One of the main benefits of artificial turf is that it requires less maintenance than natural grass. Although you don’t have to worry about watering, mowing, and fertilizing artificial turf on a regular basis, there are still some things you have to do to keep it in good shape. Otherwise, your turf can end up flat, dirty, unsightly, and problematic.

It’s easy to clean, groom, and maintain turf infill by following best practices. Make sure you can enjoy your artificial turf for years by performing routine maintenance to keep it in top condition. Let’s get started!

Importance of Artificial Turf Maintenance

Taking good care of your turf means protecting your investment. You already paid to have turf installed it should be a no-brainer to maintain it over time. Routine turf maintenances helps it last longer and prevents problems from occurring.

Without maintenance, infill levels can become uneven, creating a surface that’s difficult to walk or run on. Seams can also separate, which can lead to tripping hazards if the strips of turf come apart. Fibers that break down can shorten the lifespan of artificial turf, forcing you to replace it much sooner than expected.

Other problems, such as a buildup of dust and other surface debris, can affect the appearance of artificial turf. Pet waste and other substances can give it a bad smell or make it a potential health hazard.

How to Clean Artificial Turf

You certainly don’t have to mow artificial turf, but you do have to keep it clean. There are a handful of common substances that should be thoroughly removed from your turf regularly.

Common Surface Debris

Dust, leaves, and dirt can build up on your turf surface. In order to prevent these buildups from occurring, lightly spray your turf every week. Keep in mind that you might need to do so more often if you live in a dry, dusty area. For a heavier buildup, such as piles of leaves in fall or dirt from storms, rake or brush it off. Use a stiff brush that does not have steel bristles or a lawn rake that is flexible in order to avoid damaging your turf.

Pet Waste

If you have dogs or cats or if there are several in your neighborhood, removing pet waste on a regular basis is essential. This keeps your turf smelling nice and prevents it from getting filled with germs from pet waste. Scoop and dispose the matter, then spray the area with a hose. For urine, spray the affected areas with a hose and consider using turf deodorizer.

Stains

Gum, blood, barbecue sauce, drinks, and other substances can end up on your turf, but the good news is that this type of turf is stain-resistant. In most cases, these substances can be easily cleaned up with water. If you have something sticky, such as gum, on your artificial turf, use a putty knife to carefully remove it or apply ice to it to freeze it and remove it.

Bacteria

Blood, pet waste, and other substances can leave bacteria behind on your artificial turf. To remove it, wash it with a mix of vinegar and water or mild soap and water. Use a spray bottle for smaller areas and a garden hose attachment for larger areas.

Snow and ice

Removing snow and ice helps keep your artificial turf from becoming slippery. Most of the time, you can wait for snow and ice to melt and drain on its own. If you need to clear it off before that, brush off light coverings of snow. If you have a lot of snow, shovel the top layers, then brush off the remaining snow to protect the blades from damage.

How to Groom Artificial Turf

Artificial turf requires grooming from time to time to keep it looking good and ensure that it’s safe for people to walk or play on. Specifically, grooming keeps the turf fibers upright and the infill evenly distributed.

Brushing

Use grooming equipment that is safe for artificial turf. Normally, you can use a broom or handled brush as long as they aren’t too harsh on the turf blades. Brush it lightly every three to four weeks to keep the blades standing upright.

Loosening Infill

Use grooming equipment with spring-tines to loosen the infill, but check with the manufacturer’s recommendations beforehand. This ensures that you’re using equipment that will not damage your artificial turf. Another way to loosen infill in order to level it is by aerating it with grooming units. This should only be done up to three times per year to avoid damage.

Troubleshooting Artificial Turf Maintenance

If your turf is not standing upright, start brushing it as often as needed to keep the fibers up. Maintaining the infill levels by making sure they are even and not too low also helps keep your turf upright.

If you have not maintained your artificial turf for a long time, giving it a thorough cleaning and grooming it should help restore it. Make sure you keep up with regular maintenance afterwards to keep your turf looking good.

By following maintenance and grooming procedures on a regular basis, you can ensure that your artificial turf lasts for years and stays in excellent condition for you to enjoy.