One of the most appealing features of artificial turf is that it does not require a lot of care and maintenance. Artificial lawns are low maintenance, not no maintenance. You will save plenty of time and money by not having to mow, fertilize, or heavily water your lawn. You can have a lush green yard to enjoy and clean-up is simple, effective and fast! You will save plenty of time and money by not having to mow, fertilize, or water your lawn to have a lush green yard. The amount of maintenance required depends on your specific situation. If you have pets and/or children or are surrounded by trees or live in a dusty area, your landscape might require a little more cleanup effort. If you have a landscape that does not experience much foot traffic, maintenance will be a faster process! Below is an easy guide to caring for your artificial turf.
CLEANING ARTIFICIAL TURF
How often you need to perform artificial grass maintenance tasks will depend on your unique situation. For example, if you have outdoor pets, children, or lots of trees and shrubs, you will likely need to clean your synthetic lawn more often than homeowners who do not. Cleaning your artificial turf on a monthly basis will help keep your lawn green, clean and inviting. Regular grooming also prevents matting and keeps your lawn’s infill from compacting.
BROOMING
Whenever possible, use a leaf blower to remove organic materials from the surface. Remove heavier objects with a rake; however, a leaf blower is the ideal tool for general upkeep. Use a stiff natural bristle broom to “bloom” high traffic areas.
DUST, POLLEN & POLLUTANTS
Rainfall is the best faux turf cleanser, as well as the cheapest! However, if you live in an area where rain is a rarity, a quick spray with a water hose can eliminate dust or pollen that may be present. For lightly soiled areas, a basic mixture of warm water with a 5% solution of a mild household detergent can work wonders! Simply sponge mop the affected spot and then rinse. For areas that are more heavily soiled, use the above procedure before then sponge mopping the area with a 3% solution of household ammonia in hot water. When this has been completed, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.
STAINS & BLEMISHES
The most important element to remember is promptness, since it is infinitely easier to clean up a fresh spill than to remove a stubborn blemish once it has dried, hardened, and “set in.” Solid or paste-like deposits can be removed with a plastic table knife or spatula, while excess liquids can be blotted up with paper towels, a clean cloth, or a dry absorbent, such as kitty litter or fuller’s earth. Dry absorbents can then be swept or vacuumed up afterwards
PETS
Following pickup, hose down the target area. In addition, weekly rinsing will help your lawn smell fresh and odor free. The best solution for getting rid of pet’s smell is to use a biodegradable odor solution that will break down ammonia. They work as a molecular sieve creating a cation exchange which occurs when two or more positively charged compounds or elements exchange places on a negatively charged host. This exchange process removes charges and essentially removes ammonia in pet waste.
TREE SAP & CHEWING GUM
Tree sap and chewing gum can be removed via freezing. Aerosol packs of refrigerant are available from the majority of carpet cleaning suppliers, or dry ice can be used instead. After freezing, carefully scrape the offending substance away with a knife.
FUNGUS & MOLD SPOTS
A 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide in water can be used on the affected area with a soft sponge. Afterward, methodically wash away with clean water.
AFTER HEAVY RAIN
Your lawn can also look a bit flat if you experience a prolonged period of heavy rain. We recommend cross brushing using a brush with synthetic bristles, never metal or wire, in order to get the best result. By grooming your artificial turf with a brush you can also ensure that it doesn’t end up matted over time and that the infill doesn’t get compacted.
