Mushrooms in the lawn - how do they develop and what can be done about them?
A brief note in advance: In this article, we will discuss the visible Mushrooms. The soil may also contain fungi that are not visible.
Basically, the visible fungi that we want to avoid always occur in an acidic soil environment. They often use the lawn thatch as a host and then wait for the right moment to grow. Such a moment arises, for example, after warm and humid periods. Shady areas on the lawn are particularly at risk;
Fungi love moisture and therefore prefer damp and shady areas. High rainfall, but also overwatering, can be the reason for fungal growth. As fungi decompose organic material (decomposers), fungal growth is favored by leaves, plant debris, dead wood in the soil, lawn thatch or moss in the lawn;
What is the best way to prevent these visible fungi?
First, the pH value of the Soil should be checked. The most unfavorable condition for - increased - fungal growth is a pH value between 6.7-6.9, because such values are otherwise present in optimal soil hygiene and nutrient availability. Fungi like to grow in acidic soil. If the soil is too acidic, it should whitewashed were.
It also helps to scarify or aerate the lawn to minimize the remaining thatch. Our professional tip: Immediately afterwards, our Turbogreen lawn aeratorThis also helps to ensure that the lawn felt is completely broken down;
Optionally, the lawn can be regularly sanded (top dressing). This light Sanding should be carried out with approx. 1 liter of sand per square meter.
It is always best to pick the mushrooms before mowing, as the fruiting bodies, i.e. the visible part, contain the spores. If you cut them down, the spores and thus the mushrooms may spread. It would be even better to cut out the mushrooms extensively, as you remove the mycelium at the same time, after which the fungus should no longer appear. The disadvantage of this is that there is then a gap in the lawn that has to be closed again.
It is best to dispose of the mushrooms and soil in the garbage and not in the compost, as they would quickly spread again in the compost.
If there are still a lot of mushrooms afterwards, we recommend a Soil sample to make.
If a problem with fungi persists despite good analysis results, it is recommended to aerate and to sands. This allows more air and water to reach the lawn roots and deeper layers of soil. It also reduces damp patches and waterlogging, which promote fungal growth.
To summarize:
Regular and good lawn care helps to prevent the establishment of fungi. This also includes fertilizing, mowing and watering properly when necessary.