The appearance of mushrooms in your garden or lawn is a common phenomenon, prompting questions about their origins and potential impact. While some species pose no threat, others can be toxic if ingested. The answer to whether these fungi are problematic depends on the specific type and underlying conditions that led to their growth. For instance, certain species may indicate overwatering or an abundance of organic matter, whereas others could signify a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
It’s essential to consider the context before deciding what to do with them.
Why Are Mushrooms Growing in My Garden?
The presence of mushrooms in your garden can be both fascinating and worrying. However, more often than not, it’s a sign that your garden is thriving. The primary reason behind mushroom growth is the right combination of moisture and organic matter. Fungi flourish in damp environments, which means if you’re spotting them after a rainy spell, it’s just nature’s way of telling you that your soil is happy.
Mushrooms spread through tiny spores that float in the air, germinating in suitable locations before developing underground roots and sending up their fruiting bodies. Sometimes, fungi can remain dormant for extended periods before sprouting again. Even if you remove the mushrooms, the underground parts will survive, allowing them to quickly regrow when conditions are favorable. During the summer months, many species of fungi enter a state of dormancy, only to return when the rains resume.
This natural cycle is a sign that your garden’s ecosystem is functioning as intended. However, if you notice mushrooms popping up in an otherwise dry area during the summer, it may indicate underlying issues with drainage or compacted soil. In essence, mushrooms are a reminder that your garden is rich in moisture and organic matter. If it’s been raining recently, this is likely a normal occurrence.
But if you spot them in the middle of a dry spell, take a closer look to determine why the ground is so saturated.
Common Species of Garden Mushrooms
In general, it’s best to leave mushrooms in your lawn or garden alone, but there may be instances where removal is necessary. If you have deadly mushrooms growing in your garden and have curious pets or kids, it’s crucial to remove them immediately. It’s essential to exercise caution when dealing with mushrooms, as even harmless ones can be mistaken for edible varieties. To ensure your safety, never consume a mushroom unless you’re absolutely certain of its identity.
Keeping a nature journal to record observations of various species can also help you develop an understanding of the types of mushrooms that grow in your garden and whether they pose a threat.
Ringless Honey Mushroom
Desarmillaria caespitosa, commonly known as ringless honey mushrooms, are a type of fungi that thrive on tree trunks, particularly oak trees, in home gardens and other environments. Their vibrant golden caps provide a striking contrast against the surrounding foliage, making them stand out even more prominently. As these mushrooms mature, their margins tend to lift upward, further enhancing their visual appeal.
However, what’s often overlooked is the potential harm that ringless honey mushrooms can inflict on oak trees. When they infect the root system of an oak tree, it can lead to a condition known as Armillaria root rot. This disease can be devastating, ultimately causing the tree’s demise, although it may take several years for the infection to reach its terminal stage.
Meadow Mushroom
Meadow mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus campestris, are a ubiquitous species of fungi that frequently pop up in home gardens and lawns. Although they’re commonly referred to as ‘meadow’ mushrooms, they can also be found in grassy areas, not just traditional meadows. These unassuming fungi boast caps with a mottled brown or grayish-white hue, complemented by pink or brown gills. The peak season for spotting meadow mushrooms is typically during the summer months.
Happily, this particular species is non-toxic, making it entirely acceptable to permit them to thrive if you so choose.
Lawyer’s Wig
The Coprinus comatus mushroom, commonly referred to as Lawyer’s wig or Shaggy cap, has a unique habit of hiding, making it challenging to spot initially. Once discovered, its distinctive appearance leaves no doubt about its identity. These mushrooms begin as long and slender with a shaggy cap that gradually shrivels from the bottom up. As they near maturity, they turn black, signaling readiness to release spores.
While there’s no need to remove them, clearing them away can be done if you don’t want them in your garden. Notably, Shaggy caps are edible, but caution is advised as several lookalikes can be deadly. The risks of misidentification are real, with many cases of poisoning reported each year among those who consume these mushrooms without proper knowledge.
Fairy Ring Mushrooms
Fairy rings of Marasmius oreades have captivated the imagination in fantasy folklore, where they’re believed to foretell good fortune. Enchanting tales often depict tiny faeries dancing within the circle and taking repose on the toadstool caps. Should you stumble upon a fairy ring in your own garden, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a whimsical tale! Typically, these mushrooms thrive in moist, nutrient-rich lawns that provide the ideal climate conditions for their growth.
