“There Are Mushrooms In My Lawn!”

 A bit of fungus among us, you exclaim? Not to worry. Although unsightly to many, mushrooms are merely the fruiting body (the above-ground reproductive structure) of the fungus below the surface of your lawn. Mushrooms, sometimes called toadstools, puffballs, or in my case, fairy umbrellas, do not signify a disease that is working to harm your lawn. They are the result of this beneficial fungus doing its best to break down organic matter in your soil. 

The cause of a mushroom outbreak is most likely tree roots or stumps in the process of decomposition beneath the surface. Buried construction debris can also be another factor for a proliferation.

So when the weather is wet, mushrooms can pop up literally overnight. Don’t be alarmed; just get out there when conditions dry up, and simply rake or mow them off. There is no need to try any other means of immediate control. 

If possible, removing stumps and buried debris will certainly help alleviate this situation. De-thatching your lawn annually to reduce organic matter buildup can also be an aid.

Note to all: DO NOT eat these mushrooms!