How to Get a Longer Life Out of Your Artificial Turf
Many people who consider having a landscaping professional install artificial turf on their property ask how long it will last. The lifespan of artificial turf depends mostly on two factors: the wear and tear it experiences and the amount of maintenance you provide.
How Wear and Tear Affects Your Artificial Turf
High-quality materials used in synthetic turf can stand up to the outdoor elements. Landscapers install turf in hot climates with direct sunlight, as well as in colder climates where snow often piles up. The main concern in keeping up with your artificial turf is the wear and tear it experiences of time.
The more abuse your artificial turf takes, the shorter its lifespan will be. Areas where your artificial turf experiences heavy foot traffic results in a flattening of the blades. The high-quality materials used won’t fray or fade, but they can begin to look matted. Seams may become more visible, too.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid wear and tear on artificial turf. Before you have a professional install artificial turf, consider the level of use it will get. Will you have children playing on it? Will older kids and adults be playing sports on it? Most importantly, do you have pets? If yes, you need to invest in the high-quality turf that is specifically designed to hold up under these conditions. Routine maintenance will also extend its lifespan.
Don’t Forget About Routine Maintenance
Overall, artificial turf is low-maintenance; especially compared to a lawn with real grass. You won’t have to worry about weekly mowing, and there is no need to re-seed or mess with expensive fertilizers or irrigation when you have artificial turf installed. This is a big plus, but that doesn’t mean your artificial turf is maintenance-free. A little TLC will go a long way when it comes to extending the life of your turf yard.
There are three things you can do that make a big difference in the lifespan and cleanliness of artificial turf:
- Broom Sweep
- Leaf Blow
- Repair
Using a broom like a shop broom is the preferred method of cleaning off your turf. This will bring the turf back up to attention and sweep away any mulch, leaves or debris that can build up on the surface.
A rather effortless tool you can use is a leaf blower. Simply blow away any surface level mess and build up to give the turf a fresh look. Consider a combination of sweeping and blowing for any major clean up jobs.
Minor repairs on synthetic turf are easily made by a professional. You can replace small areas when necessary, and it is possible for a professional to paint over faded spots for more severe damage to your turf.
With normal use and routine maintenance, you can expect your artificial turf to last up to 20 years. Simply be sure to buy high-quality materials and keep up on that routine care, and you will be enjoying your artificial turf for years to come. At Dominion Turf Company in Colorado Springs, we install synthetic turf to residential and commercial properties. Contact us today for any help and service you need in your synthetic turf projects.