After a period of dry, drought-like conditions, the recent week of rainfall has created the perfect conditions for mushrooms and toadstools to pop up in new lawns. These fungal visitors can cause concern if you’ve recently invested in new turf. However, understanding why they appear and what they mean for your lawn’s health will hopefully put your mind at ease.
Why mushrooms appear in lawns
Contrary to popular misconceptions, mushrooms and toadstools appearing in your lawn are typically a positive sign of soil health. These fungi are the visible fruiting bodies of much larger underground fungal networks that play crucial roles in breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients back into the soil.
Fungal spores are omnipresent in the environment, arriving in your garden through various natural means:
- Wind dispersal
- Animal transport
- Natural soil processes
Why mushrooms appear in new lawns
The appearance of toadstools and mushrooms on recently laid turf is not unusual as the action of harvesting, transporting and then laying new turf can sometimes stimulate the fungi to produce their fruit. This occurs because:
- Soil disturbance during installation awakens dormant spores
- Regular watering of new lawns creates ideal moisture conditions
- Fresh organic matter in imported topsoil provides food sources
- The stress of establishment can temporarily alter soil conditions
Topsoil: A hidden contributor
One often-overlooked factor in mushroom appearance is the composition of modern manufactured topsoils. Many topsoils now contain significant quantities of green waste compost, some of which may not have been thoroughly composted.
When this nutrient-rich, organic-laden topsoil is covered by turf, it creates perfect growing conditions: warmth, moisture, darkness, and abundant food sources. This combination acts as a natural “mushroom factory” during favourable weather conditions.
Are mushrooms harmful to your lawn?
The short answer is no. There’s no need to worry – mushrooms won’t harm your grass. These fungi do not feed on living grass but instead focus on breaking down dead plant and animal matter.
In fact, fungi provide several benefits: they break down organic matter and release nutrients back into the soil, improve soil structure and water retention, and many form beneficial associations with plant roots.
Managing mushrooms in your lawn
While mushrooms are beneficial, you may prefer to remove them for aesthetic reasons.
Safe removal methods
- Manual removal: Gently brush the toadstools off from the surface as and when they appear on the lawn
- Mowing: This will remove the visible fruiting bodies
- Timing: Remove them quickly before they mature and release spores
Avoid reaching for the chemicals
There are no effective fungicides available for lawn mushrooms, and they’re not necessary anyway. Chemical treatments would potentially harm beneficial soil organisms and disrupt the natural ecosystem that supports healthy turf growth.
The bigger picture: Signs of healthy soil
Rather than viewing mushrooms as a problem, consider them nature’s certificate of soil health. The presence of fungi indicates that your soil is rich in organic material and supports a thriving ecosystem that benefits your lawn’s long-term health.
Mushrooms usually disappear as quickly as they arrive, often lasting just a few days. Once they’ve released their spores and the weather changes, you likely won’t see them again until conditions are just right.
These temporary visitors are doing valuable work in your soil, breaking down organic matter and contributing to the overall health of your lawn ecosystem. With proper understanding and minimal intervention, you can maintain both a beautiful lawn and a healthy soil environment that will benefit your grass for years to come.
Please note, this blog has been compiled from multiple sources. If you wish to research further, we would recommend the following websites: RHS and Turfgrass Growers’ Association.
