Toadstools In Newly Laid Turf
So, you have mushrooms growing in newly laid turf, don’t panic! It’s quite common for small toadstools to appear in newly laid lawns. This can be quite a worrying sight at first, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. These temporary visitors are actually a sign that your garden is nice and fertile, and that your new turf is in a good home.
Try not to worry and just follow our practical advice below.
Why Do Toadstools Appear?
When we harvest turf on our Lancashire farm, some of the root system is inevitably cut during the lifting process. Once the turf is laid in your garden, the majority of the roots will bed into the new soil and begin growing rapidly. However, a small percentage of the older, damaged roots will naturally die off.
As these damaged roots decay, they create a natural food source for fungi, which then sprout as toadstools in turf. This can be particularly common when laying turf in the summer months, as the warm weather and moist conditions from regular watering give the mushrooms in turf the perfect conditions to thrive.
What Should I Do About Mushrooms in My Lawn?
Because they are feeding exclusively on small, decaying roots, these fungi are strictly temporary. Once that food source runs out, the mushrooms in your lawn will simply die off on their own.
You can, however, speed up this process using the following simple steps:
- Lightly brush the toadstools with a stiff broom, snapping their delicate stems. Once broken, the mushrooms will quickly dry out and naturally die off.
- Alternatively, if your grass has rooted in and is ready for its first mow, running the mower over them will break the stems and have the exact same effect.
- After doing this, a few more may reappear the next day. Simply continue the process, and they will soon decrease in numbers until they stop returning entirely.
Should I Use a Fungicide?
It can be tempting to reach for a chemical weedkiller or fungicide when you see unexpected growths in your pristine new garden, but we strongly advise against it.
Fungicides are typically ineffective against toadstools. This is because the main body of the fungus (the mycelium) lives safely underground, feeding on the dead roots. Using harsh chemicals is an unnecessary expense and can disrupt the healthy micro-organisms currently establishing in your soil. Stick to the brushing method and let nature take its course.
Are They Poisonous?
Without accurate laboratory identification, it’s impossible to say exactly what type of fungi has sprouted. Toadstools that appear in these conditions are most commonly the 'brown hay cap', which is not inherently poisonous but may cause an upset stomach if eaten. As a sensible precaution, it’s best to keep young children and pets away from the area and follow the brushing tips above to remove them promptly.
Will They Damage My Grass?
No, toadstools in your lawn will not have any damaging or long-lasting effect on your new grass. They don’t feed on healthy, living plants, so your fresh turf is perfectly safe.
If toadstools do appear in your garden, we hope this guide helps to put your mind at ease. If you have any more questions or concerns about your new lawn, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for expert advice.
