Mushrooms often sprout in and around gardens at this time of year, popping up on lawns or within the soil. Initially, their presence can be a bit startling—they aren't exactly the most visually appealing and are usually unwanted visitors! Despite this, the emergence of mushrooms is actually a good sign, indicating a healthy environment rich in nutrients.

The growth of mushrooms is primarily influenced by the weather and season. The mushroom caps we see are the reproductive parts (fruit) of fungi that flourish in warm, moist conditions. While mushrooms disperse their tiny spores through the soil and air, the bulk of the fungus typically resides in the soil, mostly invisible to the naked eye. If you closely examine grass, you might notice fine, wispy threads at the tips of the blades—this is the fungus. Known as mycelium, these threads resemble cotton and tend to vanish as they dry out in the sun.

Fungi play a crucial role in turf health, contributing significantly to a thriving lawn. Their primary function is to decompose thatch and other debris, thereby providing essential nutrients to the grass. When turf is harvested, it contains a lot of thatch and dead material, which fungi help to break down. Once the dead matter is fully decomposed, the fungi die off naturally. There's no need for chemical intervention— using chemicals can actually harm your lawn.

In addition to grass, fungi and bacteria are vital in soil ecosystems. They break down complex organic compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into simpler elements. These nutrients, once simplified, become more accessible for other organisms. Beneath the mushrooms, underground networks of fungal threads attach to plant roots, forming extensive filaments that reach deep into the soil. This significantly increases the surface area of plant roots.

While mushrooms aren’t the most pleasing to look at, they do signify a healthy environment. You can simply mow the lawn to remove the mushroom caps or rake them off the soil. Typically, they will disappear within a few weeks leaving you with a healthy, green lawn!