Don't Freak Out; It's Just a Mushroom!
Damage caused by pathogenic fungi, such as leaf spots or fruit rot, gives all fungi an undeserved bad reputation. The majority of fungi do not cause plant disease, and many are beneficial to plants. Some fungi kill harmful nematodes and insects in the soil, while others protect plant roots from pathogenic fungi. Some fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, while others help break down organic matter into usable nutrients.
What is a mushroom?
A mushroom is the reproductive structure or fruiting body of certain fungal organisms. When fungal mycelia are happy in your soil and conditions are just right, fungi will send up fruiting bodies that produce and release spores. The ideal conditions for mushrooms to pop up are in soil rich in decaying organic matter and during periods of prolonged wet, humid weather.
It's not necessarily a bad thing if you see mushrooms sprout in your soil. Fungi thrive in soils rich in organic matter, playing a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter. A sprouted mushroom can be a sign that your soil has a high percentage of organic matter and is healthy.
So what should you do?
Mushrooms will disappear once the weather conditions dry out. However, the fungal mycelia will continue to grow in the soil. Removing mushrooms will not remove the fungal mycelia in the soil. Still, it will reduce the number of spores released into the environment and, in turn, may limit the number of new mushrooms in nearby areas.
Some mushrooms are poisonous; we recommend the immediate removal and disposal of all mushrooms within reach of small children or pets. If the mushroom is not in danger of being consumed, you can allow it to live out its fruiting life.