A lush lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare because of the maintenance requirements. From weeding to watering to mowing, it can get overwhelming for a busy homeowner. That’s where artificial turf comes in. You get the same aesthetic without devoting as much time, effort and money to maintenance. You also don’t have to worry about the best time of day to fertilize your lawn and other technicalities.
However, artificial turf still needs regular TLC to keep it looking its best and last as long as possible. If you’re wondering how to maintain artificial turf, here are some of the best care tips to help you maximize your investment. A lawn care specialist can help you install artificial turf and keep it in pristine condition for many years.
How to Maintain Artificial Turf
If you’re tired of spending your free time caring for your lawn, you’ll be glad to know that artificial turf is much easier to maintain. These simple tips can help keep wear and tear at bay and protect your artificial lawn from the elements.
Address Stains Immediately
Life happens, and sometimes it happens on your artificial turf. A beverage might spill or a plate of food might come tumbling down, leaving stains on your grass. The best way to deal with stains is to clean them up quickly. The longer you leave them there, the more stubborn they become.
For mild stains, you can soak up the liquid with a towel. Next, wash the area with water and mild detergent. Finally, rinse the cleaner out with cool and clean water. If you’re dealing with something more stubborn, like grease, pen ink or motor oil, you might have to use mineral spirits instead.
If something extremely sticky has ended up on your turf, don’t panic. Aerosol refrigerants can freeze tacky items like chewing gum and tree sap, and you can scrape it off your grass.
Clean Up After Your Pets
Pet waste cleanup is crucial to keep your artificial turf looking brand new. Don’t worry; you don’t have to follow your dog everywhere to scoop up the poop. It’s easier if you allow their waste to dry before removing them from the grass. You can then hose down the area. As for liquids, your artificial turf will drain most of it out. However, you can wash away urine spots with cool water to avoid lingering odors. Rinsing is also the best method for eliminating vomit, fur and other pet waste.
Clean Up Debris
Branches, leaves and other debris don’t just affect your lawn’s aesthetics. They can also be a safety hazard, causing trips and falls. Keep your lawn safe by removing debris as soon as you spot them. A rake or leaf blower can help you with this task. If you’re using the former, opt for one with plastic bristles specifically for artificial turf. Metal bristles are a no-no because they can cause irreversible damage to the turf blades.
Spray With Water Regularly
While you don’t need to water your artificial turf daily like a regular lawn, spraying it weekly can do wonders. It prevents dirt, pollen and debris from accumulating on the turf and keeps the infill even.
Use a Brush
The grass blades on your artificial lawn can wilt or become compressed over time. But no worries because you can perk them back up by brushing them. Brushing matted fibers in the opposite direction will help them appear taller and more dense. Remember to use a brush with synthetic bristles to protect the grass blades. The last thing you want is to pull up patches of grass with a hard plastic or metal brush.
Eliminate Weeds
Artificial turf materials are weed-resistant, so weeds shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, they can still crop up. Pull them out as soon as you see them to minimize the spread. Doing so should be easy because weeds typically don’t develop strong roots on turf. You can then apply pre-emergent weed control to prevent future growth.
Replace Worn Out Patches
The longer you’ve had your artificial turf, the more noticeable high-traffic areas will be. These spots are where you and your family walk often or where your dogs like to roll around. While it’s normal to have moderate wear and tear on your turf, they can be unsightly, especially if you’re a perfectionist. You can ask a lawn care specialist to replace these high-traffic patches and restore your lawn’s beauty.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
While artificial turf is far less demanding than natural grass, it still needs care and maintenance. If you don’t have the time to do a maintenance routine for your turf, you can let lawn care specialists take over. They can visit regularly to freshen up your artificial turf and keep it in great condition. They might even have some low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping ideas to share.
Does Artificial Turf Get Mildewy?
If you live in a wet and humid area, you might be concerned about mildew growth on your artificial turf. Is this something to worry about? Modern synthetic grass has a permeable backing. It allows for fast and easy drainage so the blades don’t absorb water. If your artificial turf is installed correctly, it should drain better than natural grass. That means mildew has little chance of thriving. They’re more likely to grow on a natural grass lawn.
However, some situations can make your artificial turf a more hospitable environment for mildew.
Concrete
Installing your artificial turf directly on concrete is one of the top reasons for mildew growth. When you do this, you can’t prepare the ground underneath or add a base. That gives you little control over drainage, increasing the chances of water pooling between the turf and concrete. That’s an invitation for mildew to spread. You can avoid this by placing drainage beneath the turf to encourage air circulation and drainage.
Low-Quality Materials
Artificial turfs aren’t all the same, with some made with low-quality materials. Some have nylon blades, which tend to absorb more water. Others have cheap backing materials that hamper proper drainage. It’s better to invest in a high-quality product that performs better and is resistant to mildew.
Low Areas
There could be low areas on your lawn that have poor air circulation, retain water and receive little sunlight. These spots are prone to mildew growth, so it’s crucial to pay attention to them. Your lawn care specialist can identify these areas and adjust the installation plan accordingly.
Poor Maintenance
If you leave food out on your kitchen counter for days, you’re bound to see mildew growth. It’s the same with your artificial turf. Leaving spilled drinks, food scraps and pet waste on it will encourage mildew to spread. If you don’t have the time for turf maintenance, let a lawn care specialist come to the rescue.
How Do You Bring Artificial Turf Back to Life?
Synthetic grass can’t die, but it can look a little lifeless. While typically durable, your turf blades can start flattening out after countless barbecue parties on your lawn. That’s why regular maintenance is essential to keep your turf looking fluffy.
Here are some ways to bring your artificial turf back to life.
Brushing
If your turf could use some volume, regular brushing will encourage the fibers to stay up. It will also redistribute the blades, helping them to last longer and wear more evenly. In addition, it makes your synthetic blades appear more like natural grass. Remember to use synthetic bristles around five inches long, avoiding metal ones that could damage your turf.
Defibrillation
Use a power broom specifically for artificial turf. This tool will help you achieve straighter and more even-looking grass and remove debris from your turf. You only need to bring out your power broom once or twice a year, but the results are impressive.
Rinsing
Because it’s open to the elements, your artificial turf can quickly accumulate leaves, branches, dirt and debris, making it look dull and lifeless. You can prevent this buildup by rinsing your turf weekly. Avoid pressure washes, which can do more harm than good. Your trusty old garden hose will do just fine for rinsing your turf.
Leave Artificial Turf Maintenance to the Pros
Natural lawns can be a challenge to maintain. Should you fertilize before or after mowing? How often should you water your lawn? If you’d rather not deal with these questions, an artificial lawn might be the low-maintenance alternative you’re looking for. A lawn care specialist can install it and keep it in tip-top shape.
ABC Can Create The Yard Of Your Dreams
If you’re the type of homeowner who relishes a beautiful yard but doesn’t look forward to the work that goes into creating it, ABC Home & Commercial Services can install artificial turf so you can have a low-maintenance yard. Afterward, our team of lawn care service experts can help you maintain it so your yard retains its curb appeal.
