Guide to Artificial Grass Care

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Artificial Grass Care

The best thing about artificial grass care is how little effort it takes, and our easy-to-follow maintenance tips will ensure your lawn looks great for years to come. Synthetic lawns are often preferred over real grass because growing lawns take up both time and money – without the guarantee they will stay green all year long. Artificial turf is evergreen and will never need watering, fertilisers or regular, heavy pesticides. If you are planning on investing in this product, or if you already have it installed, our guide on artificial grass care may be of assistance to you.

Artificial Grass Care: A Low-maintenance Product with Unique Needs

There are quite a few benefits to installing artificial grass. Not only is maintenance significantly easier than the upkeep required for a live lawn, but it is far more durable too. It can withstand the elements, even when exposed to a range of weather conditions – from heavy rainfall to droughts. It will also never require any mowing and it’s an easier option for people who often leave home on business trips or vacations. As with any flooring, however, it will need to be kept clean to perform well for years.

Step One: Keep Your Lawn Free from Accumulating Debris

Artificial lawns are not always for outdoor use only. More and more designers and homeowners are incorporating synthetic turf in indoor spaces such as dining areas, kids’ playrooms and even on bathroom walls for a touch of greenery. If your lawn is not sheltered and closed off, however, it will likely be prone to fallen leaves, debris and dust. Depending on how often your lawn becomes dirty, you can gently sweep the dirt and debris away once or twice a week. Leaf blowers work well too, and if there is only a little dust on your grass, you can even vacuum it up without worry.

Step Two: Keep Unsightly Weeds at Bay

Thankfully, artificial grass care does not often entail de-weeding because the product is much more resistant to weeds than live lawns. That said, it is still possible for airborne seeds to land on your lawn, and have weeds sprout from the product’s infill or grow through the backing. The solution is fortunately quite simple, as weed killer can be applied every few months to prevent any growth. If one or two weeds do spring up, they can be easily removed without worry.

Step Three: Clean Pet Messes Up Quickly

Artificial grass is pet-friendly and withstands digging and that game of fetch well. If your dog or furry friend does happen to soil your lawn, simply scoop up the mess and hose down the area. For lingering pet odours, a gentle cleaner can be applied and rinsed away with water.

Step Four: Remove Stains and Spills Without Delay

People are not as careful on their lawns as they are on a white carpet, so you can expect that at some point, an accident will happen. Whether you spill some food or a drink on your artificial grass, you can remedy the issue with ease – and the quicker you clean up, the better. If any liquids are spilt, use an absorbent cloth or towel to absorb as much of the moisture as possible, and then rinse the spot with a mild household cleaner mixed with water. Some stains, such as oil, ink, grease or wax are more stubborn, however. For these issues try a 3% solution of ammonia in water or, as a last resort, mineral spirits to draw the stain out.

Step Five: Cross-brush Your Turf Regularly

Just as with carpets, artificial lawn care involves keeping the fibres in the installation looking upright and fluffy. To do this, gently cross-brush the turf (brush the fibres in the opposite direction) to restore their appearance. You will find specialised brushes for synthetic lawns in many hardware stores, but an outdoor rubber brush will work too.

Step Six: Avoid Certain Products and Chemicals

While a live lawn can regrow, a synthetic lawn cannot, which is why it is a good idea to avoid using certain products on or near your turf. Cleaning solutions with an acid or alcohol base should always be avoided as they may eat into the fibres and fade the colour. Reflective items like mirrors can also concentrate the sun’s rays on a certain spot where they will burn into the turf. Avoid braaing or starting fires on your lawn to prevent accidental burns on the installation.

The Best Tools and Equipment for Maintenance

While there is no need for any specialised tools or products when it comes to artificial grass care, there are some things that will make the upkeep much easier, such as:

• A leaf blower
• A stiff brush and plastic rake
• Weed killers or herbicides that will not damage the turf
• Gentle detergents
• Garden shears or hedge trimmers to keep any foliage at bay before it grows over the lawn

Why Professional Installations Matter

Seamless installations undertaken by professionals such as the Top Carpets and Floors team will ensure a high-quality final result that lasts. Not only will we assist you in picking out a superb product, but we will give you all the necessary advice and guidance on artificial grass care to keep it looking great for years. For more information, speak to us now.