Are mushrooms making an appearance on your lawn this summer? Getting rid of them is easier than you’d think. Mushrooms are a common type of fungus that thrive in areas with lots of moisture. Heavy rain allows fungal spores to spread during the summer months. However, they are perfectly healthy for the surrounding ecosystem. Here are a few ways to easily get rid of mushrooms and prevent them from popping up in the future.

1. Don’t panic

Michigan is a mushroom hot spot! Over 2,500 species of mushrooms have been identified throughout the state. Mushrooms are a sign of healthy soil and that your property is well irrigated! Fungal spores tend to spread in healthy soil, as the grass has established a healthy root system. Too much moisture may increase the likelihood of mushroom clusters, especially in shady areas of your property.

2. How to remove them

The most efficient way of getting rid of mushrooms is to manually pull them out of the ground, including the base. This method provides the least amount of damage to your grass. Using a chemical weed killer won’t stop the fungal spores from spreading beneath the soil and may potentially harm the grass or surrounding plants. Mushrooms love moisture! So be careful not to overwater your lawn and ensure proper drainage is installed throughout your property.

3. Long-term prevention

Proper drainage of the soil can be accomplished through fall Core Aeration services. Combine that with a Healthy Lawn Care Fertilization Program- this will prevent mushroom growth next growing season. If you have an irrigation system, make sure the zones evenly cover your property and the timer is working properly. Lastly, it’s never a bad idea to regularly remove any dead or organic material from your property like tree branches, as this may harbor a shady environment for unwanted mushrooms. 

Call the pros at D.A. Alexander for more information on Lawn Aeration Services at (734) 427-0030.