How to Kill Mushrooms Encircling a Tree

Whether they are wanted or not, mushrooms grow when spores land on favorable soil, particularly damp soil around deciduous trees. While many types of mushrooms are beneficial in decomposing leaves and adding nitrogen to the soil, some varieties are poisonous and may endanger children and pets. Proper watering and yard maintenance can eliminate these mushrooms and prevent their reemergence around your trees.

Garden spade
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Dig up all of the mushrooms using a garden spade to prevent the spores from spreading elsewhere. This leaves the underground mycelia intact but temporarily eliminates any mushroom-related aesthetic or safety problems.
- 2
  Dig up soil around the tree until only an inch of soil covers the roots. This promotes air circulation to the roots and prevents future mushroom growth.
- 3
  Clear any decaying organic matter around the tree, including bark, dead tree branches and leaves. This eliminates mushroom food sources, preventing or slowing future growth.
- 4
  Mulch around the tree with 2 inches of nitrogen-rich, pH-balanced compost. Choose compost with a pH over 5.2 to inhibit fungi growth without harming the tree.
- 5
  Water the tree until the mulch is moist but not damp. Overwatering can harm the tree’s health and invite mushroom growth. Avoid watering the tree at the base, and relocate lawn sprinklers to prevent unnecessary watering.

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