How to Get Rid of Toadstools on the Lawn

A newly laid turf looks splendid and improves your vista severalfold. However, sometimes you might notice toadstools that seem out of place. And seeing as how they appeared after the new lawn has been laid, it’s logical for you not to want them there.

So, if you:

Then read along and learn how to remove the toadstools from your lawn.

What are toadstools and why do they grow on your lawn?

Your soil is full of different fungi. They aren’t harmful but instead lay dormant most of the time, and only grow and release spores when the conditions are right. It’s no coincidence that toadstools showed up right after you laid your new turf.

It is quite possible that the spores have been released from the soil during the preparation stage, stimulated by the humidity and dampness of the autumn, because that’s when you should lay new turf, and vualá, they grew. It’s not all bad though, as toadstool breaks down dead material into the soil, that’s its job in nature. It’s actually a sign of healthy soil.

However…

Are they edible or poisonous?

While there are many species of toadstools and most of them are not poisonous, it’s still recommended you treat the ones on your lawn as if they were. Unless you are an expert on the matter, it’s better to restrict access to the fungi, or even better, to remove them entirely from your garden. Playing children or pets may accidentally find them and take a bite.

In fact, poison is the main difference between regular mushrooms and toadstools. Mushrooms are edible, while toadstools can be dangerous to your health. Besides that, there are almost no other significant differences between the two fungi.

How to get rid of toadstools on your lawn

There are a few methods you can use to rid your lawn of the red and white coloured mushroom, none of which require commercial products.

Uproot the toadstool

As soon as you see the toadstool, put some gloves on and pull it by the base. You need to take care of it before it has a chance to sprout, otherwise, it will release its spores. A few toadstools are easy enough to root out by hand, but more will require a spade to excavate.

Either way, always be careful to pull the entire mushroom by the stalk and roots. If you miss even a little bit, it will likely grow back. Do not walk on the toadstool, as then you will be transferring spores to each new spot you step on.

Remove the toadstools’ food source

Mind you, you need to follow this step after you’ve uprooted the mushroom. Otherwise, you will carry spores from one place to the next. With that said, here are some examples of what a toadstool feeds on: fallen, decaying leaves and branches, dead grass, and pet waste.

Remove that and the fungi will not return as there will be nothing for them to feed on. Keep in mind that there may be some waste material trapped beneath the soil surface. For example, an intact root system of a tree which has been cut or the ground around construction sites where timber scraps are left.

Water lawn properly

Besides feeding off of decaying matter, toadstools also need damp and dark areas to thrive. That’s why you will always find them under thick shade, near a tree or shrub. The answer to this problem is to water your lawn only when necessary and to only do it in the morning or during the day. If you water the lawn in the evening, the liquid will not evaporate, but instead, stagnate in the darkest areas, and you already know what can happen next.

It’s also a good idea to trim your shrubs and tree branches, so more sunlight can enter your garden. That way, the water will evaporate faster and minimise the ideal conditions for fungi growth.

Aeration

А dense soil with very low airflow is yet another condition which helps toadstools thrive. Removing the organic waste and watering only at the right time is one way of improving the airflow of the soil. Another way is to mow your lawn frequently and keep the grass short. This will allow more airflow and sunlight, and the water will dry faster. And don’t forget to dispose of the cut grass once you’re done.

Finally, use your garden fork by pushing the tines down into the soil and wiggling the fork a bit. This will widen the holes. Continue until you cover the entire lawn.

A few words on fungicides

You might be tempted to use fungicides, but if your soil has the right kind of conditions we mentioned earlier, the toadstools will likely return. In this case, it’s recommended you change the conditions as much as possible, and drop the idea of fungicides altogether. Frequent use of fungicides may have negative consequences for all the microorganisms living in the soil.

How to avoid toadstools next year?

Once you’ve completely removed the toadstools from your lawn, it’s time to make sure they don’t come back.

Contact the professionals

A well-maintained lawn is a healthy one. If you find you lack the time to cut grass, fertilize, aerate, scarify, and do all the other chores which come with the territory, don’t worry. Call Fantastic Services and get a high-quality lawn care service.

We work with experienced and fully-equipped professionals who can perform grass mowing, edging, weeding, top-dressing, re-seeding and many more services to make your garden look its best. All you need to do is get in contact and schedule your lawn care appointment.

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Did you manage to remove your toadstools? What method did you use and did it work out for you? Let us know by commenting!

Image source: Shutterstock / Natic