There’s nothing quite so good looking at freshly installed artificial grass. While artificial grass needs a lot less care and maintenance than natural grass, time and nature can still take a toll. The key to extending the life and beauty of your artificial grass, however, is easy. With cleaning, care and a simple maintenance routine, your grass can last for many years to come. We’ve shared here some easy maintenance tips you can start right now.
Cleaning artificial grass
A couple times a month (or as needed), all it takes to keep your grass green is a light rinse with water. Spraying down the turf with a hose will remove dust, leaves, and small debris that naturally accumulates.
Moldy turf
Even though here in Visalia and throughout the California 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. If you notice water buildup on your turf, check drains for blockage or nearby irrigations systems for leaks. If you’re unable to find the source, give the Rainscape irrigation and artificial grass experts a call at 559-651-2333.
Fix flattened artificial grass
Flattened grass happens, and in most cases, it’s an easy fix. Using a rake or outdoor push broom, you can brush the grass back into its normal shape. If large, heavy items were set on the turf, such as an outdoor swimming pool, bird bath, or water fountain, 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. Just be sure to use a tool made specifically for artificial grass, or one recommended by Rainscape’s professional installers, to avoid breaking or damaging it.
Removing pet urine and odor from artificial grass
Acting quickly when pets strike is the best way to keep stains and odor from occurring on your lawn. Watering the area thoroughly usually does the trick. But in case odors linger, you can use a turf deodorizer or make your own with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar.
Cleaning spills and stains on artificial turf
Food, alcohol, coffee, tea – it’s inevitable that someone will spill something on your grass eventually. Here’s what you need to do:
- Clean up the spill quickly
- Blot liquids with a towel or use an absorbent like kitty litter
- Rinse area with a mixture of water and a mild household detergent
- If that doesn’t get everyone out, you can use a 3% solution of ammonia in water
- For harder stains caused by grease or motor oils you can also use a very light application of mineral spirits
- Rinse thoroughly with water once you’re done
Repairing damaged artificial grass
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. Check out this article for tips about common repairs that you can make on your own to keep your artificial grass looking great: How to repair damaged artificial grass.
The secret to long-lasting artificial grass
Here at Rainscape, we’ve installed a lot of artificial turf for residential homes and businesses in Visalia and the surrounding area. The benefits of synthetic grass are great, especially if you live in an area like Visalia that is currently under water schedule restrictions
If you’d like to discuss care, maintenance, repair or even just information about installing artificial grass for your lawn or place of business, please give us a call at 559-651-2333. We’ll be happy to take a look and help you decide on the best course of action.