Turf maintenance takes on new meaning when you install artificial turf.
Even though artificial turf makes maintenance easier and ensures your lawn always looks great, it does require some maintenance to keep it looking like new. The good news is the maintenance is easy and focuses mainly on cleaning and brushing the grass. When it’s well-maintained, artificial turf can last 15 to 35 years.
Keep reading to learn how to handle artificial turf maintenance.
Clean the Grass
Cleaning the grass blades is one of the main maintenance tasks you need to do for your artificial turf lawn. Dirt and natural debris, such as leaves and sticks, can accumulate on your lawn.
Pick up the larger pieces and use a leaf blower or similar tool to get rid of the debris. You can also use a rake on artificial turf to collect the larger pieces of debris.
Wash the grass with water occasionally to clean off the dirt. Your garden hose works well for washing the turf.
Handle Stains
Sometimes spills on your artificial turf leave behind remnants or stains. Things such as greasy foods, motor oil, drinks, and sunscreen might leave behind marks.
For minor stains, washing with water and mild soap should remove the spots. Some might even wash away with a spray from a garden hose.
For tougher stains, especially greasy ones, mineral spirits can help clean up the mess. Rinse the area well after cleaning it.
Clean Up After Pets
If you have pets, they can go to the bathroom on artificial turf, but you’ll want to be diligent about cleaning up. Even though you don’t have to worry about brown spots of grass on artificial turf like you do with regular grass, you could still deal with odors or stains.
Spraying down the area where your pet goes to the bathroom can help. You can also use an enzyme cleaner to remove odors from pets.
Brush the Blades
Real grass grows straight up on its own, but your artificial turf might need a little help standing upright. Going over the grass blades with a stiff brush can help move them to a more upright position, but avoid metal bristles, which can damage the grass. For a large area, a wide, natural bristle broom works well to straighten up the grass.
Heavily traveled areas in the yard tend to have the most noticeable areas of grass that get pressed down. After brushing the entire yard, look for spots that need a little more attention and go over them again.
Avoid Damaging Activities
Some products and activities should be avoided on synthetic turf. Avoid any harsh chemicals, such as bleach, which can discolor the grass. Gentle soap usually does the trick for cleaning.
Keep anything that generates heat off the turf. This includes fire pits, grills, and cigarettes. The heat can damage the artificial grass.
Sharp and heavy objects can also cause damage. If your patio furniture has sharp legs, keep it off the turf. Avoid driving any type of motorized vehicle on the turf.
Handle Artificial Turf Maintenance
Regular artificial turf maintenance keeps your lawn looking great. Regular cleaning and brushing along with special maintenance when needed extends the life of your faux grass.
If you’re considering artificial turf, contact us for more information about the options, installation, and maintenance.
