A perk of artificial turf is its longevity. With average use and maintenance, you can expect to enjoy your synthetic grass for at least 20 years, a worthwhile investment that essentially pays for itself in half that time.
As with most landscaping projects, though, the more care you give to your artificial lawn, the longer its lifespan will be. Artificial turf is undoubtedly more low maintenance than natural grass, but some factors will improve the lifespan of your synthetic grass.
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting Synthetic Grass Lifespan
Several factors will affect the longevity of your artificial grass, from the kind of use it’s going to see to environmental circ*mstances you may have less control over.
Heavy Use
It likely comes as no surprise that heavy use will wear down your artificial lawn faster than average use. Turf used in sporting arenas, perhaps the most aggressive use of synthetic turf, lasts about ten years, nearly half the time it would likely last in a residential home with average use. If your turf will be used as a dog run or with frequent use from kids at home, you may need to make sure that you’re keeping up with the light maintenance required to keep your turf looking great.
Weather Effects
Artificial grass is perfect in any weather, and a lower-cost solution for those in warm climates, like San Diego, seeking to reduce their water bills. Too much direct sunlight can reduce the longevity of an artificial lawn in lower-quality turf installations. Make sure that you’re contacting your local turf experts to choose materials that will withstand plenty of sun and heat in the warmer months, as discoloration is less of an issue with high-quality materials.
Inclement weather overall, while not as much of a concern in a city like San Diego, can reduce the longevity of an artificial lawn.
Install your turf right
Homeowners who try to cut corners when installing their artificial turf often find the cost savings upfront catch up with them down the line with pooling water, uneven turf, and even lifted edges that can create safety hazards for kids and pets at home.
Hiring experienced professionals will make sure that your artificial turf is installed correctly. They can also provide important advice about the turf that will work best for you and your unique needs and high-quality materials that you may not have access to otherwise. Expert turf installation will also ensure that you have the proper infill installed with your artificial turf, improving the chances that your lawn will last for many years to come.
Ignoring Light Maintenance
The light maintenance necessary to keep an artificial lawn looking its best certainly shouldn’t scare anyone away from installing turf, as it’s much less work than a natural lawn. Ignoring any and all maintenance, though, will reduce the longevity of your artificial lawn.
Taking Care of Artificial Grass
The goal of artificial grass maintenance tips is to keep your artificial turf looking nice and fresh for as long as possible. Do some light maintenance from time to time, and you’ll improve the lifespan of your synthetic lawn. Let’s look at a few quick tips in taking care of artificial grass.
Water and rake your turf
No, your turf doesn’t need water to grow. It’s artificial! Hosing it down from time to time will get rid of any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your lawn, though. This is especially important in dry climates like San Diego, as you don’t often benefit from rain cleaning your artificial lawn for you.
It’s also important to sweep, rake, or power broom your turf and turf infill to dislodge any debris that could cause problems down the line.
Clean up after your pets
If you’re a pet owner wondering how to clean artificial turf for pets, weekly rinses will take care of any unwanted debris and odors. Odor-reducing infills are also an option if you want some added protection. You should be cleaning up after your pet after any trips to the bathroom on your artificial lawn, as well.
Watch for repairs
A minor issue in your artificial turf, such as a small rip or tear, shouldn’t lead you to assume you need to replace your synthetic lawn immediately. Artificial turf is made to last, but it’s also fairly easy to repair. Your installation experts can help you make minor fixes to improve the appearance of your artificial turf, even if it’s been years since your installation.
Addressing those minor repairs as they happen should also add years to your artificial lawn, as you’re not waiting for the problems to get worse.
Is it Time to Replace Your Artificial Turf?
You’ll likely be able to tell whether it’s time to replace your artificial turf. Signs to look for include:
- The blades are damaged, showing noticeable wear and tear.
- Discoloration is showing over large sections of lawn.
- Areas of your artificial lawn have become loose, causing tripping hazards
- Or you just want to give your outside space a refreshed appearance for a home sale or otherwise.
All of this can mean it’s time to replace your artificial turf.
Now that you know all about the impressive longevity of artificial turf learn more about the products and services offered at USTurf. Connect with us to get a free quote on your synthetic turf project so that you can install a beautiful lawn to enjoy for years to come, or talk to our professionals about whether it’s time for you to replace your artificial turf.
Posted in: Maintenance,
← How Weather Affects Artificial Grass in San Diego
5 Ways Artificial Grass Can Be Used in San Diego Commercial Spaces →
