How to Maintain Artificial Grass: 8 Tips to Try
With the right care, your turf lawn can be the envy of the neighborhood
Artificial grass is a great landscaping option for homeowners who want to avoid the constant upkeep of a natural grass lawn. While it requires less maintenance than a traditional lawn, some artificial grass maintenance is needed to keep turf lawns looking their best for as long as possible. Learn how to maintain artificial grass with these eight easy tips.
1. Remove Debris
Leaves, branches, and other organic debris can trap moisture, decay, and damage your turf over time. Keep debris from settling on your artificial grass by using a leaf blower, broom, or plastic rake, or remove debris by hand. Light debris, like small amounts of leaves or dropped blooms, can often be removed by a hose. Try to remove debris as soon as you notice it to reduce the risk of turf damage.
2. Clean Pet Waste Quickly
If your pets use your artificial grass to do their business, be sure to clean up after them in a timely manner. Solid pet waste is easiest to remove after it has dried and can easily be picked up with a plastic bag. Pet urine will eventually drain through the turf but can produce a strong odor if left to dry, so rinse off urine patches with a hose before they have a chance to dry and settle into the turf mat.
3. Hose Down Your Grass
Even without pet messes to worry about, your turf will need periodic cleanings to keep it free of dirt, spills, wildlife debris, pollen, and more. Once a week, hose down your artificial grass to rinse off any surface material that may have settled on the turf and to keep odors from developing. If needed, use a broom or plastic rake to remove any larger debris that may have settled.
4. Remove Stubborn Stains
If your turf has accumulated stains that don’t rinse away with the hose, you can spot-treat these areas as needed. Using water, a mild cleaner like dish soap, and a sponge or soft-bristled brush, gently scrub at the stain until it lifts. For solid stains, gently scrape with a plastic scraper to dislodge solid material. For stubborn solid stains, apply mineral spirits to a cloth, then dab at the stain. If using mineral spirits, be sure to wear gloves and a respirator, avoid saturating the turf with the spirits, and rinse well once done.
5. Remove Heat Amplifiers
One of the problems with artificial grass is that because it is made of synthetic materials, it’s more susceptible to damage from intense heat. Make sure to keep any reflective surfaces like glass decorations in shady areas where they won’t concentrate light beams onto the turf. Keep firepits and grills far enough from artificial grass so hot embers and sparks won’t land on your turf and damage it.
6. Brush the Turf
Over time, artificial grass can get flattened or matted with use. Brushing the blades in the opposite direction can perk your turf back up and keep it looking fresh. Using a plastic brush with turf-safe bristles, brush any flat spots using the least amount of pressure possible to avoid damaging the blades or the turf’s mat.
7. Replace Worn Patches
Even if you keep up with your artificial grass maintenance, turf in high-traffic areas may need to be replaced sooner than the rest of your lawn. A local turf installation pro can help you replace worn or damaged sections of turf without having to incur the cost of replacing all of your turf. This is a cost-effective way to make sure your whole yard stays looking its best.
8. Apply Weed Treatment
Artificial grass is weed-resistant, but weeds can and do still grow on turf lawns. Fortunately, weeds in most types of artificial grass are often not deep-rooted, so they can easily be pulled by hand. Avoid using digging tools to remove weeds, as they can damage the turf. You can also spray weeds with a mixture of vinegar and water, which will kill the weeds without harming your yard. In heavily weed-prone areas, a preemergent weed treatment can be applied to reduce weed growth over a longer period.
What Tools Are Needed for Artificial Grass Maintenance?
You can keep your artificial grass in great condition with only a few tools and supplies. To maintain your turf, you need the following:
Plastic or rubber turf brush
Plastic rake
Leaf blower
Garden hose
Nylon-bristled scrub brush
Heavy-duty sponge
No, artificial grass does not need to be mowed, fertilized, or watered for growth. To maintain your artificial grass properly, you will want to hose it down weekly to clean off the surface and prevent odors. The low-maintenance nature of artificial grass is one of its biggest advantages for homeowners.
Rinse and brush your artificial grass once a week in medium- to high-traffic areas to keep it clean and restore the blades to an upright position. Remove stains, pet waste, and yard debris as soon as you notice them to prevent stains and odors and extend your turf’s life.
Properly installed artificial grass can last up to 20 years when maintained correctly. High-quality turf tends to last longer, especially if it has been installed correctly with adequate ground preparation and drainage. Factors like heavy usage and extreme weather may limit the life span of your turf, but you can extend the life of artificial grass with regular cleaning and maintenance.
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