WHAT TO DO WHEN YARD MUSHROOMS ARE OUT OF CONTROL.

Q: Mushrooms are taking over my yard and popping up in my landscape beds. How do I get rid of these freaky fungi?

A: Yard mushrooms typically aren’t harmful, but that doesn’t mean you should start mixing them with your salads or let your pets eat them. You have several options to consider:

1. You can mow over them. That’ll teach the little devils not to grow in your yard.
2. You can pluck them out and dispose of them to prevent the release of spores that produce progeny mushrooms.
3. You can remove their food source, which typically consists of decaying organic matter (including pet waste).
4. You can leave them alone since they increase soil nutrients by breaking down organic matter into natural fertilizer. Once the ground dries up, your mushrooms will disappear.

But let’s dig a little deeper on the subject of mushrooms. Even though they’re usually a sign that the soil below is rich in nutrients, they could also indicate overwatering. Overwatering coupled with heavy rains is even worse., especially if the watering is done at night.

Bottom line: If mushrooms truly are overtaking your yard, you have a problem. But otherwise, don’t let a few fungi bother you. Instead, devote your time to other more-pressing issues in your yard. Speaking of, is your HOA community looking for a new landscape maintenance provider? Call ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design at 941.488.8897 and ask for Mike Casper. ArtisTree proudly serves Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

Category Drainage, Fungus, Landscape Maintenance