Expert: Walter Hintz - 6/13/2006

Question
I am wondering if you know anything about mushrooms growing in my lawn, and what would kill them and prevent them from regrowing - something that is pet friendly.  I am hoping to avoid cutting the spots out of my lawn to get the roots.

Hope you can help!

Answer
Hi christena;
First let me explain something about fungi.  Mushrooms are the fruiting or reproductive structure of the fungus.  The largest component of the fungus consists of underground filimentous structures called hyphae.  Under certain conditions the fungus sends the musroom above groung where spores are spread. The fungus derives energy from the decomposition of organic material in the soil.
 Now what to do. Mushrooms do not have roots and you cannot cut them out of the ground.  The hyphae of fungi are important to a healthy soil environment as they aid plants in absorbing water.  Applying any kind of chemical to destroy the fungus is a bad idea and quite impractical.  The answer to your problem is simple.  When the mushrooms pop up just pick them and get rid of them. I get them in my yard and I just pull them out.  You will find that as the underground "food" of the fungus is being used up the frequency of mushrooms will dimenish.
I hope this helps.