People often ask us what to do with them, why they have appeared and whether they are harmful to the lawn, children or pets.

The vast majority are harmless and contrary to popular opinion, most are not poisonous – and your pets are unlikely to eat them.

There’s no need to do anything with toadstools on your lawn, although you can just brush them away if you would like them gone. However, whether you remove them or not won’t make any difference to their spread, as spores from toadstools exist in the air all the time anyway.

Of the thousands of different types, only two main fungi could do actual damage to gardens. The rest of them will not cause any deterioration to lawns. The two to beware of are Armillaria (honey fungus) and Marasmius (a type of fairy ring). Other types of fairy ring are not harmful.

See the RHS website advice for how to identify and deal with these two specific fungi:

RHS Toadstool Advice

Other related articles: Autumn Lawn Care

Key points

• Don’t worry unnecessarily about the appearance of toadstools on your lawn
• Do a quick check if you think they are Armillaria or Marasmius

We supply quality turf all year round. If you would like any further advice on lawn care or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com

The impact of leaves on your lawn

A thick blanket of leaves can create problems for grass health. When leaves pile up and remain damp, they block sunlight and restrict airflow, creating the perfect environment for mould, fungi, and lawn disease. Over time, this can weaken or even kill patches of grass. In extreme cases, lawns can suffocate under too much leaf cover, leaving your garden with bare or patchy areas in spring.

However, a light scattering of leaves is unlikely to cause significant harm, particularly if you mow the lawn occasionally. Mowing over dry leaves chops them into smaller pieces, which decompose faster and actually return nutrients to the soil, providing a natural, free fertiliser.

What about new turf?

If your lawn has only recently been laid, it’s important to keep it free from fallen leaves. New turf needs plenty of light, air, and water to establish strong roots. A covering of leaves can increase the risk of fungal disease and other problems, which slow down growth. Use a soft rake, brush or a leaf blower on a low setting to clear debris without disturbing the turf. Once the grass has rooted properly you can start mowing and treating it much like an established lawn.

The case for wildlife

Leaves play an important role in the garden ecosystem. Hedgehogs, frogs, toads and insects all use fallen leaves for shelter during colder months. Caterpillars and other small creatures feed on decaying leaf matter, while birds benefit from the increased food supply. By leaving some leaves in borders, under hedges, by outbuildings or in quieter corners of the garden, you will be creating valuable habitats for wildlife without compromising your lawn.

Best of both worlds

A balanced approach is perhaps the best option. Rake or mow leaves from the central lawn areas to keep the grass healthy. Then gather them into piles in less-used spots or spread them across flowerbeds. This way, your lawn remains in good condition while local wildlife enjoys a safe haven.

What to do with collected leaves

If you do rake leaves, there are several ways you can put them to good use:

Make leaf mould: collected leaves can be stored in a bin bag or wire cage to slowly decompose. This will give you a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

Use as mulch: spread shredded leaves over garden beds. These help to insulate soil, suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Add to compost: by mixing leaves with grass clippings and kitchen waste, you can create balanced compost.

The verdict!

Leaving a few leaves is good for wildlife and the overall garden ecosystem, but a thick layer on your lawn can cause damage. So, aim for a compromise. Clear most of the leaves from grassy areas, then recycle the leaves into mulch, compost, or wildlife-friendly piles. Your lawn will stay healthy, your garden creatures will thank you, and nothing will go to waste.

Key Actions

• Clear thick layers of leaves from your lawn regularly to keep grass healthy and prevent disease.
• Leave some leaves in borders, hedges, or corners to provide valuable shelter for wildlife.
• Recycle raked leaves into compost, mulch, or leaf mould so nothing goes to waste.

If you would like further advice on looking after new turf, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com