Mushrooms appearing on UK lawns this autumn, experts explain why

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Mushrooms and toadstools are growing on UK lawns this autumn, thriving in damp and shady autumn conditions.

Mushrooms and toadstools are appearing on UK lawns this autumn in greater numbers. According to lawn care experts at Lawnsmith, the fungi thrive in the damp, shady conditions that become more common during October. Fallen leaves, poor drainage and a build-up of organic material can all encourage fungi to appear, particularly in garden areas that receive little sunlight.

Jonathan Davis, a lawn expert at Lawnsmith, explained that lack of sunlight leads to moisture buildup, which fungi enjoy alongside low-light conditions. Moss on lawns also thrives in similar damp environments. Lawn debris can worsen the problem, as fallen leaves provide decomposing organic material on which fungi feed.

Finding toadstools in grass is not necessarily a cause for alarm. While unsightly, if left on the lawn they can spread, eventually causing wider issues later in the season. One pattern gardeners may notice is a 'fairy ring' – a circular arrangement of mushrooms or changes in grass growth caused by fungal activity beneath the lawn surface.

Some wild mushrooms and toadstools are poisonous, so children and pets should be kept away from unidentified fungi and they should never be eaten.

How it is being reported

• Why mushrooms are suddenly growing on your lawn – and how to tackle themMushrooms and toadstools are appearing on UK lawns this autumn. Lawn experts explain why they grow and how to remove them.Dorset Echo · 18 Oct, 10:44
• Why mushrooms are suddenly growing on your lawn – and how to tackle themMushrooms and toadstools are appearing on UK lawns this autumn. Lawn experts explain why they grow and how to remove them.Bournemouth Echo · 18 Oct, 10:44

In this story: Lawnsmith · Jonathan Davis · UK

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem