Mushrooms in new sod are annoying if you prefer pristine lawns. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, their appearance can be concerning for homeowners.
We’ll discuss why mushrooms grow and how to prevent them from popping up in our gardens. So keep reading this article, and you will each and every reason how and why they suddenly pop up, and how you can get rid of them.
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Why Are Mushrooms Growing in Your New Sod?
Mushrooms are growing in your new sod because of the presence of organic matter in the soil, and the presence of the high amount of moisture in the sod. It would also be due to the lack of sunlight and fungal spores existing in the soil.
Mushrooms break down organic material and recycle nutrients back into the soil. Mushrooms are widespread and diverse in many shapes, forms, and colors. While they can be beautiful, their presence can cause worry.
– The Presence of Organic Matter in the Soil
Mushrooms are saprophytic fungi, which means that they rely on dead organic matter to survive. These include decaying wood chips, sawdust, and plant roots, and their establishment and development will become boosted. If the soil for the new sod has a lot of organic matter, this can create a very favorable environment for mushrooms to grow.
– A High Amount of Moisture in the Sod
Another common reason for lawn mushrooms is the presence of moisture in new sod. Since mushrooms require a lot of moisture to grow, new sods installed under rainy or humid conditions can encourage mushrooms to pop up. In short, the higher the humidity, the more they would grow, because this is their significant medium to thrive in.
Additionally, overwatering or poor drainage in the surrounding area can contribute to excess moisture in the soil. This can lead to mushrooms showing up in lawns and gardens.
– Lack of Sunlight
Aside from moisture, mushrooms require a suitable growing environment that is shady and damp. When new sod is installed in areas that have limited sunlight exposure, they are more prone to humid and damp conditions that encourage mushroom growth. Shade from nearby plants and trees can also contribute to the lack of sunlight, causing mushrooms to grow.
Most mushrooms that end up popping in new sod are not harmful. However, there are some poisonous species that may be poisonous or toxic, which means that with the excess moisture and organic substances, they would grow and become toxic.
If you have children or pets, they may be tempted to touch or eat them. Avoid contact with unknown mushrooms in your new sod as much as possible, because they are arising due to the lack of sunlight.
– Fungal Spores in the Soil
The presence of fungal spores also matters greatly when it comes to mushroom growth in new sod. Fungal spores are found in all soils, and it is very difficult to find soils without any fungus in them, and they will pop up mushrooms from the new sod. If the soil of the new sod has a lot of these spores, it can increase the chances of mushroom growth.
Just like most fungi, mushrooms generally go away on their own as their environment becomes less conducive to their growth. As your new sod starts to accumulate less water and dry out regularly, mushrooms will cease to appear. However, they may show up again under the right conditions.
Fungal spores can be introduced from almost everywhere. These can include soil from nearby plants or trees, from foot traffic, or they can just be present in the soil naturally.
How To Prevent Mushrooms from Growing in New Sod
To prevent mushrooms from growing in new sod, you should reduce or remove excess organic matter, and limit the moisture level in the soil. Increase sunlight exposure, and prepare the soil properly. Use the right fungicides, and lastly maintain a good lawn care practice.
– Reduce or Remove Excess Organic Matter
Mushrooms rely on organic matter to thrive, so removing their food supply is important to prevent them from showing up. Thatch and decomposing roots are the most common organic materials that are found in lawns.
This can be done by removing the organic matter under the soil before new sod is laid down. To do this, rake and remove the debris. You can do this manually or use a sod cutter to remove a thin layer of soil before laying down the new sod, and no mushrooms would bother you.
– Limit Moisture in the Soil
Overwatering is often the main culprit when it comes to having mushrooms pop up in new sod. To prevent this, homeowners should ensure that the new sod is watered only when necessary. This should be done based on weather conditions so that water does not accumulate on the surface of the soil.
Aside from this, improving the soil texture can help, if you work on it. Soil that is loose and well-draining can prevent water from collecting while providing hydration to the roots of the grass and nearby plants.
– Increase Sunlight Exposure
Since mushrooms prefer to grow in shady environments, keeping your lawn area exposed to sunlight is recommended because they will now grow much less, and you would decrease the risk of excessive spreading. This can be achieved by trimming and pruning nearby trees. Additionally, structures that block sunlight should be removed or transferred.
The presence of sunlight can make areas less favorable for the growth of mushrooms. As a result, a new lawn is expected to see less of the small mushrooms all over lawn areas, when it sees a good amount of sunlight.
– Prepare the Soil Properly
Proper soil preparation is important for reducing and preventing the growth of mushrooms in your new sod. Aside from limiting the excess amount of organic matter, having the soil tested for pH levels and nutrient balance is also recommended, and then you should proceed.
Aside from this, it is best to remove rocks and other debris that could possibly trap moisture in the soil. This will ensure that the soil is level and free of air pockets before the new sod is installed.
– Use the Appropriate Fungicides
If mushrooms in the lawn are particularly worrisome, homeowners may consider treating the area with the appropriate fungicide. Fungicides are chemical compounds that are formulated to kill fungi while restricting their growth at the same time.
You can remove the mushrooms from your new sod by hand or using a rake. However, always wear protective gear and clothing, such as gloves, to avoid touching the mushrooms. Some mushrooms can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues.
Since fungicides can affect local flora and fauna, it is important to consult with a professional if the application is extensive and intensive. If the area is small and the fungicide is bought from commercial sources, the directions for its use should be followed carefully, because they would also show you a good result.
Plus, you should aim to wear protective safety gear and clothing when using fungicides is always recommended.
Generally, it is not advisable to kick mushrooms off your lawn just to visibly get rid of them, this is why you should use the right fungicides. Kicking the mushrooms can spread their spores even more, which means you are not doing any good. These spores can sometimes be pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants.
– Maintain Good Lawn Care Practices
Once the presence of fungus in new sod has been addressed, it is significant for homeowners to keep their outdoor spaces healthy. To do this, good lawn and yard care must be regularly performed, and you should follow up with the health of your new sod. This includes keeping lawns adequately watered, soils frequently loosened, and grass regularly mowed.
By keeping your lawn well-maintained and healthy, you’ll get to enjoy it more often without any unwanted fungal growth. As you keep your soil as healthy as possible, you will be rewarded with a healthy lawn.
Conclusion
Preventing the presence of mushrooms in your new sod is actually easy as long as you know how. Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve learned so far:
- In order to lessen their presence, keep healthy soil for your lawn by ensuring that it is well-draining.
- To reduce the growth of mushrooms, increase sunlight exposure to new sod by trimming nearby plants and trees.
- If their growth is extensive, apply fungicides only as directed while wearing safety protective gear and clothing.
By now, you’re ready to keep mushrooms off your new sod and prevent them from coming back. You know how to remove them and why they arise in the first place, so which method will you use to get rid of them?
