Why Are Mushrooms & Fungus Growing in the Landscape?

Mushrooms and other fungi growing in your lawn and garden can be a nuisance. While most species that grow in your yard are benign, a few poisonous species can crop up, creating a risk for your children and pets.

Significance

• Mushrooms require moisture to grow. If your yard has issues with pooling water, very wet soil or unattended rotting wood, you have the perfect conditions for mushrooms.

Function

• If you notice mushrooms in your lawn and garden, try watering your plants less often. You can also use fungicide to kill off mushrooms. However, mushrooms grow from under the surface using mycorrhizae; killing top-level mushrooms won't eradicate this underground network.

Considerations

• Mushrooms can be beneficial to other plants in your garden; however, if you are uncomfortable with mushrooms and fungus growing in the landscape, you can simply remove them with a shovel.