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    Mushrooms in my lawn

    Hi I had a new lawn laid a couple of months ago but for the last few weeks I’ve not loads of various mushrooms growing! Do I leave them to die off? Will they come back if I do? Or should I get something to kill them? I’ve no pets or small children so they’re not bothering me I just don’t like them 😂

    Hi @sarahsausage

    Thanks for your question, there are quite a lot of beginner gardeners with lawns that experience mushrooms in their lawn and panic!

    The quick answer is don't panic this is fine. Mushrooms in lawns and newly laid turf are a good sign of excellent soil health. Leave them alone, they are harmless and part of a valuable ecosystem!  Don't try and remove them as you'll basically be damaging the soil and your lawn's chances of success. Just leave them be, they usually only fruit for a week or so then die back and disappear.

    Mushrooms are often a sign of healthy soil because their presence indicates a thriving ecosystem below the surface. Here's why:

    1. Decomposition

    Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that break down organic matter, such as dead leaves, wood, and other plant material. This decomposition process enriches the soil with nutrients, making it more fertile and beneficial for plant growth.

    2. Mycorrhizal Relationships

    Many mushrooms are part of mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. These fungi help plants absorb water and essential nutrients like phosphorus from the soil, while the plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This relationship boosts the overall health and resilience of plants.

    3. Soil Structure

    Fungi contribute to soil structure by binding soil particles together with their hyphae (filamentous structures). This creates a more stable soil environment with better aeration, water retention, and root penetration.

    4. Biodiversity Indicator

    The presence of mushrooms indicates a diverse and balanced microbial community in the soil, which is crucial for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems. This diversity helps regulate soil pH, nutrient cycles, and disease suppression.

    Sarah, mushrooms in your garden or lawn are a positive sign that your soil is rich in organic matter, well-structured, and full of beneficial microorganisms, all of which are key components of a healthy and productive soil environment!

    Happy gardening.

    Lee Garden Ninja

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