Puffball mushrooms appear as white, spherical, or pear-shaped fungi in lawns and gardens. These are the temporary reproductive structures of a larger organism living beneath the soil. While puffballs are generally harmless and benefit the soil by breaking down organic matter, their sudden appearance is often an aesthetic problem. Homeowners seek removal to prevent the release of dark, dusty spores when the puffballs mature or to minimize the risk of ingestion by pets or children. Permanent control requires addressing both the visible mushroom and the underlying environmental conditions that allow the fungal network to thrive.
Quick Removal of Existing Puffballs
The most immediate action is to remove puffballs as soon as they appear, ideally while they are young, firm, and white inside. This timing prevents the fungi from maturing and releasing microscopic spores that can spread to new locations. To remove them effectively, cut them off at the base with a knife or carefully dig them out using a trowel, taking care not to crush the body.
Once extracted, dispose of the puffballs properly to avoid spore dispersal. Place the removed fungi directly into a sealed bag and dispose of it in the trash; do not compost them or leave them out where they can be crushed. This physical removal only eliminates the fruiting body and does not kill the extensive underground network of fungal filaments, called the mycelium. Commercial fungicides are generally ineffective because they cannot penetrate the soil deeply enough to destroy the entire mycelium.
Identifying the Root Cause of Fungal Growth
Puffball fungi are saprophytes, feeding on and decomposing dead organic material buried within the soil. Their presence indicates a significant food source is available for the underground mycelium, often buried wood debris like old construction lumber, leftover tree roots, or stumps. The mycelium can survive for years, waiting for the right conditions to produce a mushroom.
Puffball growth is also encouraged by a thick layer of thatch (a build-up of dead grass stems and roots) on the soil surface. Environmental conditions, specifically excessive moisture and poor soil aeration, also play a large role. Puffballs typically emerge during periods of prolonged rain or in areas with poor drainage, creating a consistently moist environment ideal for fungal development.
Modifying the Environment for Permanent Control
Achieving long-term control requires eliminating the organic food source and changing the soil environment to make it inhospitable to the mycelium. The most direct solution is to physically locate and excavate the buried organic debris, such as old stumps or lumber, which sustains the fungi. Removing this food source starves the mycelium, forcing it to die off. If debris removal is not feasible, accelerate decomposition by applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate (one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet).
Cultural practices that improve soil health and drainage are equally important. Address compacted soil with core aeration, which pulls small plugs of soil to improve water and air penetration. This process disrupts the dense fungal mat of the mycelium and helps dry out the soil. If excessive thatch is present, perform mechanical dethatching to remove the thick layer of dead grass material that serves as a secondary food source.
Adjusting watering habits can significantly reduce puffball recurrence. Limit irrigation to deep, infrequent watering cycles, which encourages the soil to dry out between applications and is less favorable for fungal growth. For areas with persistent moisture issues, improve surface drainage or grade the area to prevent standing water. These combined efforts degrade the mycelial network, offering the most effective way to eliminate puffballs.