Essential Artificial Grass Maintenance Tips to Keep It New
Artificial grass has become a new norm for homeowners, businesses, and sports facilities. Everyone is using them for either decoration or practical functionality these days. The reason is simple: it is such a low-maintenance solution that requires minimal upkeep. It can remain green and lush all year round. Now, we said that it requires low maintenance, but this is something that needs to be done regularly. Some are zero maintenance artificial grass but still we need to keep checking. So what is it that we mean by artificial grass maintenance? Well, here are some essential artificial grass maintenance tips to keep it new.
Top 10 Pro Tips To Maintain Artificial Grass
These are the top 10 professional tips for keeping artificial turf looking lush, green, and fresh all year round.
1. Regular Cleaning
Dust, debris, and leaves from trees can pile up on your artificial grass and affect its decorative appeal. You need regular cleaning to ensure it is visually pleasing and free from damage. You must clean it daily by
- Use a leaf blower to blow away all the leaves, or use a rake to clear them. Do not use metal rakes, as they can damage the fibers of your turf.
- It is quite helpful to rinse your artificial grass once every week. This is hosing it down, not watering it, to remove away the pollen or dust trapped in the fibers.
- In case your pet decides to do a little ‘’dodo’’ on the grass, you need to do spot cleaning to clean it. Use a soft bristle brush to lift off the sticky residue of the pet waste.
2. Address Stains Promptly
Artificial grass is mostly stain resistant but some things can leave their mark. These include stains from oils, urine, or beverages and to treat them you need to do prompt spot cleaning. In the case of sticky substances such as chewing gum, you must freeze it with an ice cube first and use a dull knife or spoon to scrape it off.
3. Brush the Grass Daily
Even the blades of artificial grass start to flatten with enough foot traffic or the presence of heavy objects on them. The best way to tackle this is to brush those leaves with a soft bristle broom now and then. This helps the blades remain fluffy and in an upright position. Brush multiple times to prevent a one-sided pattern.
4. Having A Proper Drainage System
Among the many benefits of artificial grass is the drainage capability of this landscaping product. It prevents mold growth and puddling, whereas a blocked drainage can result in its ruin. You need to check the drainage of the fake grass once a week and clear any build-up that is blocking it. Do this after a heavy rain to see if there is water pooling on the surface. If there is a puddle, it means the drainage is not working properly and needs professional help.
5. Preventing Weed Growth
Weeds start to grow even through the edges of the artificial grass, which can affect its aesthetic appeal. Yes, we know that the backing layer of the faux grass is weed-resistant, but it can still be used. So, to tackle this, you need some preventive measures like:
- Apply a coat of weed killer or a strong herbicide on the seams of the grass.
- Remove the weeds by hand when you see them spreading.
- For long-term protection, you can have the service provider install your artificial grass with a weed barrier below it.
6. Protection From Heat & Heavy Object
Artificial grass has been engineered to bear the brunt of all-weather conditions like heat and the load impact of heavy stuff. It is made to be damage resistant but you need to do your due diligence to mitigate this damage.
- Do not place hot BBQ grills or fire pits directly on the grass. It is made of plastic to melt like butter on a hot plate.
- If you place heavy furniture, use furniture pads under the legs to prevent any indentation or damage to its base layer.
- Consider reflective surfaces such as mirrors and windows, which might concentrate sunlight onto the grass and damage the adhesive layer underneath.
7. Cleaning Up After Pet Waste
Even though these are pet friendly artificial grass solutions, but what you won’t love is the fact that you have to clean the pet waste quite often off of it.
- Remove the solid poop in a bag by scraping it off and rinsing the area.
- In the case of pet urine, spot cleaning with an enzyme cleaner is done to neutralize the strong stench.
- There is also something called turf deodorizer that will remove that particular pet smell if your pet likes to play on the turf daily.
8. Putting In Measures For Static Build-Up
In dry weather conditions or certain seasons, the fake grass blades start to develop static electricity, which is rather unpleasant. You can tackle this by:
- Lightly spray a water mist on the grass to reduce its static.
- Use the fabric softener to treat the surface once every few days.
- There is also anti-static infill; installing this reduces the static buildup.
9. Schedule A Deep Cleaning
There is something like routine maintenance, which is mostly explained above: regular cleaning. Then there is a professional deep cleaning after each season. Getting that professional grass cleaning service will increase the lifespan of your artificial grass.
They will rinse the grassy surface clean of debris, dust, and other trapped stuff between the blades. They know the right brushing technique to fluff up the flat fibers and ensure they look even. If the edges or seams are damaged, they will repair them. If the infill levels are low, they will be replenished, too.
10. Refrain From Harsh Chemical Cleaning
Yes, artificial grass is quite durable, but some harsh chemical cleaners can affect its lifespan. So, avoid using strong chemicals such as petroleum-based cleaners or bleach. Also, do not use metal brushes or other sharp tools on the grass surface to prevent tearing.
Conclusion
Maintenance of artificial grass is much simpler and easier to handle compared to natural lawn care. However, your attention and right knowledge for maintenance will help you keep the grass looking fresh and clean for years to come. Follow the above-stated essential artificial grass maintenance tips to keep it new.
