Oftentimes they grow from buried organic matter in the soil, such as logs, roots, tree stumps, or construction lumber. A typical mushroom has an umbrella shape. The stem (stipe) grows out of the soil, with the cap on top of it.
Puffballs resemble balls or pears growing in a lawn. Most of them are white when young, but later take on a dark appearance, turning brown to black in color. If they are crushed when mature, they will release a "puff"of spores.
Fairy rings are narrow, circular rings of grass which appear greener than the surrounding lawn. The rings vary in diameter from a few inches to many feet. Sometimes a ring-shaped area of dead grass will appear near the fairy ring. Mushrooms may be found in the fairy rings at certain times of the year.
Mushroom, puffballs, and fairy rings arc caused by fungi living on organic matter in the soil. Up to fifty different species of mushrooms have been found growing in lawns. Although most of these fungi are not edible, very few of them would be fatal if accidentally eaten. However, these mushrooms should never be eaten unless an expert has been consulted to verify their identity.
In most cases, the fungus will produce a heavy, felt-like mat of dirty-while mold growth (mycelium) which may penetrate the turf and soil to a depth of eight inches or more. With fairy rings, the fungus filaments become so dense that the soil cannot be wetted and the grass dies from lack of moisture. A toxic substance may also be released, preventing growth of the grass. The ring itself may spread at the rate of a few inches to two feet or more per year. As mycelium grows outward, it dies on the inner edge. The dying fungus releases nitrogen, which causes the grass to green up.

If mushrooms appear over and over in the same area and the grass begins to die, large quantities of water should be pumped 12-24 inches deep into the soil just inside the ring of dead grass. A tree-feeding lance or root feeder hose attachment is recommended for this purpose, or a pitchfork can be used to make numerous holes in the dead area.

The dark green areas of fairy rings are usually less noticeable on turf which is watered and fertilized well. A regular fertilization program can mask the rings by making the entire lawn equally green.

For seriously infested lawns, core aeration is highly recommended to break up the thatch and disrupt the mat of mycelium. This also allows better movement of water into the mycelium's dry mats.

There are no chemical fungicides available which will control these fungi.

The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.