Honey Mushrooms in the Lawn: Fungus Feeding on Old Roots

Clusters of honey mushrooms (Armillaria tabescens or A. mellea) appearing in the lawn years after a maple removal are the "flowers" of a fungus decomposing the dead roots. They're not harming the grass—just recycling the wood.

What to Know

• Irrigation triggered the fruiting; mushrooms will stop when roots fully decompose.
• No need to dig them before mowing; they'll disappear on their own.
• Spores are everywhere; removing mushrooms doesn't prevent future crops.
• Most people simply pick and compost them.