Safety Alert
Mushrooms Growing at Playcentres in Bark and Grass
Autumn and Winter are the peak seasons for mushrooms or toadstools to appear overnight on bark, leaf litter and grass after rain.
Some mushrooms are poisonous and therefore are a health and safety risk to our tamariki.
How do we distinguish the good mushrooms from the bad? The answer is it’s too difficult to say with accuracy, therefore we treat all mushrooms equally and with caution and apply the steps laid out below.
If We Spot Mushrooms at the Playcentre-What do we do?
Before a session – The Sessional H & S Check (Outdoor section) reminds us to check for mushrooms, so in this season, please be on higher alert for them.
If detected, hand-pick the mushroom wearing gloves (or using a plastic bag), dispose of them in the general rubbish and wash hands.
During a session – Lead nearby tamariki away from the mushrooms and ask a parent to watch the site to prevent them returning. Explain to your fellow kaiako what you have found and either dispose of them yourself or assign another kaiako to deal with them.
If the mushrooms were found by tamariki then record this as a minor incident/near miss.
Hazard reporting – if your Playcentre is prone to mushrooms, check that they are listed on your centre’s Hazard Register as a recurring permanent hazard requiring minimisation.
If mushrooms are a new hazard for your Playcentre, then all whanau should be informed through centre communications as soon as possible as to this new hazard.
- Reminder: Centre whanau are required to read and re-sign the hazard register each
What Can be Done to Prevent Mushroom Growth?
There are many ways to limit or stop mushrooms growing. These are:
Creating an undesirable microclimate for mushroom growth: During wet Autumns and Winters, deep rake the bark weekly in areas that are prone to mushrooms (dark, shaded, poor draining areas) so that the bark is aerated and not compact. This prevents mycelium growth. Mushrooms thrive in wet and shady areas so improve drainage where possible and remove overgrown plants and bushes so the bark can naturally dry. Remove organic waste like leaf litter so fungi spores do not have anything to grow on.
Hand picking or plucking: Removing mushrooms from the soil damages the mycelia in the soil and can eventually prevent re-growth of mushrooms. Removing young mushrooms before the cap opens into its umbrella shape also ensures they don’t release more spores into the soil. For disposal, place mushrooms into a plastic bag, tie the bag closed and place in the rubbish bin and not a compost heap.
Soapy water: About 1 teaspoon in 2.5 L of water (2-3 tablespoons in 7.5 L). Mix. Make holes around mushrooms with a screwdriver or trowel and fill with the soapy water and spray (or pour) directly on to the mushrooms. Mushrooms start to deteriorate within 24 hours. Soapy water does not damage grass.
Baking Soda: Many common mushrooms thrive in acidic soils. Some gardeners use Baking Soda (1 tablespoon in 4.5 L of water) to kill the mushroom because it makes the soil more alkaline. However, Baking soda is also an herbicide so it will also kill grass and other plants meaning that this remedy is ok for bark but not for mushrooms found in grass.
White Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural fungicide at concentrations of 20% vinegar concentrate (a minimum) which is industrial vinegar (Acetic acid) not food grade vinegar. There are therefore safety considerations when handling this material. Caution is required because concentrated vinegar is an acid that can cause severe skin burns, eye damage (exposure to fumes) and lung damage (inhalation of fumes) which means appropriate PPE is needed (gloves, eye protection). It may take 3-4 days for the fungi to die down and a second spray treatment is usually required. It also needs to be warm weather to be effective (above 18°C).
Nitrogen fertiliser: Adding slow-release nitrogen fertiliser may get rid of mushrooms over time by encouraging fast breakdown of organic waste. There are safety considerations when handling this material – refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lime: Adding lime to gardens and lawns changes the pH of the soil making it more alkaline so that the fungi do not thrive or produce mushrooms. Application of lime could affect plants in the garden that also like living in acidic soils. There are also safety considerations when handling this material. Check the instructions for the personal protection that you need (gloves, mask) and other directions.
Fungicides: Keep in mind that fungicides are toxic and should be used sparingly and with care, especially in areas used by tamariki and pets. There are safety considerations when handling fungicides and the manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed during its preparation and application. Instructions will also specify what glove type and person protection is needed. Note: Applying too much fungicide can damage soil.
If you need further information or you have query about this Safety Alert, then please contact [email protected]
References:
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Mulch (Using 9 Methods) – The Practical Planter
Will Baking Soda Kill Grass: The Safest Way To Use It on the Lawn – Evergreen Seeds
How To Get Rid Of Mushrooms In The Lawn With Vinegar – LawnCARE (lawncaregarden.com)
Why Are Mushrooms Growing in My Yard? – Dengarden
What Chemicals Will Kill Mushrooms? | Hunker
This Easy Mushroom Garden Hack Comes Just in Time for Spring (hunker.com)
About: Safety Alerts are released to alert all Playcentre whanau, employees and contractors to a hazard or fault that could result in a serious injury or fatality – so that immediate remedial action can be taken.