You can use the tool to identify which mushroom it is, and whether it is poisonous or not
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
05:00, 26 Sep 2025
People are being warned to check their gardens asap(Image: Reach PLC)
If you have a garden with grass that you don’t often check, then now may be the time to do just that. It comes amid a fresh warning from gardening experts who say that you could be growing dangerous mushrooms and not know it.
At the moment, clusters of mushrooms are appearing in gardens across the UK according to those in the know. And while they might look harmless, experts from Urban Farm-It have stated that if they keep appearing, it could actually indicate an underlying issue beneath the soil.
The experts warn: “When mushrooms appear regularly in lawns, it may be a sign that there is rotting material under the surface. Old tree roots or buried wood could provide the perfect conditions for fungi to thrive.”
Emphasising that the mushrooms visible above ground are only part of the picture, it also warns that while this natural process can benefit soil health, certain species may still pose concerns. They note: “What you see on the lawn is the fruiting body.
“Essentially the flowering part of a much larger fungal network. Beneath the surface, mycelium could be working its way through the soil, breaking down organic matter and helping recycle nutrients.
“Some wild mushrooms may be poisonous, meaning they could pose risks to pets or children if consumed. This is why many people choose to remove mushrooms from lawns when they appear, even though the underground fungus will usually persist until the wood or organic matter has broken down fully.”
For gardeners keen to banish mushrooms, there are a couple of approaches that may help. The expert’s guidance suggest: “Removing old tree roots from the soil could reduce fungal growth over time, though it can be heavy work.”
You could also try aerating lawns. This improves airflow and drainage which make conditions less favourable for mushrooms.
Different types of mushrooms may appear at different times of year. For example, “Field mushrooms are common in autumn, but other species such as the Tawny Funnel may emerge later into the winter.
“Their presence could tell you more about the conditions in your soil than about the health of your lawn itself.” If you want to know exactly what kind is growing, you can use the Garden Mushroom Identifier from BBC Gardeners World Magazine.
The experts from the BBC state that some are “very poisonous” meaning if you have pets or children, it is wise to get rid of these as soon as possible to avoid any accidents – it will also help any wildlife, like foxes, or neighbour’s cats falling ill too.
Should I worry about mushrooms growing in the garden?
The BBC Gardening experts explain that the presence of mushrooms in your garden is generally a positive sign, often indicating you have healthy soil and there is a presence of decaying wood or other organic matter like fallen leaves. Mushrooms play an important role in the ecosystem, acting as a food source for various forms of wildlife, including squirrels and beetles.
They note that some of the more common fungi you may come across include the fairy ring fungus (Marasmius oreades), which typically grows in lawns without causing any damage, and the jelly ear fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae), usually found on dead wood—particularly elder trees. Sadly, not all mushrooms are safe.
They conclude by warning people that if you come across fungi in your garden not to panic, as they stress: “Remember that most fungi is good and a natural, and healthy part of the ecosystem.
“Take time to identify which species you have and enjoy seeing which species come along to eat it.”
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