Mold in the Lawn—How Does It Form, and What Can Be Done About It?
First, an important note:
This article is about visible fungi in the lawn. In addition, the soil may also contain fungi that are not visible and only become active under the right conditions.
Why do visible mushrooms grow in the lawn?
Visible fungi that are undesirable in the lawn almost always occur in an unfavorable soil environment. They are particularly common in:
in acidic soil
in conjunction with lawn thatch, which serves as a host
after periods of warm, humid weather
in shady and persistently damp areas
Fungi thrive in moist conditions. Heavy rainfall, overwatering, or waterlogging promote their growth. Since fungi break down organic matter, their growth is further encouraged by:
Turf thatch
Leaves and plant debris
dead root material
Moose
Dead wood in the soil
How can you prevent visible mold?
Check the soil's pH level
An incorrect pH level is one of the main causes of fungal growth. Fungi thrive especially well in acidic soil. If the soil is too acidic, it should be limed. A soil test provides reliable information in this regard.
Reducing Thatch
Lawn thatch provides ideal conditions for fungi to thrive. That's why you should regularly:
scarified or
be ventilated
Pro Tip:
Immediately after scarifying or aerating, we recommend using the Turbogrün lawn aerator to effectively break down thatch.
Regular Topdressing
Lightly sanding the soil improves its structure and reduces waterlogging.
Recommendation: Apply approximately 1 liter of sand per square meter on a regular basis.
How to Remove Mold Properly
Visible fungi should be removed before mowing, as the spores are found in the fruiting bodies. If they are mowed down, the fungi can spread further.
It's best to pick mushrooms or
Cut out generously to remove the mycelium as well
Any gaps that form in the lawn as a result should be reseeded afterward.
Disposal
Do not put the mushrooms or the affected soil in the compost; dispose of them in the general waste instead. If placed in the compost, the mushrooms would continue to multiply.
When Fungal Infections Keep Recurring Despite Treatment
If, despite proper care, a large number of fungi continue to appear, we recommend:
a soil analysis to accurately assess the pH level and nutrient content
If the problem persists despite good test results, the following often help:
Aeration
subsequent sanding
This allows more air and water to reach deeper soil layers, reduces waterlogging, and inhibits fungal growth.