Does Mowing Mushrooms Actually Get Rid Of Them?

If you see mushrooms sprouting in your yard, you may decide to mow them down with your trusty lawnmower. But does mowing mushrooms actually get rid of them? Yes and no. Using a lawnmower on your mushrooms works, but only for removing them from the surface. However, the fungal mycelium, or the mushroom's root-like structure, still remains in the ground. The intact mycelium means there's a possibility of more mushroom growth. In addition, some lawn care experts warn that mowing can actually spread mushroom spores inside your lawnmower and send them throughout the grass. If you want to mow, just know that it isn't 100% effective. Instead, a focus on making the lawn less hospitable to the fungus is your best approach.

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a fungus and often develop during periods of wet, humid weather. They thrive in soil with an increased rate of organic matter, such as plant materials breaking down. When the conditions are right, they pop up. While some mushrooms are harmless, there can also be deadly mushroom varieties growing in your backyard. Removing them as soon as possible, especially if you have pets or children, is a smart choice. Agricultural experts advise against using a chemical fungicide, because it won't treat the cause of the mushrooms: the mycelia underneath the surface. You may apply multiple treatments without any results. Instead, you need to alter the conditions that let mushrooms thrive, namely by removing their sources of food and moisture. Here's how to get an edge over the mushrooms in your yard.

If you decide to mow down your mushrooms, collect them carefully while wearing gloves, then put them inside a mower bag or trash bag, keeping them away from other plants. Next, turn your attention towards eradicating the fungi from your yard by starving them out and reducing their nutrients. You can aerate your lawn for healthier grass and to reduce the wet, humid conditions the fungi crave. Aerating it will help improve drainage and break up compacted soil, making it harder for them to grow. The aerating process also increases airflow within the soil, which is positive in two ways. The oxygenated soil is less friendly to the fungal growth, while at the same time helping to make your grass roots stronger.

You'll also need to address the organic matter that feeds the mushrooms so well. Is there a tree stump in your yard? You should remove the remaining stump and any roots, or else the fungi can feed on it. Notice and remove any other decaying plant material, such as leaves and thatch, especially if it's over 1 inch thick. Promptly pick up any accumulated pet waste and grass clippings. Mushrooms also thrive in shaded areas, so try trimming the branches of nearby trees or shrubs to increase the amount of light that reaches your lawn.