Artificial grass requires significantly less upkeep than a traditional grass lawn. However, some easy maintenance will ensure your residential artificial turf lasts for many years to come. A little upkeep goes a long way. Though your artificial turf can withstand weather and daily wear and tear for many years, some simple maintenance will keep your lawn looking great, despite heavy use. Below are a few tips to help you care for your synthetic turf so it is a lawn you can be proud of year-round.
1. Brush Routinely
A well-landscaped, beautiful lawn enhances curb appeal and provides a space for family, friends, and even pets to enjoy time outside. With natural grass, this requires hours of maintenance that can be costly both in time and money. The weekly chores of mowing, fertilizing, and pulling weeds can feel never-ending. On top of that, enjoying your lawn causes damage—children playing, pets digging, daily traffic, and weather all contribute to constant upkeep and repair. Though grass is a natural backdrop, keeping up with its regular maintenance can cost you the very time you would otherwise spend enjoying your yard.
Synthetic turf is a simple solution to give you the beautiful yard you desire, with minimal upkeep. To get the same look of natural grass, all you need to do is routinely brush it. While synthetic turf is durable to weather and heavy traffic, eventually the blades will bend. Since natural grass blades stand upright, brushing your synthetic turf will mimic the blades of natural grass by eliminating “bent” blades.
Some care is required for brushing. Make sure to use a brush with synthetic bristles so it doesn’t damage the turf. A stiff brush with moderate pressure applied will effectively correct the bent blades. Too much pressure will damage the synthetic turf, while not enough will do little to right the bent blades. Brush in several different directions to achieve a natural and full look.
Additionally, sand infill is used to weigh down the turf. If your turf is looking one-dimensional, or “flat,” brushing it will redistribute the sand infill, restoring its structure. It may be necessary to add some infill in heavily trafficked spots. If brushing regularly isn’t possible, simply focus on these high-traffic areas to keep your lawn looking fresh and healthy.
2. Rinse As Needed
Artificial grass is comprised of synthetic materials, making it easy to rinse regularly. Occasionally, debris may build up on your lawn. Rather than let the debris accumulate, leaving your lawn unappealing, simply rinse the debris away.
During certain seasons or heavy use, your lawn may have more debris in the form of dirt or fallen leaves. If this is the case, prep the lawn for rinsing by using a garden vacuum or leaf blower. If you don’t own either, a simple sweeping will also work.
Fortunately, maintaining your residential artificial turf isn’t a weekly chore, as it often is with a traditional lawn. On average, cleaning your lawn can be done once every few months. However, in the case of an accident or spill, make sure to clean up the mess as soon as possible. Spot cleaning as needed and rinsing every few months will ensure a beautiful, long-lasting lawn with minimal upkeep.
3. Remove Stains
Sometimes, a simple rinsing won’t remove stains. Accidents are bound to happen, and stains are inevitable in a well-used yard. If you spill food or beverage or have pets that use the yard to go to the bathroom, don’t worry. Most stains are easily removed.
Simply mix hot water and soap in a bucket, then sponge the area clean. Spot cleaning these accidents immediately is typically all that’s needed. Make sure the detergent or soap is mild. If it’s a heavier stain, such as grease, oil, sunscreen, or even crayon, mineral spirits will eliminate the stain without damaging the turf. Harsh chemicals like bleach risk damaging the synthetic materials. If you notice animal urine or excrement or a spill that will potentially stain, clean it up immediately. This will reduce the need for cleaners beyond soap and water.
If any of these accidents have left an undesirable odor, you can wash the area with water and a household deodorizer such as vinegar.
4. Trim Nearby Foliage
If you have any nearby foliage around your lawn, such as overhanging trees or plants, trimming them periodically will reduce debris. Left unattended, leaves and pine needles or other debris can build up on your lawn and require more frequent cleaning. This is easily avoided by occasionally maintaining nearby plants. The little time it takes to trim back neighboring foliage will save you time by reducing how often you have to sweep, vacuum, or rinse your lawn.
5. Remove Weeds
Removing weeds continually is a chore many wish they could do without. Unfortunately, with a traditional yard, this is a constant battle if you don’t want your lawn overrun with weeds. When the weather is nice and the weekend rolls around, you want time to enjoy your yard rather than maintain it. For many, weeds are the very reason they switch to artificial turf.
Turf lawns have a backing that suppresses weed growth. The backing acts as a drainage system for water, limiting their growth. While you won’t have to spend much time worrying about weeds, occasionally some will break through the turf. Rather than spending hours pulling up weeds, use a weed killer. Uprooting weeds will damage the synthetic turf. Weed killers are effective at removing unwanted weeds and preventing regrowth.
These easy maintenance routines will take minimal time and increase the longevity and appeal of your artificial turf.
If you want to have the time and freedom to enjoy your beautiful yard and are ready to make the switch to artificial turf, consider choosing Sportech. We provide a beautiful lawn that is easy to care for. Our residential artificial turf is durable against weather, time, and daily traffic. Contact our professional team today so you can have the ideal space to entertain family and friends and the time to enjoy it.