Artificial grasses have improved steadily over the decades, and modern turf products are characterized by their durability. However, there are many simple things property owners can do to ensure their synthetic grass lasts as long as possible. That maintenance includes:
- “Blooming” the turf, or sweeping a broom across its surface
- Removing any weeds or vegetation from the turf’s perimeter
- Removing any debris from the artificial grass right away
- Occasionally rinsing the turf down and applying protection
- Partnering with a professional turf installer to place your synthetic grass
If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get maximum value from your turf and a much longer-lived turf installation.
How Durable is Artificial Turf?
Modern synthetic grasses are designed to last much longer than previous generations of turf products. If professionally installed and properly maintained, property owners can expect more than 10 years from their turf, and it’s common for high quality grasses to reach 20 years before replacement is necessary.
When you consider turf’s cost advantages – reduced maintenance and reduced water usage, specifically – it’s possible to get a full return on your turf investment within a few years. If you’re on point with basic turf maintenance, your artificial grass will be more likely to reach the two-decade mark.
1) Bloom the Turf with Occasional Brooming
In the artificial turf dictionary, “blooming” means to run a rotary brush over the synthetic grass’s surface. As the brush is passed over the turf, it sweeps up the individual grass blades and restores them to their original vertical position. Not only does this process help the grass look its best, blooming also preserves the turf’s durability by removing small bits of debris, like dirt and pet hair. Both can cause drainage problems, and backed up runoff can be a problem for the turf itself, as it attracts pests, mold, fungus and bacteria. By blooming the artificial grass, it will last longer and drain off effectively.
2) Get Rid of Any Vegetation Growing Near the Turf's Edge
Weeds and other unchecked vegetation growth is typically removed when the turf is first installed, but as every property owner knows, it doesn’t take long for weeds to grow back. This growth can be mitigated with a weed barrier, but if vegetation does encroach on the synthetic grass again, it is important to remove it. Roots and weeds can puncture underlying layers beneath the turf or the turf’s backing, leading to small tears that can worsen with time and permit additional plant growth to punch through.
3) Regularly Clear the Artificial Grass of any Debris
Artificial grass is designed to take on heavy traffic and heavy weight. In fact, it’s usually the small bits of debris and plant material that cause problems. Branches, twigs, leaves, pine needles, rocks and other natural debris can cause issues as they build up on the turf’s surface. To prevent this debris from causing damage, remove the debris when possible and keep the turf clear.
4) Give the Turf a Thorough Cleaning and Apply Protective Solutions
Synthetic grass is generally easy to keep clean, and it doesn’t need a thorough cleaning often. An important first step is to remove any solid pet waste as soon as possible. If your turf is regularly trafficked by pets or children, it will probably benefit from a couple rinses every month. Otherwise, an occasional rinse whenever the turf shows signs of accumulating dirt is sufficient.
Every 6-12 months, consider applying a fungal and mold preventative to the turf. This will provide long-term protection against the few microorganisms that can adhere to turf – which are certain types of mold. If you have mold-sensitive people in the family, or people with mold allergies, this protective layer will ensure a healthy surface to relax, play and enjoy.
5) Work with a Professional Turf Installer for Maximum Durability
Above all else, property owners can maximize their turf’s life by partnering with an expert synthetic grass installer. The turf installation experts utilize best practices when placing artificial grass, including proper seaming and anchoring methods that will keep the turf in place over the years. Further, turf installation companies will prepare the project site to ensure it is graded properly for effective drainage.
During installation, the turf experts will also select high quality turf products that are designed to last. They will also bloom the turf and add quality infill to give the synthetic grass the lush appearance it is known and appreciated for.
The Durability of Artificial Grass Requires Expert Installation and Timely Maintenance
Artificial turf is designed with impressive durability, but there’s always more a property owner can do to extend its lifespan further. This maintenance is minimal, but property owners can trust it to a professional turf cleaning and maintenance company if time (or energy) is limited. The turf experts in The Woodlands have considerable equipment, manpower and cleaning supply resources to pull from, so they can guarantee clean, well-maintained turf that will last and remain durable.
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