How Do I Get Rid of Mushrooms Growing in My Yard?

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel

  • Garbage bag

  • Nitrogen fertilizer

  • Fertilizer spreader

  • Water

Mushrooms that grow in circles are called fairy rings.

Mushroom spores, which are called mycelium, are actually present in many different soil types. They are even present in some indoor potting soil mixes that have not been sterilized at high heat. Although most mushroom spores will never grow into a mushroom, periods of ongoing rain and watering will make them appear. While mushrooms are unsightly, they pose no threat to the lawn, and you can remove them manually to prevent them from spreading.

Advertisement

Step 1

Insert a shovel 4 inches from the mushroom, and dig down at least 5 inches to remove the mushroom from the ground. Gently place the mushroom into a plastic garbage bag so you do not disperse the spores, which will cause new mushroom growth. Repeat the process to dig up any remaining mushrooms.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place pure nitrogen fertilizer into a fertilizer spreader, and set the dial on the spreader to dispense at a rate of 1 lb. per 1000 square feet of lawn.

Step 3

Walk over the surface of the lawn in side-by-side rows to spread the nitrogen fertilizer.

Advertisement

Step 4

Water the lawn lightly to soak the nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen helps the soil break down organic matter faster, which eliminates the food source for the mushrooms.

Tip

To prevent mushrooms from regrowing, remove all decaying organic matter such as pine straw, mulch, and pet waste from the yard. In addition, remove any dead logs or tree stumps that provide food for the mushrooms.

Do not use slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. You want the nitrogen to act as quickly as possible to eliminate the mushrooms.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references