooms in your lawn may be natural, but you don’t have to live with them if they’re causing safety or aesthetic concerns. The key to successful mushroom control is addressing underlying causes like poor drainage, excess moisture, and organic debris rather than just removing visible symptoms.

Focus on long-term prevention through proper lawn care: regular aeration, appropriate watering, debris removal, and maintaining balanced growing conditions. Start with gentle methods like hand removal and environmental changes before escalating to chemical treatments.

Remember, consistency in lawn maintenance prevents the imbalanced conditions that mushrooms love. Implement these proven strategies now to maintain a beautiful, safe lawn year-round. Visit our gardening hub for more expert gardening guides and seasonal lawn care tips.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)