One of the best things about modern synthetic grass is that it’s long-lasting and very hard to damage. Normal wear and tear, however, is a bound to happen. That’s why it’s good to regularly inspect the synthetic lawn at your home or business for areas that might need repair. This will prevent small issues from becoming larger and more expensive problems down the line. We’ve shared here some common issues you might see, and how you can fix them on your own.
Pulling or separated seams
Artificial grass, just like sod, is installed in pieces which result in invisible “seams” in your lawn. Sometimes the turf may pull or separate along one of those seams. To repair, you can use an adhesive made for artificial grass. Run a small line of the adhesive along the area that is separated, join the parts together, and avoid walking on the area for a minimum of 24 hours.
Dramatic tears can happen if sharp tools, sport equipment or large machinery is moved across the turf carelessly. When you think large amounts of artificial grass need to be repaired or replaced, call us at 559-651-2333. We’ll be happy to take a look and help you decide on the best course of action.
Soggy, moldy turf
Even though here in Visalia and California’s San Joaquin and Central Valley we are often suffering from drought conditions, there is still the possibility of damage to artificial grass due to poor drainage and standing water issues. Soggy turf doesn’t just look bad, it can lead to mold, rot, and smelly slime. Drainage should be taken into consideration before installing artificial grass. The problem might be an easy fix by unclogging existing drains or pipes in the area. But if it seems like a bigger issues, it’s best to consult with a professional landscape, irrigation and artificial turf expert.
Melted or burned spots
Damage related to heat can happen with artificial grass. Dropped cigars or cigarettes, embers from fire pits, and dropped coals from outdoor grills can all cause unsightly burns or melting. Even concentrated sunlight reflected from windows can cause burns or melted spots on your lawn. If the spot is small, you can cut out the damaged piece and replace it with a remnant, very much like a carpet repair.
For just these reasons, you should always save all remnants of artificial grass left after installation, even the uneven small bits. It can be hard to match the type and color after the fact, so store these away carefully for small repairs in the future like this.
If a larger section of your turf was damaged, it’s advisable to call in a professional to help you find a match and install a seamless replacement piece.
Flattened artificial grass
When heavy items are places on artificial turf, the blades can become flattened, just like normal grass. In most cases, this is an easy fix. Using a rake or outdoor push broom, you can brush the grass back into its normal shape. If the items on the turf were exceptionally heavy and there for a long time, such as an outdoor swimming pool, it may take a few rounds of brushing to get the grass back to its normal shape. In rare cases it may not bounce back and you’ll want to consult a professional to see what can be done.
Luckily, most people enjoy their artificial lawns for many years without any problems. However, by knowing what to look for and how to fix the most common issues that might come up, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the game and keep your lawn looking great for a long, long time.