Mushrooms on Lawns
Fairy rings can be dangerous to your lawn.
Sometimes mushrooms appear in circular patterns called fairy rings. These fairy rings may get larger each year. Several rings may occur together. As the rings grow, they may overlap.
Sometimes, especially after a rain, mushrooms may appear in groups on your lawn. They are the reproductive structures of fungi that are growing in the ground. The part you can't see feeds on dead organic matter in the soil. Some mushrooms are poisonous, others aren't. It's best to leave all mushrooms alone because of the danger of poisoning.
Fairy rings appear…
Sometimes mushrooms appear in circular patterns called fairy rings. These fairy rings may get larger each year. Several rings may occur together. As the rings grow, they may overlap. Grass is usually greener where the mushrooms appear. This is caused by the release of additional nutrients into the soil by the underground fungi. As the fungi decompose organic matter, the grass uses the nutrients which are released. Grass on the inside of the ring may be weakened or killed.
Impact varies…
Fairy rings may differ in the way they affect your lawn. Some may appear occasionally and have no effect. Some may cause only a greening effect, with no damage to the plants. A third type damages or kills plants in the lawn.
Controlling fairy rings…
It's hard to control fairy rings. One method involves removing soil from where the underground fungi are present. This means digging a foot deep trench 18 inches on each side of the stimulated grass zone. You'll have to refill the trench with fresh soil and seed or sod the area.
A second method involves tilling the whole area and treating it with fumigants under a plastic tarpaulin.
Recommended fumigants are Methyl Bromide or Vapam.
Another approach involves suppressing the effects of the fungi. Increase watering and fertilization inside the ring. Punch some holes in this area so water will penetrate. Water at the first signs of wilting grass.
For more information on mushrooms on lawns, contact your local County Extension Office.
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