One of the great benefits of having a synthetic lawn is that it requires very little maintenance. Unlike a traditional grass lawn, a synthetic lawn doesn’t need to be watered, will not turn brown in the sun, and never has to be mowed. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need care, however, especially as winter approaches and the weather becomes more severe, even in areas with moderate winters such as Portland, Oregon.

Below, we’ll discuss five tips to have the best synthetic lawn Portland, Oregon, has to offer, even as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall.

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment

You don’t need fertilizer or sprinklers for an artificial lawn, but there are a few items you should always have on hand to ensure it stays in good shape throughout the year. As winter approaches, trees will begin to shed their leaves, leaving a layer of them covering your artificial lawn. You’ll periodically want to rake those away with a specialty rake designed for artificial grass. The heavy-duty rakes designed for natural lawns can be damaging for synthetic ones, so opt for something more lightweight and gentle.

If there are a lot of trees in your area, and you’re expecting a lot of leaves, you may even want to purchase a good-quality leaf blower. It’s recommended that you don’t let leaves sit on a synthetic lawn. Unlike a natural one, they won’t decompose and be reclaimed by the environment. Instead, they’ll leave your synthetic lawn a mess, so be sure to remove them as soon as possible.

High-quality lawn cleaners are also a necessity when preparing your turf for winter. Periodic spot cleaning will keep your lawn in great shape, preventing stains and other damage from building up.

2. Make Sure Your Drainage System Is Working Correctly

The synthetic lawn Portland, Oregon, is known for has to drain properly to be prepared for the winter weather. If rain puddles or snow piles up on top of the lawn, it will cause the turf to become slippery, ultimately making it dangerous for people and pets to walk across it. Not only this, it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other harmful insects. The accumulation of mildew will also shorten the life of the synthetic lawn.

Proper drainage in a synthetic lawn starts with the installation process. If the lawn is laid down on an uneven surface, valleys may form that water can then pool in, leading to puddles of standing water that can compromise the lawn. Proper installation creates channels for the water to drain effectively. It can do this through a mesh that is designed to be porous specifically for the purposes of draining away water from rain and melted snow.

3. Avoid the Use of Dangerous Chemicals

It’s crucial to keep your synthetic lawn clean before the winter months roll around. If the lawn isn’t clean before winter, the rainy, even snowy winter will make it extremely difficult to keep clean during winter. The bristles that make up your lawn will also stiffen and freeze during the coldest days of the year. Often, if you attempt a thorough cleaning while they are in this state, you can end up damaging them.

But you should avoid using dangerous chemicals, such as harsh cleaning products, on your synthetic lawn, especially in the lead-up to the winter months. This is because lawns are areas where children and pets play. Too many chemicals building up on them can create a hazard. And avoiding the use of chemicals like fertilizers or weed killers is one of the top benefits of installing an artificial lawn.

You should also avoid the use of chemical antifreeze, as it can damage the lawn itself. Salting the lawn may also have a detrimental effect, as salt can clog the mesh that water drains through. If at all possible, allow ice and snow to melt naturally rather than encouraging it chemically.

4. If a Storm Is Coming, You Can Cover Up the Lawn

The synthetic lawns Portland, Oregon, homes boast are extremely durable. They can stand up to the elements even as conditions become extremely severe. Nevertheless, if you know that a severe storm is on its way, you can take steps to protect your lawn and reduce the cleanup afterward.

You can cover up your synthetic lawn with tarps or with heavy-duty plastic, lashing it down on nearby structures to ensure that it doesn’t blow away once the wind picks up. Unlike with a natural lawn, you cannot drive stakes into your synthetic turf, so ensure you have a safe spot to tie your coverings. It’s highly recommended to bring any potted plants inside if you can. Other plants can also be covered in order to protect them from winter storms.

5. Have a Professional On Call For Emergencies

Of course, no matter how many steps you take to protect your synthetic lawn from the harsh winter weather, it can still become damaged due to unforeseen circumstances. If that’s the case, you’ll need to have a professional on call for emergency repairs and other requirements.

Having a trusted professional at the ready is also necessary because of how critical proper installation is to the success of your synthetic lawn. Improperly installed turf won’t drain as it should and can more easily become damaged in inclement weather.

Do some research on the best artificial turf companies in your area. Read reviews, check references, and talk with other customers. In the Portland, Oregon area, Sportech Construction is your best bet for lawn installation and maintenance. Founded and run by experienced professionals, Sportech handles synthetic lawns for homes, schools, and businesses. Have their phone number on speed dial to ensure that your synthetic lawn can be taken care of in an emergency—and at any time of year.