The installation of an artificial grass lawn can be a very beneficial decision for homeowners looking for a beautiful outdoor space that requires less maintenance. Artificial turf, as opposed to natural grass, offers durability and year-round attractiveness. But, to maintain the benefits of your turf through all seasons, regular maintenance is a must. Here are some seasonal tips that will help keep your artificial turf lawn spotless and welcoming.
Spring: Refresh and Revive
Spring is the ideal season to perform a thorough cleaning of your artificial grass after the cold months. First of all, try to eliminate all kinds of waste: dead leaves, branches, dirt, etc. You can either use a leaf blower or a stiff-bristled broom for the task, but make sure that none of the turf fibers will be damaged as you clear away the loose debris. This will not allow mold to grow and will maintain a clean and fresh surface.
Examine the turf for any repair needs and for the existence of bumps or pits. If you see any seams coming apart or infill moving around, take care of it right away. Also, spring is the perfect moment to have your drainage system checked; proper drainage will prevent water from settling in areas during the spring showers.
A further washout of your Artificial Turf Lawn Installation is done by spraying it with water and, if need be, applying mild detergent. This process will clear out dust, pollen, and other allergens that have entered during the winter.
Summer: Protect and Preserve
The summer, with its intense heat, may cause the infill to compress or settle. Periodically raking the surface will help keep the cushioning and aesthetics of the turf at the best level by uniformly redistributing the infill. The light application of silica sand infill can not only aid in making the grass fibers appear straight but also contribute to the overall turf strength.
The UV rays can cause the turf fibers to be less durable, so it is better to apply a UV protectant spray for artificial grass. It gives an additional layer of protection against the sun's rays, thus extending the life of the artificial turf lawn operation.
Furthermore, summer might mean increased outdoor fun, so brushing of turf should be frequent to avoid matted areas. In addition, cleaning of pet accidents should be done promptly, and the area rinsed thoroughly to prevent odors.
Fall: Prepare for the Coming Winter
When the trees shed their leaves, the artificial grass lawn installation may get covered with leaves very fast, and if not treated often, these leaves can cause mold to grow. The leaves should be removed often with a leaf blower or a rake.
Fall is also a good period for checking the infill amounts and replenishing if necessary, thus keeping the turf soft and stable. You might want to put a fungicide or disinfectant down to fight the mold and bacterial growth that can come with the extra moisture.
Keeping the right drainage is very important during the fall season to avoid water collecting in the house or yard when it rains heavily. Make sure to open and clean any drainage that is blocked, and also check that the turf surface is even so that rainwater can run off properly.
Winter: Protect and Maintain
Even though artificial turf is very strong and can withstand bad weather, it still the winter season will needs a little bit more in the winter season. Use a plastic shovel or broom to get rid of the snow that has built up—do not use metal tools as they might hurt the turf fibers. You could freeze the water with a salt or calcium chloride mixture. However, you have to be careful with the chemicals since some can stain the turf.
Keep on cleaning the ground for dirt, and make sure that snow and ice do not push the infill down. If your turf gets any kind of winter damage like rips or loose seams, make a quick appointment for repair so further decline does not happen.
If you adhere to these guidelines, a great-looking and healthy lawn will be yours regardless of the season.
