How to Treat Lawn Algae

Algae in home lawns often presents as a green, blue-green, or blackish film that can form a slimy or crusty surface. It thrives in moist, compacted areas of the lawn with poor drainage and low sunlight – under the eaves on the shady side of your house, for example.

You might notice algae growth in areas that stay wet after rainfall or watering, especially in patches of thinning or stressed grass.

Given its fondness for moisture, you’re more likely to find Algae affected lawns in humid and coastal areas that experience high rainfall.

If algae has taken hold of your lawn, don’t panic—it’s treatable with proper lawn care practices:

1. Improve Drainage: Adjust Watering Habits: Reduce the frequency of watering, especially in shady or low-lying areas prone to algae growth.

2. Maintain Healthy Grass: A dense, healthy lawn is less likely to succumb to algae. Regular fertilization, proper mowing techniques, and overseeding can help strengthen your grass and prevent algae from taking over.

Improve Soil Fertility

A soluble fertiliser can assist with managing an Algae outbreak. Algae is more present in acidic soil, so adjusting your soil’s pH might also help stave off an algal bloom. 

Improve Drainage

Removing standing water from the surface of your lawn and alleviating compaction are two of the easiest ways to curb a number of lawn-threatening ailments including Algae outbreaks, fungus and more. If you have a high traffic area of your lawn or somewhere that water pools regularly, consider aerating your lawn using a core aerator as part of your Spring lawn renovation.

Core aeration isn’t invasive and can be done year-round.

More Light & Air Circulation

As well as managing light distribution to the lawn by trimming back overhanging tree branches to ensure the lawn gets ample sunlight, you can also improve air circulation within the canopy by dethatching your lawn to make your lawn more resistant to Algae or other lawn infections.

Algae in your lawn is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can signal deeper problems with your soil health and pose risks to your family and pets. Understanding how algae grows, why it thrives in certain conditions and how to manage it is crucial to maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. Luckily, it can be managed easily with some free and easy cultivation practices. Check out myhomeTURF’s online store for your lawn care and maintenance needs.