How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Lawn

How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Lawn

Mushrooms are a common but often unwanted sight in lawns across the UK. They usually appear after rain, in damp or shaded areas, or in lawns with heavy thatch or decaying organic matter beneath the surface. While most lawn mushrooms are harmless and even play a role in breaking down soil nutrients, their sudden appearance can spoil the look of your lawn and worry those with children or pets. Removing mushrooms and preventing them from returning starts with understanding why they appear in the first place.

What Causes Mushrooms to Grow in Lawns

Mushrooms grow from fungal spores that are naturally present in most soils. These spores remain dormant until the right conditions trigger growth. Moisture, warmth and organic material are the three key factors. Lawns that hold moistureespecially those with poor drainage, shade or thick layers of thatchcreate ideal conditions for mushroom development.

Another common cause is the presence of old tree roots, buried wood, or organic debris beneath the lawn. As this material breaks down underground, fungi feed on it and release fruiting bodies above the surfacewhat we recognise as mushrooms.

Removing Mushrooms Safely

When mushrooms appear, they can be removed manually using gloves or a garden trowel. The sooner they’re removed, the better, especially before they release spores and spread further. Removing them does not eliminate the fungus beneath the surface, but it does interrupt the reproductive cycle and helps reduce the spread.

Dispose of mushrooms in the bin rather than the compost, as this prevents spores from being recycled back into your lawn. Avoid mowing over mushrooms, as this can scatter spores and encourage a wider outbreak.

Improve Lawn Conditions to Prevent Regrowth

Since mushrooms thrive in damp, organic-rich conditions, the key to stopping them long-term lies in adjusting those conditions. Start by improving airflow and light exposure. Trim back overhanging branches or hedges that cast shade on the lawn, particularly in corners or near fences. This helps the grass dry more quickly after rainfall and discourages fungal growth.

Aerating the lawn also helps by reducing compaction and allowing better drainage. Hollow tine aeration is especially useful on heavy soils or areas that stay wet for long periods. After aerating, apply a light top dressing with sand or loam to further improve drainage and surface structure.

Scarifying to remove thatch and moss is another important step. Fungal spores often cling to organic debris near the surface. By clearing this layer, you reduce the food source for fungi and allow moisture to evaporate more efficiently.

Avoid Overwatering and Excess Fertiliser

Overwatering can create persistently wet conditions that fungi love. Water only when the soil begins to dry out and always aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, daily routines. Lawns fed with excessive nitrogen fertiliser may also develop lush, soft growth that holds more moisture and creates the perfect surface for mushrooms.

If you're feeding the lawn, use a balanced product suitable for the season, and always follow the recommended application rate. Maintaining the right nutrient levels helps the grass stay strong without encouraging unnecessary fungal activity.

When to Be Concerned

Most lawn mushrooms are completely harmless, but some varieties can be toxic if ingested. If you have children or pets who use the lawn, it’s a good idea to remove any mushrooms as soon as they appear and wash hands or paws if contact occurs. While fungal presence doesn’t mean your lawn is unhealthy, large or frequent mushroom growth may be a sign of deeper drainage or soil problems that need addressing.

Mushrooms Are a Sign of Soil Activity — Not Always a Bad One

It’s important to understand that mushrooms are a natural by-product of healthy soil biology. Fungi break down organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients into forms that grass can use. So, while mushrooms may be unsightly or inconvenient, their presence often means the soil beneath your lawn is alive and active. The goal isn’t to sterilise the soilbut to manage the conditions that bring mushrooms to the surface.

The Fruiting Body Is Just the Tip

What you see above the surface is only a small part of the fungal organism. The mycelium, a network of thread-like rootslives below ground and can stretch over large areas. Simply removing the mushroom cap doesn’t remove the fungus. It prevents spore release and reduces spread, but persistent growth often requires changes in moisture, shade, and soil structure to fully disrupt fungal cycles.

Digging Up the Fungus Rarely Works

It might seem like digging out the area will remove the source, but fungal networks are hard to isolate. Unless the mushrooms are growing from a specific buried root or log, physical removal isn’t usually effective. In some cases, large mushrooms are feeding off decaying timber beneath the lawn from an old tree stump or construction debris. If you suspect that, excavation may helpbut it should be a last resort.

Fungicide Isn’t Recommended

There are no lawn-safe fungicides specifically approved for removing mushrooms in the UK domestic market. Even where treatments are available, they only target the surface growth and do not eliminate the fungus beneath. Plus, using fungicides can disturb the natural balance of beneficial microbes and may cause more long-term harm than good. Focus instead on cultural control, adjusting moisture, light and soil conditions.

Mulching or Organic Feed May Contribute

Excess organic mattersuch as mulched clippings, heavy compost layers, or even spilled manure-based feedcan trigger fungal blooms. If mushrooms consistently appear after feeding or mulching, try switching to a mineral-based fertiliser or spreading thinner layers of organic matter in cooler, drier periods.

Some Mushrooms Form in Rings

Fairy rings are circular or semi-circular patches of mushrooms that often appear in late summer. They can be hard to manage and are caused by fungal growth moving outward from a central point over time. These rings sometimes create darker or greener grass inside the arc due to increased nitrogen from fungal activity. The best treatment is deep aeration, watering, and feeding to dilute the effect and break up compacted areas where the ring forms.

Final Word

Getting rid of mushrooms in your lawn involves more than just removing what you can see. The real solution lies in improving lawn health, reducing shade, managing moisture, and maintaining a clean surface with proper aeration and scarifying. With the right care and attention, mushrooms can be controlled, and your lawn will stay clean, healthy and looking its best throughout the year.