Artificial grass is a great investment for property owners that want to save time and effort tendering their lawn. Fake grass needs minimal upkeep compared to a natural lawn.
Its year-round vibrancy, fresh look, and limited care requirements all make for a winning combination. But this doesn’t mean artificial grass takes no care at all.
There are a few things you can do to maintain and care for your lawn to make sure it looks its best. Following the tips below will help your grass stay looking fantastic for longer.
Brush Regularly
The most basic way you can look after your artificial grass is old school, brushing. Doing this every month will give the best results (much easier than mowing!) but if you think it is starting to look flat, feel free to brush more often.
This is useful because it removes debris, stops the flattening of the fibres, and keeps the grass looking tidy. If you skip this step, the fibres could become matted. There is also an increased chance of weeds and mould sprouting from fallen seeds and leaves.
Without using too much force, the best method is, to apply a ‘cross brushing’ technique. All this requires is brushing in the opposite direction of the grain.
Yes, it really is that simple.
Just make sure your broom or rake is NOT metal, as this will damage the lawn. Instead, use a brush with soft bristles or a plastic rake.
If this method is a little too old school for you, consider using a power brush. This is a motorised brush that makes maintaining artificial grass far easier - especially if you have a large lawn or commercial installation.
Remove Stains
If you’ve spilt something on your lawn, then don’t fret. Spillages are super easy to clean up.
Just like a carpet, the best way to avoid stains clean the spillage immediately.
Soak up any spilt liquid using a paper towel or other cloth. Then use soap and water on the area if needed, applying with a sponge or brush. After that, a quick rinse with a hose should solve the issue.
Unfortunately, we know you can’t always catch spillages when they happen. In most cases lightly rubbing the stain off with the soap and water should do the trick.
If there is a thicker substance like chewing gum on the grass, use a plastic knife or another dull object to scrape the stain or gum off the fibres. Just be careful otherwise you could damage the astroturf fibres.
If you have a more stubborn blemish or one that is oil-based, then white spirit should solve the problem. Don’t apply the solution liberally. You only need a small amount and only put it on the stained areas. It’s best to first do a patch test on a small piece of fibre to make sure there is no discolouration.
Remember! These are spirits so they are highly flammable. Take extra care to avoid flames or smoking when using this and rinse it away when you’re done.
What About Pet Waste?
The good news for pet owners is that your furry friend will not be traipsing in mud after rolling around on your lawn. And when they have done their business you can simply pick up solid waste just as you would in the street or park.
Urine requires more maintenance work but will drain away if the grass is installed properly. All you need to do is prevent the urine from going stale and leaving a nasty odour.
A hose down will clean the fibres. You can use artificial grass cleaner to get a nice fragrance if you wish. We also recommend using Zeolite infill. These natural grains are like magic pellets for pet owners as they absorb ammonia - the chemical that is responsible for the unpleasant smell of urine.
Use Weedicide
Believe it or not, your artificial lawn is not immune to weeds. However, they are far easier to manage than a natural lawn - and much rarer to boot.
The weeds you may see usually grow on the edges and are caused by seeds or leaves landing on the grass. These are known as ‘surface weeds’. Regular brushing will prevent these surface weeds from growing by removing the seeds, plus it will keep your grass upright and tidy.
Do you already have some weeds cropping up? Another option is to use a gentle, water-based weed killer, preferably one that is pet friendly. It needs to be water-based to avoid potentially damaging the fibres. You only need to do this at most twice a year and your lawn will be looking clean and weed-free.
Rinse Frequently
Rinsing your lawn frequently is a great way to maintain its cleanliness, remove debris, and keep it looking pristine.
Simply rinse with a garden hose and if you wish, there are also a variety of artificial grass cleaners for you to choose from. Each product may vary so always read the instructions.
How often you should rinse depends on how much the lawn is used and the amount of rainfall there is. So, you may find more regular rinsing is necessary during lovely dry summer months, but less so as rain increases. In general, around once every month should be enough.
Have the Right Equipment You Need?
The number of tools you require to maintain artificial grass is kept to the bare minimum. Here are the most important:
A Hose - To rinse the grass regularly and banish pollen and dirt.
A Plastic or Wooden Rake - To remove leaves and any other debris that has fallen on the turf. Never use a metal rake to avoid damage.
A Stiff Brush - To sweep against the grain of the grass to remove debris and perk up the fibres, especially if they have been flattened by furniture or feet.
Again, avoid metal brushes. As mentioned earlier, if you want to make this process easier, consider investing in a Power Brush.
Whilst those are the basics you may also want to consider:
A plastic shovel - To remove snow from your lawn. This is not entirely necessary, as letting the snow thaw naturally is the best method. But some people do prefer to get rid of excess snow themselves. Just note that you should not use a shovel or try and manually remove any ice, as you may accidentally tear out the fibres in the grass.
Cleaning Products - Soap and water should work for stains unless they’re very stubborn, in which case use a small amount of white spirit. You can use artificial lawn cleaner for general cleaning and a fresh scent. This is great if you have pets and need to deodorise and clean any soiled areas.
Take Care Post-Installation
It takes around 6-8 weeks for your artificial grass to settle. During this period make sure to brush or use a leaf blower more regularly, about once a week. This will help the grass pile stay upright and natural-looking. After this period, you can continue brushing once a month or as needed.
Do’s & Don’ts for Maintenance
Following all these tips will help your lawn’s longevity and keep it looking natural. To summarise, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do to maintain your artificial grass.
Do’s & Don’ts For Maintaining Artificial Grass
Do brush and hose down your lawn regularly.
Do clean stains quickly with water and soap or use white spirit sparingly for tough stains.
Do pull out any weeds that appear or use a weedicide as a preventive.
Do keep sticky substances like chewing gum away from the lawn.
Don’t put any sharp objects such as pointed furniture legs, stiletto shoes, or broken glass, on the turf.
Don’t use any flames on the grass such as barbeques, cigarettes, and fireworks.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as bleach, even to clean tough stains.
Extra Advice
- Move heavy objects and furniture around every so often to ensure even wear. It’s normal for areas of grass to become flattened after lengthy periods of taking weight so varying the placement of heavy objects will help prevent limp fibres. Brush the area against the grain with a soft broom to perk the fibres back up.
- Avoid putting shiny surfaces such as mirrors or certain ornaments where they could reflect sunlight onto the artificial grass. This can cause the grass to burn and cause permanent damage!
- Don’t have any motorised vehicles on the grass, excluding wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, and bicycles. You don’t want to pull out any fibres or permanently compress them.
Conclusion
There you have it! Tips and tricks for the maintenance and care of your artificial grass. It may look like there’s a lot to do in writing, but once you pack it into a routine of brushing and hosing, you will barely notice the time pass.
In general, there is far less maintenance required to care for artificial grass than there is with a natural lawn. So, if you look after your lovely lawn, it will keep your space looking fresh and natural for years to come with a minimal amount of effort.
