Are you curious about installing artificial turf on your lawn? Many homeowners choose artificial turf because it’s a low-maintenance option that looks and feels great. However, a common question they ask before they take the plunge is how long artificial turf lasts.
The answer is that artificial turf can last between 8 and 20 years, and several factors dictate its lifespan. Contact a lawn care team if you have more questions about artificial turf.
How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?
Artificial turf is a great option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to have a green lawn all year round. This route has several pros, including its durability, eco-consciousness, suitability for pets and more.
One of the best things about artificial turf is that it lasts a long time. Depending on care and maintenance, artificial turf can last between 8 and 20 years.
While artificial turf is much easier to maintain than a traditional grass lawn, some upkeep is still required to keep it looking its best. For example, you should regularly remove debris from your artificial turf, hose it down to clean it and brush the fibers to keep them standing up. The better you maintain your artificial turf, the better it will look and the longer it will last.
Quality
Several other factors also affect the lifespan of artificial turf. For example, the quality of your artificial turf plays a major role. Higher-end options are made with more durable materials and will withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use better.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can also wear down artificial turf faster. High-quality artificial turf typically has UV-resistant coatings, making it more sun damage-resistant. However, shaded artificial turf will still last longer than artificial turf, which gets hours of direct sunlight daily.
Foot Traffic
Next, the foot traffic your artificial turf receives can dictate its lifespan. Heavily trafficked areas, such as where kids or pets play, will wear down faster than other areas.
Other climate-related factors can also impact the lifespan of your artificial turf. For example, hot and dry climates heat artificial turf, which can wear it down. On the other hand, cold climates can cause the turf to become brittle, while wet climates can create standing water and degrade the turf’s structure.
Lastly, how the turf is installed also affects how long artificial turf lasts. Working with a lawn care professional who can correctly install artificial turf is important.
Poorly installed turf suffers from improper drainage, wrinkling and uneven surfaces. These issues can shorten the lifespan of your turf, which is why working with an expert is the best way to get the most bang for your buck.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Artificial Turf
The good news is that there are several things you can do to help your artificial turf last as long as possible, even up to 20 years. You should clean and brush it regularly to keep it looking its best. Doing so will also prevent mold and matting.
Next, clean up spills, food or pet waste to prevent staining and further damage. Adding shade over your artificial turf will also help because it will decrease the sun damage it gets.
The best way to ensure your artificial turn lasts a long time is to work with a local lawn care specialist to help you install and maintain it.
How Often Do You Water Artificial Turf?
One of the things that keeps artificial turf low-maintenance is that it does not require regular watering. The synthetic grass stays green all year, so you never have to worry about droughts, brown spots or diseases.
Keeping your artificial turf clean is important to prolong its lifespan. Hosing it off with water will remove debris, pollen, dust and other accumulated material. How often you should rinse your artificial turf depends on a few factors.
First, the climate where you live plays a part. If you live in a dry area that gets quite dusty, you should rinse your turf every one to two weeks. The same rule applies if you live somewhere with a ton of pollen during spring.
If you have pets that urinate on the artificial turf, you should rinse it off every one to two weeks. However, you should clean up solid pet waste as soon as possible to prevent bacteria buildup and foul odors.
Areas of your artificial turf that get heavy foot traffic need to be rinsed off more often than lighter-use areas. It’s also recommended that you wash your turf after hosting a social gathering, playing a sports game and other activities. You want to remove dirt, sweat and food immediately to keep your artificial turf like new.
How to Clean Artificial Turf
To clean your artificial turf, rinse it with your garden hose. If you live in a hot climate, spraying it with water before you use it will also help cool it down.
To clear debris off your turf, you can use a rake or leaf blower to remove leaves, twigs and other debris. Removing these materials will prevent the debris from breaking down and getting into your turf’s drainage system.
It’s crucial to periodically check that your drainage system is working properly. Otherwise, your turf will not be able to drain off rainwater or water from cleaning it, which can create standing water and damage the turf. Keeping debris out of the drainage system is important to keep it functioning properly.
Another way to clean artificial turf is to brush it with a turf brush or stiff-bristled broom. Foot traffic can cause the fibers to flatten and get matted, but brushing them can bring them back to life.
Finally, spot-clean your turf from time to time to remove stains. Clean food and drink stains as soon as possible by mixing mild soap with water and using a turf brush to remove the stain. For stubborn stains, you can also add some vinegar to the mixture.
Contact a lawn care specialist for more artificial turf maintenance recommendations. A local expert can provide personalized care tips to keep your turf looking great for years.
Do Weeds Grow Through Artificial Turf?
Another benefit of artificial turf is that weeds rarely grow through it. However, if the turf is installed incorrectly, it can happen.
Improper installation creates gaps in the artificial turf’s layers, allowing weeds to grow through. Before installation, it’s crucial to prepare the ground for the turf. A professional will remove any natural grass and about two to three inches of soil.
Next, the ground needs to be leveled and the soil compacted. Then, they will apply a weed killer to the area before installing the weed membrane, a protective layer that prevents weeds from growing through the turf.
Once the turf is installed, a pro will ensure that all of the seams are tightly secured so that there are no gaps that weeds could push through. They will also check that the drainage system works properly to prevent weed growth.
If you have weeds growing through your artificial turf, contact an expert for help. They can diagnose the root of the problem and reinstall your artificial turf the right way. Professional lawn care services can also help you with other outdoor projects, such as low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping ideas.
Enjoy Green Grass All Year Long With Artificial Turf
Is artificial turf the right choice for you? When you install and maintain your turf properly, the benefits are endless. Not only does this product last for years, but it requires much less maintenance than a natural lawn.
If you’re ready to install artificial turf on your lawn, contact a lawn care specialist to get the job done right. Partnering with an expert team will ensure you get the lawn of your dreams.
ABC Can Install and Maintain Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can be a great way to reduce maintenance while having a great-looking yard. However, installing it can be difficult. If you would rather spend your weekend enjoying your yard, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our lawn care team can install artificial turf and give you that healthy green grass you’ve been looking for. We even have a team who can refresh your landscaping!
