How Do You Get Rid of Algae on Turf?

If you’ve noticed a slimy green layer on your lawn, patio, or artificial turf, you’re not alone. Algae loves damp, shaded areas, and once it takes hold, it can be frustrating to remove. But here’s the twist: while many people search for ways to get rid of algae on turf, the phrase algal turf scrubber means something completely different—and it’s one of the most innovative technologies we use at Green Mechanics to clean polluted water.

Let’s break it down for both scenarios.

Part 1: Everyday Algae on Your Lawn or Turf

If you’re dealing with algae growth on your yard or artificial grass:

• Improve Drainage: Algae thrives in standing water. Make sure your turf or lawn drains properly.

• Increase Sunlight & Airflow: Trim nearby plants or trees that create shade and allow more sunlight in.

• Gentle Cleaning: For artificial turf, use a diluted vinegar or mild soap solution with a brush. For natural grass, improve soil health and avoid overwatering.

• Prevention: Aeration, balanced fertilization, and proper lawn care reduce the conditions algae love.

These are practical, low-cost ways to keep your yard clean and safe.

Part 2: What Is an Algal Turf Scrubber?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. An algal turf scrubber (ATS) isn’t about cleaning your lawn—it’s about cleaning water.

At Green Mechanics, we build shallow, sloped channels that grow algae in a controlled way. As stormwater flows over them, the algae act like natural filters, capturing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus. Instead of letting those nutrients pollute rivers and bays, we harvest the algae and remove the pollution from the water system entirely.

Why It Matters

• For Communities: Cleaner water means safer recreation, stronger fisheries, and healthier ecosystems.

• For Municipalities: Our cost-effective algal turf scrubbers deliver 2–3 times more pollutant removal than conventional stormwater ponds, saving money while earning water quality credits in places like the Chesapeake Bay.

• For the Planet: Harvested algae can be repurposed into fertilizers or renewable energy, supporting a circular economy.

So, How Do You “Get Rid of Algae on Turf”?

• If it’s your backyard turf: improve drainage, airflow, and lawn care.

• If it’s polluted waterways: let algae do the scrubbing for us.

At Green Mechanics, we believe the best way forward is to work with nature, not against it. By turning algae from a nuisance into a solution, we’re helping communities restore clean water and protect ecosystems for generations to come.

👉 Curious to learn more? Explore our projects or get involved to see how you can bring this technology to your community.