How to Extend the Life of Your Artificial Grass: Essential Care Tips

Fake grass can be a big win for keeping green all year with low work, but let's be clear—just because it's "fake grass" doesn’t mean you can just leave it be! If you want your artificial grass for gardens to look full and bright for a long time, a bit of care can do wonders. From stopping it from getting flat to dealing with pesky bits of trash, looking after your fake lawn isn't too hard, but you need to know a few things. Whether you have kids running around, pets racing over the lawn, or just love having friends over for outdoor parties, I’ve got key tips to make your fake turf stay fresh. Let's jump into what you should and shouldn’t do to keep your man-made lawn top-notch like a pro!

Why Does Fake Grass Need Upkeep?

Before we dive into "how" to do it, let's talk about "why." Fake grass can stand up to weather and is super strong, but stuff still goes on. Even the best artificial grass might appear a little worn out due to ordinary wear and tear, leaves, grime, and pet messes.

A little upkeep can:

✔️ Maintain a natural and fresh appearance.

✔️ Avoid damage from heavy use, dirt, and debris.

✔️ Prevent moss and weeds from infiltrating

✔️ Make sure it lasts for years (the majority of high-quality artificial grass lasts 10 to 15 years).

The good part? Taking care of it is fast and simple—you won't need to use a big lawn cutter or work hard for hours on it.

1. Your Best Friend Is Consistent Brushing:

You would never let your hair become a knotted mess, would you? In the same way, your artificial grass needs periodic brushing to maintain its appearance.

How Frequently Should You Brush?

-For high-traffic areas (such as play areas or often-used gardens), once a week

-Monthly for places that aren't used as often

-To elevate the flattened fibres after a period of intense rain or snowfall

-To fluff up the fibres, brush against the grain with a stiff-bristled broom or a specialized artificial grass brush (yes, they exist!).

Pro-Tip: Steer clear of metal rakes since they may harm the turf. When clearing debris, a high-quality plastic rake is the most effective tool.

2. Keep Your Lawn Clean—No One Enjoys a Dirty Lawn:

Artificial grass gathers dust, filth, and the occasional unwanted visitor (hey, bird droppings!) just like any other outdoor area.

How to Keep Your Artificial Grass Clean:

-For basic cleaning, dust, and grime can be removed with a fast hose down every few weeks.

-For spills and stains: A soft soap and warm water mix works well. Just scrub it soft with a sponge.

-For pet owners: To get rid of odours, rinse your artificial lawn with a solution of water and white vinegar if your pet uses it as a personal lavatory.

Pro-Tip: Skip the mean stuff—harsh cleaners like bleach can damage the fibers and make the colors fade.

3. Keep Moss and Weeds Out of Your Home:

One of the main benefits of synthetic grass? You mean no more weeds? Well, almost. Even though artificial turf is resistant to weeds, bothersome weeds may nevertheless grow in the drainage holes or around the edges.

How to Avoid Moss and Weeds:

-Employ a weed membrane: When laying fake grass, be sure to use a high-quality weed barrier underneath.

-Use a moss killer: Two times a year, apply a synthetic, water-based moss killer that is friendly to grass to prevent moss from growing.

-Maintain clean edges: Regular brushing and the occasional weed treatment will assist prevent weeds from growing where they are most likely to.

Pro-Tip: Pressure washing fake grass can harm the backing and displace the infill. You can use a yard hose!

4. Be Aware of Heavy Furniture and Traffic:

Although artificial grass is rather durable, it may flatten if heavy items (such as garden furniture, barbecues, or trampolines) are frequently placed in the same area.

Ways to Prevent It:

-To avoid permanent indentations, occasionally move furniture.

-When you put garden chairs on the lawn, place small rubber pads under the legs to spread the weight.

-In places with a lot of foot traffic, think about using flat stones or a garden mat to cut down on wear.

Pro-Tip: Use a power brush—yes, they exist and are quite effective—or brush against the grain to fluff up flattened spots.

5. Manage the Heat and Avoid Burning Your Grass:

Even though it's not super warm in the UK, fake grass can heat up in the summer when the sun's out all day.

Ways to Keep it Cool:

-On especially hot days, lightly mist it with water.

-Don't put things that shine (like glass or mirrors) close to the grass, they can aim the sun’s light and melt stuff.

-Put BBQs, fire pits, and hot yard tools far from the grass!

Pro-Tip: When putting in fake grass in a sun-bright spot, pick grass that can beat the sun to keep it from fading and from heat harm.

6. Pet Owners:

Do you own a dog? Then you'll understand that pets and actual grass don't always go together. Fortunately, fake grass is safe for pets, but it still needs to be kept fresh.

Top Tips for Artificial Grass That Is Pet-Friendly:

-To avoid stains or odours, pick up solid garbage as soon as possible.

-Rinse frequently with water and a light deodorizer (a natural solution is white vinegar + water).

-Select the proper infill; pet-friendly sand infill promotes drainage and keeps odours at bay.

Pro-Tip: To avoid any unintentional do-it-yourself projects, you may want to use extra nails or adhesive to fix the edges of your fake lawn if your dog enjoys digging.

7. Maintain Clear Drainage:

Although artificial grass has built-in drainage, it will not function if it is obstructed by dirt, leaves, or pet hair. Make sure your drainage holes are clear every now and then.

How to Maintain Appropriate Drainage:

-Regularly sweep away garbage and leaves.

-If water begins to collect, use a hose to clean the area and look for obstructions.

-Verify that the base layer, which is often made of crushed stone or sand, permits adequate water flow.

Pro-Tip: Take into account a turf with a better drainage rate if you live in a region that experiences a lot of rain (hello, UK weather!).

FAQs:

1. Will fake grass eventually fade?

High-quality artificial grass should retain its vivid green colour for ten to fifteen years and is resistant to UV rays. Cheaper turf, however, may fade a little if left out in prolonged direct sunshine.

2. How can odours from fake grass be eliminated?

Pet odours can be effectively eliminated using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. For an added burst of freshness, you can also purchase synthetic grass deodorants.

3. Can my artificial grass be vacuumed?

No! The fibres may be harmed by a hoover that pulls up the filler. For a fresh, clean grass, stick to hosing down and brushing.

Also Read:-

Laying Artificial Grass – The Complete Guide to Everything

A Step-By-Step Guide To Laying Artificial Grass On Concrete

Artificial Grass Cost Estimation For Your Artificial Lawn

What Goes Under Artificial Grass?