Artificial Grass Do's and Don'ts
Don't miss this important guide for understanding the dos and don'ts of an artificial grass lawn. Learn what to do when it comes to installation and care for your lawn!
Choosing to install artificial turf instead of having a natural lawn can make your life a lot easier. Synthetic grass looks great and at the same time is incredibly low maintenance! With real grass, there is a significant amount of upkeep involved that you just do not have to deal with if you have a synthetic lawn.
Since artificial grass does not grow, you do not have to deal with the hassle of mowing, watering, or applying potentially toxic substances like fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides. In fact, many homeowners choose artificial turf because of these eco-friendly advantages.
Once your artificial grass installation is complete there are just a few simple chores you will need to do from time to time to keep it looking its best. With proper turf maintenance, your artificial lawn can have a lifespan of 20 years or longer! Here are some of the top tips for taking care of artificial turf.
You will want to pay attention to these tips for your new artificial grass lawn.
Unlike natural grass, synthetic grass does not require a lot of work. However, your artificial turf will benefit from you sprucing it up every now and then. So how do you clean up your artificial grass lawn?
Synthetic turf is not immune from getting dirt, dust and debris on it. So just like any outdoor surface it will need to be cleaned from time to time. Use your regular garden hose to spray off your artificial grass.
How often you do this is up to you, but the longer you let debris collect on artificial turf the more likely it is that mold or mildew might start building up on the surface. When you are using your hose to spray off your artificial grass, be sure to find a good water pressure that is strong enough to clear the debris but not so strong that it damages the turf.
Speaking of water, artificial turf needs proper drainage for when it rains or when you decide to rinse off your lawn. A synthetic lawn consists of several layers. Under the grass blades is the infill, which provides the shock absorption and helps with drainage. Another important part of the drainage system for an artificial lawn is the type of backing material you choose. If you live in an area with an especially wet climate, be sure to choose infill and backing material that will allow proper drainage.
In case you have a dirtier mess, such as pet waste, to remove, you can pick that up by hand like you would from a natural lawn. With synthetic grass, you have the added option of cleaning the spot with soap and water to make sure it is clean as a whistle! Even if it is pet urine, spraying the area off immediately with water at least is a good idea to ensure there are no persistent smells.
Once you have your synthetic lawn cleaned up, you can brush it with a plastic bristle brush to help the blades of fake grass stand up straight again. Sometimes, in high traffic areas of synthetic grass the blades can become flattened. Just brush in the opposite direction they are laying down and you will have a healthy looking lawn again!
If your artificial turf has larger debris collecting on it, such as leaves, you can also use a broom or leaf blower to clear your fake grass. While it might be tempting to use a rake to clear leaves and other larger debris from your artificial turf, it is important that you do not use any tool that has metal teeth or bristles as sharp objects could damage your artificial turf. Use a soft bristle broom to sweep off your artificial grass so that you do not damage the turf.
As we discussed above, sometimes the blades of a synthetic lawn can get flattened down in areas with a lot of foot traffic. The same effect is caused by placing heavy items on your artificial grass for too long. So avoid things like parking cars on your synthetic grass. Besides being flattened, driving your vehicle on the synthetic grass can rip out blades of grass.
Many homeowners who take the time to research artificial grass as an option for their property and realize its benefits are looking to create an outdoor space that is inviting and beautiful. You may be tempted to put in decorative items like fire pits. But be wary of anything that will get up to high temperatures near or especially on your new lawn. High heat could melt the synthetic grass blades and cause permanent damage to your artificial lawn.
As you can see, you will likely spend a lot more time enjoying your synthetic lawn than you will maintaining it. And the few things you should do to keep it looking its best are very simple chores. Once your turf installation is complete, a spray with your garden hose from time to time or a quick brush to remove debris or stand up the grass blades is all you will need to do.
It is easy to see why synthetic grass has been popular in playgrounds and sports fields for decades, and easy to understand why more and more homeowners are making the switch to fake grass!
Artificial Grass Guides
Artificial Grass Guides
Artificial Grass Guides
