Due to recent rains, mushrooms have been appearing in turf lawns. Mushrooms are usually Basidiomycete fungi that grow underground by means of a threadlike body called hyphae or mycelium.
The mycelium of various fungi tends to grow through the soil and break down organic debris in soil. Fungi act as natural decomposers in our ecosystem. Without them organic matter such as fallen leaves would remain in the landscapes. Also, many fungi have symbiotic or mutually beneficial relationships with plants and trees.
Mycorrhizae help plants absorb more nutrients and withstand drought. Fungi that are producing mushroom fruiting bodies now in lawn turf are merely completing their life cycles in response to the moisture from recent rains. It is advisable never to eat any mushrooms found in lawns and landscapes.
