Landscaping your yard with artificial turf means you get to enjoy the look of lush, green grass no matter the weather or the season. As a bonus, it’s fairly low maintenance to boot! This month we’re going to go over a few hints and tricks that will help your turf stay in optimal condition.

Artificial turf is susceptible to punctures from sharp objects so you’ll want to be sure to pick up and remove sticks, twigs and branches that fall into your yard–especially after windy weather. You could even trim the trees and bushes nearby to reduce the risk if you were so inclined.

Sometimes particular pieces of furniture, kids’ play equipment, flower poles, lawn ornaments, bird feeders, etc. require staking into the ground. That should be avoided if you have artificial turf. Furniture that sits on top with no sharp edges that might pierce the surface is perfectly fine. You may wish to move them every few months to brush up any grassy areas that have been flattened.

In between bouts of rain, you can use a hose to clean your turf and remove dust and pollen. If something falls on your turf that might cause staining, such as food, beverages, grease or oil, etc. the quicker it’s cleaned up the better. Blot with a towel and rinse with a mild soap and water. Rinse again with cool water.

In high traffic areas, brush the grass against the grain (called cross-brushing) to fluff up the strands and restore that plush look. You can use a non-metal rake for this or a broom. There are specialty brooms for the specific purpose of unmatting artificial turf. These will help do the job faster. 

Lastly, avoid sources of heat on or near your artificial turf. This includes bbqs, fire pits, cigarettes, or fireworks. Turf is pretty durable and tough, but heat can melt the plastic from which it is made.

Hopefully this information will help you enjoy your artificial turf for decades to come. If you have additional questions or want to see how turf will enhance your yard, give Art Knapp a call at 604-596-9201.