Mushrooms can appear in new sod or established sod. They aren't picky about where they grow as long as there is the right combination of moisture, shade, and organic material in the soil. They may appear suddenly usually overnight and appear under the shrubs, near the trees or just in the middle of your beautiful lawn!
Mushrooms are fungi, or rather the reproductive part of fungi that lives in soil. The fungi are hidden most of the time busy breaking down organic material. But, when the conditions are right they will burst up from the ground like flowers blooming in the spring time.
In your newly laid sod, mushrooms may appear since the new sod must be kept very moist to encourage root growth into the underlying soil. If you have mushroom spores present in your sod when the watering begins, the spores will germinate and begin to break down organic materials in the sod. Once the germinated fungus has grown into the sod, mushrooms break through the soil and can begin growing rapidly.
Once your new sod is established and excessive watering is no longer needed, the mushroom problem may clear up on its own. The mushrooms must have a moist area to thrive, so allow your lawn to dry out once the sod is clearly established. Fungal growth in new sod can cause the grass to grow at an uneven rate, leaving you with longer grass in sections of your lawn. Using a lawn aerator will improve the water flow while increasing air content in the soil and this will help keep the mushrooms at bay. If mushrooms appear and you remove them manually, just keep in mind they may return after a heavy rain.
If mushrooms persist in your established lawn, you may be able to keep mushrooms away by changing the conditions in your yard. Mushrooms typically like shade so trim back bushes and leaves. The sunshine will help keep the shrooms in check! If you see standing water or if part of your lawn remains damp for long periods after a rain, your soil may be compacted. Aerating will increase drainage and better drainage will decrease the moisture that the mushrooms thrive on. Dethatching your lawn may be necessary if you have a thick layer of organic material that absorbs moisture.
If you have a stump or even a place where a stump used to be, the dead roots underground may be encouraging the growth of mushrooms. If the stump is still there, you can have it removed. If it has been removed, keep the area raked and aerated to promote proper drainage. Pet waste left on the lawn can bring out the unwanted mushrooms.
Mushrooms indicate that your yard has lots of organic material in the soil. When the mushrooms break down the organic material your soil becomes more productive. If you don't have drainage or shade problems, just simply knock the mushrooms over and wait for the sun to appear and dry out the lawn.
Call Sunbelt Turf Farm for all your sod needs!
Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.
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