20-06-2023

How to Care for an Artificial Lawn

Unlike many would believe, artificial grass is not maintenance-free. While it can stay green all year round, you still have to keep on top of its care.

But with the correct tools, the right amount of upkeep, and some knowledge from Speedy Hire, the lifespan of your artificial grass can be extended.

 

Common Artificial Grass Issues

No mud. No need to use a lawn mower. No need to overseed. But artificial grass still needs monthly care and attention to maintain its lifespan.

Common issues you need to resolve include:

  • Poor drainage from rain
  • Debris such as leaves and twigs
  • Misshapen or flat grass blades
  • Stains from food, drink, and other garden elements

 

Artificial Grass Maintenance Guide

1. Brush monthly

Lightly brushing your lawn once a fortnight, and once per week in summer, can help to remove debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, and stones.

Use a soft-bristled yard brush and avoid using too much force. Brushing too hard could mean you end up misshaping the blades of the lawn and damaging some.

Go in the opposite direction to where the blades are moving. This will help make the grass look bouncier and stand taller and won’t weaken the joints. Then, change up the direction to give the grass some bounce.

Areas of high foot traffic will need more attention, perhaps even daily.

 

2. Blow the leaves away

While brushing can help remove some debris, you might need something more powerful in autumn when loose leaves are at their most prevalent.

So, hire a leaf blower. This is the quickest way to get rid of the leaves and will get rid of every last bit of debris.

Dry leaves are easier to remove than wet ones, so wait until a dry day when it hasn’t rained for a few days.

 

3. Keep the rest of the garden tidy

Trim hedges and brush up the fallen twigs and leaves ASAP. This will help reduce the likelihood of fallen leaves. You should also trim back any trees which overhang the lawn.

Use a hedge trimmer for any hedges, and a long-reach pole saw to cut any small tree branches. Both are available to hire from Speedy.

 

4. Leave snow and ice to melt

Snow, ice, and frost can still form on artificial grass. To prevent damage, never try to remove it yourself. Leave it to melt, then brush away excess water sitting on the grass with a brush.

Don’t try and damage this before it is melted, as it could damage the fibres of grass.

 

5. Ensure no sharp or flammable objects are near the lawn

Sharp objects include stilettos, some garden furniture, football boots, and stakes or border fencing. Flammable objects include cigarette ends, barbecues, and firepits.

Sharp objects and flammable products can cause irreversible damage, which would require you to replace the whole lawn.

 

How to Clean Artificial Grass

As well as doing the above as regular maintenance, artificial lawns may also need to be cleaned.

The issues could depend on what else is in your garden; if you have real flower borders, some mud and soil may end up on the lawn, for example.

As well as brushing, hosing down your artificial grass regularly can help. Remove excess water with a brush and allow it to run into garden borders or onto paving; if it sits for too long, it could flatten the grass fibres.

While artificial grass often has a membrane backing for better drainage, this depends on what is under the lawn. Silica sand is often used as a base, which is good for drainage too, but large amounts of water will drain through the membrane slowly, which is when you need to step in.

 

SPEEDY TOP TIP: You can also pressure wash your artificial lawn. Use a low pressure and stand away from the grass to minimise force and reduce the risk of damage. Ensure all debris, such as stones, is removed first. Wear eye protection, work boots, and gloves when pressure washing

 

You can purchase artificial turf sprays to clean stains such as pet urine. This will also get rid of the smell. Ideally, avoid allowing dogs and cats to use your artificial grass as a toilet.

 

AVOID:

  • Using harsh chemicals and bleach. Plain water, soapy water or dedicated turf cleaner is all that should be used
  • Using adhesives, such as chewing gum, near artificial grass

 

How to remove stubborn stains from artificial grass

Ketchup, coffee, and red wine—all common spillages in summer months when dining al fresco. Artificial grass can stain in a similar way to our carpets and rugs if left untreated.

Here is what to do:

  1. Blot up as much of the liquid as possible using cloths and towels. Cat litter also works well if you have any
  2. Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water and wipe with a sponge
  3. Rinse thoroughly with plain water from a hose or watering can
  4. For hardened stains, remove them with a spatula or plastic knife

 

READY FOR MORE GARDENING TIPS?

Hopefully, you found Speedy’s guide on how to maintain and clean artificial grass helpful.

If you’re yet to kay your artificial lawn and are doing some research, you may also find our guide on how to lay an artificial lawn useful.

If you need any cleaning products or lawn care tools, just open a Speedy account online or visit us in your local depot for all your tool hire needs.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.

 

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