Gardeners are being urged to take care as mushrooms begin popping up across the UK this autumn.
While mushrooms and toadstools can look unsightly, their appearance does not necessarily mean your grass is in trouble. According to lawn care experts at Lawnsmith, the fungi thrive in the damp, shady conditions that become more common during October.
Fallen leaves, poor drainage and a build-up of organic material can also encourage fungi to appear, particularly in areas of the garden that receive little sunlight.
Jonathan Davis, a lawn expert at Lawnsmith, said: “When there is a lack of sunlight in parts of your lawn, especially during October, it often leads to moisture buildup.”
He added: “Fungi, such as toadstools, love low light and damp conditions. You also see toadstools among moss on your lawn, as it also thrives in similar conditions.”
Lawn debris can make the problem worse, with fallen leaves providing decomposing organic material on which fungi feed.
Are mushrooms on your lawn harmful?
Finding toadstools in the grass is not necessarily a reason to panic.
Mr Davis said: “To your lawn, not really. They are unsightly and if left on the lawn, they can spread, eventually causing wider issues later in the season.”
One type gardeners may notice is a fairy ring – a circular pattern of mushrooms or changes in grass growth caused by fungal activity beneath the lawn.
Mr Davis explained: “Fairy rings are fungal colonies that are distinguished by their circular arrangement on the lawns surface.”
It is also worth remembering that some wild mushrooms and toadstools are poisonous. Keep children and pets away from unidentified fungi and do not eat them.
How to get rid of toadstools on your lawn
If mushrooms are appearing in your garden, there are several ways to remove them and reduce the conditions that encourage further growth.
Mr Davis recommends pulling the toadstools out by hand, taking care not to break them up, before disposing of them safely.
He said: “Simply pull the toadstools out by hand, as close to the root of the fungi as possible, trying not to break them up or leave any remnants of the fungus on your lawn before safely disposing of them in the compost bin.”
However, gardeners should avoid assuming that removing the visible mushrooms will kill the fungus beneath the soil. If the conditions remain damp and shaded, more may appear.
Should you use washing-up liquid to kill lawn mushrooms?
Gardeners may come across suggestions to use washing-up liquid to tackle mushrooms, but Lawnsmith advises against it.
Mr Davis said: “Applying dishwashing liquid is not recommended as it can cause adverse damage to your lawn and the surrounding ecosystem.”
Instead, focus on removing visible toadstools and addressing persistent dampness or poor drainage.