This time of the year, many homeowners and lawn care professionals are starting to see what we commonly refer to as mushrooms popping up in their lawns.  There are many different types of mushrooms, but when it comes to controlling them in your lawn there is really only one solution.

What are These Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a fungi and although they can be classified into different categories, for this article we will just refer to them as mushrooms in general.  I’m not a specialist in mycology (biological term for the study of fungi), but when we deal with mushrooms in lawns the treatment is easy; knock them down!

How Do They Grow?
Often times, fungi require a certain set of circumstances to grow.  Moisture and organic matter create a great environment for mushrooms.  We often find mushrooms in areas that at one point had a tree present.  As the roots from that tree are being decomposed below ground, the fungi have a good growing condition.

What Can I do to Get Rid of Them?
I wish there were some magical silver bullet that we had for controlling mushrooms, but we don’t.  The best way to take care of these is to knock them down with your feet or mower.  This seems simple, and although it will not cure the problem, it is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to manage mushrooms in your lawn.

Do Not Consume These Mushrooms!
As many of you know SOME mushrooms are edible.  There are also many mushrooms that are not recommended for consumption.  I recommend not eating any mushrooms in your lawn.  Stick to the mushrooms on the grocery store shelves or your pizza!

Other Fall Lawn Care & Landscaping Tips
Download Weed Pro’s Ultimate Fall Lawn Care & Landscaping Guide to learn how to properly prepare your lawn for this winter, and assure yourself a great looking lawn in the spring.  You can download this guide for free by clicking on the link below.

Guest Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.