If you’re lucky enough to have a suitable environment, you can even cultivate fairy ring mushrooms in your own garden. However, it’s essential to note that many fungi species display circular growth patterns. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re Marasmius oreades – some poisonous varieties, like Chlorophyllum molybdites, also exhibit this characteristic.
Destroying Angel
The Amanita bisporigera, also known as destroying angel, is a mushroom that demands attention – but not for its beauty. This poisonous fungus should be eradicated from your garden immediately if found. Typically growing near trees and reaching heights of 4-10 inches, it’s essential to remove any sighted specimens. Consuming Amanita bisporigera can be fatal due to the toxic compounds it contains, posing a significant threat not only to humans but also animals.
When it comes to mushrooms in your lawn and garden, this one should be top of your ‘do not tolerate’ list.
Fly Agaric
The fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) is another poisonous species to keep an eye out for. Its striking red or yellow cap with white spots makes it a visually distinctive fungus that could easily be mistaken as a fairytale come true. However, its potent toxicity and hallucinogenic properties render it highly unsuitable for human consumption. While some may attempt to remove the toxins and consume the mushroom, it’s crucial to exercise caution and advise against this practice altogether.
In fact, it’s best to err on the side of caution and remove any fly agaric mushrooms from your lawn or garden immediately if you have pets or children who might be tempted to ingest them.
False Parasol
Vomiter or false parasol mushrooms, also known as Chlorophyllum molybdites, pose a significant risk to humans and animals due to their toxicity. With a striking resemblance to lawyer’s wig mushrooms, it’s crucial to differentiate between the two. A key identifier is the presence of pink or brown rings on the cap, which initially appears white before transitioning to a greenish-gray hue.
The optimal growing conditions for these mushrooms are damp weather, allowing them to thrive and reach heights of 2-10 inches.
What Is a Toadstool?
The concept of toadstools often arises in mushroom research, although there isn’t a universally accepted definition. Informally, some individuals might employ the term ‘toadstool’ to denote poisonous species of fungi and reserve the term ‘mushroom’ for edible varieties, acknowledging that not all mushrooms are safe for consumption.
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in the Garden
When dealing with unwanted mushrooms in your garden, it’s crucial to take a thoughtful and proactive approach to prevent their regrowth. To do this, start by addressing the underlying conditions that are conducive to mushroom growth. This includes ensuring proper lawn drainage, as excess moisture can foster fungal development. Additionally, be mindful of the presence of organic matter, which can serve as a nutrient-rich food source for mushrooms.
When watering your garden, avoid overhydration and instead opt for gentle morning misting to give plants time to dry out naturally. Furthermore, consider modifying your fertilizer use habits, as excessive application can promote mushroom growth. To discourage fungal development, prioritize lawn aeration, dethatching, and sunlight exposure, if possible. Most mushrooms thrive in shaded areas and will succumb to direct sunshine.
Finally, address existing mushroom growth by removal methods that align with your preferences, whether chemical-free or utilizing fungicides.
Fungicide
Killing fungi beneath the soil requires a swift and targeted approach. Fungicides are the go-to solution for eradicating unwanted growth, offering a range of products specifically designed to tackle mushrooms in lawns or gardens. These solutions come in granular or spray forms, requiring careful adherence to manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe application and minimize potential harm to loved ones.
The beauty of fungicides lies in their ability to destroy the roots of the fungi beneath the soil’s surface, whereas manually removing a mushroom merely extracts the fruiting body, leaving the underlying issue untouched.
Natural Removal Alternatives
For those who prefer natural solutions, there are numerous chemical-free methods to explore. One effective starting point is to eliminate dead organic matter from your garden. This involves removing any rotten tree stumps, animal waste, and grass clippings that can contribute to moisture accumulation and lingering water. Next, utilize a shovel to excavate any mushrooms, potentially replacing the removed soil with fresh, clean soil.
It’s essential to immediately place the mushrooms in a bag to prevent them from dispersing their spores. To neutralize any remaining spores, spray the area where you removed the mushrooms with diluted dish soap. Additionally, regular applications of horticultural vinegar can be an effective method for killing mushrooms.
