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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Mushroom Fairy Rings
Several species of fungi cause fairy rings
Updated Oct 24, 2023
Make a Positive Identification
- The most noticeable sign is mushrooms growing in a ring or semi-circle.
- Grass within the circle may be weakened or die.
- Broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds may invade the damaged lawn area.
- Fairy rings are more severe on sandy soils with low fertility, and in places where lawns are commonly drought-stressed.
Species:
"Hexenring in Freiberg" by unukorno is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
A ring or semi-circle of mushrooms growing in a lawn is the most noticeable sign of a fairy ring.
Species:
"Fairy ring with jet plane" by Anders Sandberg is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
The fungus breaks down organic matter and produces nitrogen. This feeds the nearby grass, creating a dark green ring.
Species:
"Turf fairy ring" by Scott Nelson is licensed under CC0 1.0
There may be an area of brown, dying grass inside the ring of dark green grass. Broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds may invade the damaged lawn area.
Species:
"Fairy Ring" by SimonLH64 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The fungus can prevent the soil from absorbing water. This causes a ring of dead grass where the fungus grows.
Species:
Jay Pscheidt, Oregon State University
The ring of mushrooms may expand outward over several years. It may occur near living trees or places where trees once stood.
Mushroom Fairy Rings Benefits
- Fungi that cause fairy rings are decomposers that help to break down organic material and cycle nutrients.
- Some fungi (mycorrhizal) are beneficial partners to nearby trees.
Mushroom Fairy Rings Risks
- The fungus makes it hard for water to penetrate the lawn.
- Grass inside the rings may be weakened or killed. Weeds and weedy grasses may move in.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Low
Don’t ingest mushrooms
Property
Low
Pets
Low
Keep them from ingesting mushrooms
Annoyance
Some
Environment
Helpful
Action Optional
Take Action?
Fairy rings in lawns are common. They are of minor importance and cause little harm in home lawns. They may disappear suddenly.
In commercial turf and golf courses, however, fairy rings are unsightly and tolerance for them varies.
Do I need to take action?
No. You can leave fairy rings in lawns alone. However, if you don’t like how they look, you will need to take action.
What if I do nothing?
The ring may expand outward over several years. It may weaken grass and allow weeds to establish.
Prevent Mushroom Fairy Rings
Tom Cook, Oregon State University
Maintain a healthy lawn
- A healthy lawn will discourage fairy ring fungi, but fairy rings may still occur.
- Provide the right care including watering and fertilizing. Lawn grasses require full sun to thrive.
- Aerate the soil for better water penetration.
- Remove thatch if more than ½ inch accumulates.
- Remove underground organic matter, such as tree stumps, that the fungus feeds on.
HOW TO GET RID OF MUSHROOM FAIRY RINGS IN LAWNS
- Physically remove mushrooms and their food source.
- Aerate, water, feed and reseed the lawn
- Remove fungal mass from soil
- Treat with fungicides that are available for suppression of fairy rings.
- After any treatment, fairy rings may become re-established over a period of years.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Physically remove mushrooms |
Somewhat effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Aerate, water, feed and reseed the lawn |
Effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
C Remove fungal mass from soil |
Effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
D Chemical Methods |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Not Recommended |
|
E If Using Fungicides, Protect Yourself and Minimize Risks
|
A
Physically remove mushrooms and their food source
Non-Chemical Method
"Urban Mushroom #32" by /dave/null is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Physically remove mushrooms and their food source
Recommended
- Rake or mow off mushrooms to make the lawn look better. This is a temporary, cosmetic treatment.
- Remove underground organic matter that the fungus is feeding on, such as tree stumps and dead tree root systems.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Some actions are high effort, such as digging out tree stumps. |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
B
Aerate, water, feed and reseed the lawn
Non-Chemical Method
"Aeration cores on lawn" by Guipozjim is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Aerate, water, feed and reseed the lawn
Recommended
- Aerate soil for better water penetration.
- Water the area deeply. A grass-type wetting agent can be used to help the soil retain moisture.
- After watering, reseed affected areas.
- Fertilize and water the area to promote robust grass growth.
| Does it work? | Effective Helping the grass grow better will reduce the effect of the fungus. Wetting agents are commonly used by golf courses. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
C
Remove fungal mass from soil
Non-Chemical Method
"Myceliuim" by UnconventionalEmma is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Remove fungal mass from soil
Recommended
- In extreme cases, remove the grasses’ roots containing white, cottony mass of mycelium.
- Dig as much as 12 inches and 1-2 feet on each side of the ring.
- Mix the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller.
- Reseed or put new sod in the area.
| Does it work? | Effective |
| How much effort? | High effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
D
Chemical Methods
Chemical Method: Use with caution
iStock
Chemical Methods
Not Recommended
- Fungicide products for mushroom fairy rings are available. There is limited information about their effectiveness.
- Fungicides don’t change the soil conditions that support mushroom fairy rings.
- Golf course turf managers use fungicides to prevent mushroom fairy rings from growing. This method is NOT RECOMMENDED for most home and commercial lawn situations.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective |
| How much effort? | Low effort |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de fungicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se produce sin el uso de fungicidas. You may be exposed to a fungicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
If Using Fungicides, Protect Yourself and Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
FangXiaNuo, iStock
Why is it important to read fungicide labels?
- You have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They offer instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
- Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.
Key Fungicide Safety Tips
- Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Fungicide products often require goggles. Glasses are not sufficient.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
- Be precise in your application. More is not better.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using fungicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the fungicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using a fungicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow fungicide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants
- Wear the correct personal protection equipment. The right gear often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
- Mix fungicide products outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands after you mix or apply fungicides and before smoking or eating.
- Wash clothes worn while mixing and applying fungicides separately from all other laundry.
Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plant before fungicides dry.
- Keep them away during and after applying fungicides (read label for how long).
- Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
- Don’t track fungicide products into home on shoes or clothes.
Protect Pollinators
- Apply early morning or evening when bees are less active.
- Avoid spraying flowering plants, if possible.
- Don’t spray on bees or insects.
Storage & Disposal
- Store out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Never pour down any drain.
- If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
- Don’t put fungicide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
- Take unused fungicides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
For detailed information on how to maintain a healthy lawn, see:
Content provided by Signe Danler and Weston Miller. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
MUSHROOM FAIRY-RING REFERENCES
Lawn and Turf-Fairy Ring and Mushrooms
PNW Pest Management Handbooks
Hortsense Fact Sheets: Lawn and Turf : Fairy ring and mushrooms
Washington State University Extension
Fairy-rings in my lawn? Ask Extension
Lawn Diseases: Prevention and Management
University of California IPM
Lawn Mushrooms and Fairy Rings
Missouri Botanical Garden
Fairy Ring in Turf
North Carolina State Extension