Why Mushrooms Are Growing in Your Lawn (And What to Do If They Bother You)

You’ve spent time feeding, watering, and mowing your lawn all spring and into summer. It’s lush, green and seemingly healthy - and then a patch of mushrooms pops up. Should you worry? Is your lawn sick? Do they need to be removed?

At Lawn Pack, we get this question often, especially during damp and humid spells. Here’s the lowdown on lawn mushrooms: why they appear, what they mean, and what you can do if they’re ruining the look of your lawn.

Why Are Mushrooms Growing in My Lawn?

Mushrooms are actually the fruiting bodies of fungi that live underground. These fungi have likely been in your soil for years - harmless, natural decomposers that break down organic matter like old roots, fallen leaves, and thatch.

Here are a few common reasons mushrooms might pop up:

• Moist conditions – After heavy rain or overwatering, fungi thrive in the damp soil.
• Organic material – Mushrooms feed on decaying matter, such as old tree roots or buried wood.
• Shady areas – Less sunlight means slower evaporation, creating a more fungus-friendly environment.
• Healthy soil – Believe it or not, mushrooms can be a sign of rich, biologically active soil.

So, in many cases, mushrooms actually mean your lawn is in good health beneath the surface. This explains why your otherwise perfect looking lawn now has some unwanted additions! 

Are Mushrooms Bad for My Lawn?

In short - no. They don’t harm your grass. In fact, the underground fungal network can help improve soil structure and nutrient flow, so we tell all our customers not to worry if they see mushrooms pop up.

That said, if you’ve got children or pets and are unsure if a mushroom is toxic, or if they simply ruin the look you’re going for, you might want to get rid of them.

How to Deal With Lawn Mushrooms (If You’d Rather Not See Them)

If mushrooms are bothering you, here are some steps you can take:

1. Remove Them Promptly

Mushrooms release spores to spread. Picking, brushing raking them up before they mature can help reduce future growth.

2. Improve Drainage

Aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction and help water soak deeper into the ground. You can use either a garden fork or a hollow tiner.

3. Reduce Shade

Trim back overhanging branches or thin out bushes to allow more sunlight into shady spots where mushrooms love to grow.

4. Avoid Overwatering

Stick to deep but infrequent watering, ideally in the early morning, to avoid excess surface moisture. Essentially - don’t just spray the top like you would during germination.

5. Remove Decaying Material

Clear leaves and mow clippings, and consider scarifying if there’s a thick layer of thatch building up. Mushrooms feed on organic debris, so getting rid of this is key.

Final Thoughts

Mushrooms in the lawn aren’t necessarily a problem - in fact, they often show that your soil is teeming with life. But if they’re unwanted guests, a few simple tweaks can help keep them in check.

Still unsure if your lawn is in good shape? Check out our Lawn Transformation Kit - it includes all the essentials to get your grass greener, thicker, and looking professionally treated in just 4 weeks. Feel free to get in touch for some advice on how to look after your lawn from our experts.

Happy growing!

– The Lawn Pack Team