Increase the Lifespan of Your Artificial Grass with Proper Maintenance

Artificial turf has an incredible appeal to those of us who live in the desert. After all, what’s better than year-round, lush, green lawns and landscaping with absolutely no need to water or mow? We can’t think of much, and proud owners of artificial lawns are sure to agree. Kids, pets, and parents all love having a family-friendly surface that can accommodate the whole family. Business owners enjoy having perfect landscaping for any business. And everyone loves the beauty it adds to any area.

We know that outfitting your lawn, yard, playground, or business with artificial turf is an investment and that’s why we’re so big on helping customers and clients maintain their lawns. If you want your lush green investment to last as long as possible, here are several tips to keep in mind.

Choose the Right Artificial Turf for Your Needs When choosing what type of turf to install, there are three things to consider: quality, durability, and infill.

Quality always comes first. Choosing a high-quality turf is essential since the quality determines how long you’ll get to use your turf. The best quality turf products will enable you to get the most out of your purchase and provide a lifespan of fifteen years or more. Low-quality turf often found at big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s may be cheaper, but it will be more expensive in the long run when you have to replace it more often than anticipated.

Next, you’ll need to determine how much foot traffic your turf needs to endure. Will the turf go into an area that receives little traffic such as landscaping areas or is it part of a playground, dog park, or backyard where the kids will play? Your answer to these questions will help determine the level of durability your area requires. Having a clear idea of what your new turf needs to stand up against will also help installers suggest the right product so you get turf that lasts.

Finally, you must install the right infill for your needs. Each type of infill serves a different purpose. If you choose the wrong one, you could end up with a lawn that doesn’t last as long as you’d like. This is especially important when it comes to areas where pets will be playing. The right infill will help absorb odors from pet urine, keep your lawn dry, and prevent bacteria and mold growth. The wrong infill will encourage mold growth, make odors worse, and prevent proper drainage. Communicate what your turf will be used for to ensure you get the right infill for your turf.

Schedule Routine Lawn Maintenance One of the best things you can do to keep your artificial turf looking and smelling great year after year is to regularly maintain your lawn. This will mean different things depending on the type of lawn you have, but regular cleaning and maintenance are key. Depending on whether your turf is for commercial or residential use, you’ll require a different cleaning schedule. However, here are a few things to keep in mind for every artificial lawn.

Regularly sweep away leaves and fallen debris. Leaves and debris such as sticks, twigs, and branches can cause the blades of grass to become matted and flat. Leaves can also block drainage holes and prevent proper draining. Always pick up sticks and larger items as soon as you see them to prevent matting. Gently rake up leaves and organic matter weekly or as needed to keep your lawn free from any debris that can block up drainage holes or impede flow.

Deep clean your lawn often. Hire a turf cleaning company to perform a deep clean on your lawn every so often. The frequency that a deep cleaning is needed largely depends on the amount of foot traffic your turf receives. For areas that are used sparsely, you might only need a deep clean once every quarter. But for turf lawns where children and multiple pets play daily, you might want to get it cleaned every month. A deep clean treatment helps remove pet odors, bacteria and mold growth, refreshes the lawn, and keeps it looking and smelling its best.

Seek Out Professional Installers Whether you’re ready to install a brand-new turf yard or you’ve already got your turf in and now you want to properly maintain it, working with professional turf installers is key. Incorrect installation of your turf can lead to poor drainage, matting, untucked seams, and a decreased lifespan. Incorrect cleaning can result in severe damage to the turf, void your warranty, prevent drainage, and significantly shorten the life of your turf. Treat your turf right and get it installed and cleaned properly. There’s no reason why good turf should go to waste because of a poor installation or cleaning job.