Do's and Don’ts of Artificial Turf You Need to Know
Who doesn’t want a green lawn all year round? Besides preventing soil erosion and creating a cooling effect, a green lawn also adds a curb appeal to your property. That said, maintaining a grass lawn is not only time-consuming but also expensive. The average lawn care cost is around $100–$200 per month between water, lawn-mowing, fertilizer, and more. That’s why artificial turf is an option all lawn owners should consider.
It costs less in the long-run, and in comparison to a fresh green lawn, maintaining artificial turf care is a piece of cake. However, you can’t just stop by a hardware store, buy the turf and dump it in your backyard. There are a few things you have to remember when installing artificial turf.
Understanding the Do’s and Don’ts of Artificial Turf Maintenance
Most homeowners prefer artificial turf for landscaping because it costs less and is easier to maintain. However, it also requires care, starting from installation. With the proper do’s and don’ts of turf installation and maintenance, you can enjoy artificial turf for a long time.
Do Firmly Secure Your Artificial Turf
This goes without saying. The artificial turf is not going to grow roots. So, you will need to secure it firmly to your lawn’s surface. Turf that isn’t firmly secured is an eyesore and potentially a safety hazard. Unsecured artificial turf can cause people, especially children, to trip and fall.
So, one of the first things to watch out for during installation is securing the edges. It’s easy. Make sure to nail the edges firmly so the turf won’t come off while in use.
Do Remove Twigs and Leaves
Removing twigs and leaves is primary artificial turf care. The best practice is to remove debris like leaves and twigs as soon as you spot them. You can also sweep your turf daily or at least twice a week. This will keep your lawn in excellent condition in a way that saves time and money versus taking care of a natural lawn.
But, if you don’t remove waste in time, it can lead to mold, mildew, fungus, and other infestations. Artificial turf is not immune to mold or fungus.
So, consider the following:
- Sweep it daily with a broom or a brush if you have a small turf.
- Use a leaf blower if you have to cover a lot of ground.
- Look for mold, mildew, and fungal spots and clean them immediately.
Do Hose Down the Turf Carefully
Many homeowners love that you can easily hose down an artificial turf for half the amount of water and time as natural grass. This is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to keep it clean. Plus, hosing down the grass helps you get rid of tiny debris. However, you have to be careful.
Too much water pressure can damage your artificial turf. Make sure the water pressure is not high enough to damage the turf. Clean your artificial grass one area at a time. You can use soap and water to wash off sticky spills and pet waste. Be gentle but firm when using a brush to scrub off sticky spills and rinse it with fresh water afterward.
Do Remove Pet Waste Right Away
Your pets are going to have multiple accidents on your lawn at some point. You should never let waste settle on your artificial grass. Immediately removing pet waste is a necessary step in artificial turf care.
Brush Against the Pile Direction
This is also a critical artificial turf care tip. Always use a plastic brush with soft bristles to clean your artificial grass. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach to clean the turf. And above all, brush the grass blades against the pile direction. This simple tip will keep your turf blades upright even after excessive use.
Do Wait 24 Hours after Artificial Turf Installation
Most people will start using their lawns immediately. Ideally, you should wait at least 24 hours after the artificial turf installation. This lets the grass harden, preventing the ridges from coming apart.
Don’t Lay Down Artificial Turf in Parts
Most homeowners tend to buy artificial turf in bits and pieces. But it’s a rookie mistake. Buying it in small chunks might seem sensible because you want to try different types first and save money, but it will cost you a pretty penny in the long run.
What if the type of artificial turf you have partially installed is no longer available? How will your lawn look with two (or maybe three) different types of turf? This means you will have to remove the grass you’ve already installed and replace it. That’s going to cost you more money, time, and headache.
In other words, you should lay down artificial turf for landscaping all at once.
Don’t Lay Down on an Uneven or Bumpy Surface
When using artificial turf for landscaping, you want to avoid laying it down on a bumpy surface. An uneven turf is the last thing you want in your yard.
Bumps and wrinkles are safety hazards that can lead to injuries, maybe even slip-and-fall lawsuits. The bottom line is to lay down your turf on a smooth, even surface.
Don’t Ignore the Drainage
This is another critical mistake that happens during artificial turf installation. Artificial grass offers better drainage compared to its natural counterpart. However, you have to get the drainage right when installing the turf.
If you don't know how to do this, talk to our supplier. They will help take care of everything, from start to finish.
Don’t Drag Heavy Materials on the Grass
Another common mistake is dragging furniture or heavy materials across the artificial grass. This often damages the turf blades and even the backing material. You don’t want to end up with damaged artificial turf in your front or back yard. Make sure to avoid dragging heavy objects on the grass.
Contact Pioneer Landscaping Centers for Your Artificial Grass
Lush green lawns add a curb appeal to your house. But, maintaining a fresh grass lawn requires time, patience, and money. That’s why artificial turf is an excellent alternative for homeowners. Hopefully, these tips will help you get the most out of your artificial lawn. If you are unsure which turf is best for your needs, visit the local Pioneer Landscaping Centers. Our experts can help you with anything you need. Contact us today for details.