Tips for Caring for Your Artificial Turf During Winter
Synthetic grass is beloved because of its low maintenance benefits, but like all investments, it still needs some regular TLC to look its best and last as long as possible. While you may not be using your outdoor space as regularly during the colder months, neglecting upkeep entirely can lead to long-term damage. To help you keep your artificial turf in top condition this winter, here is a few tips for properly caring for your synthetic grass during the cold season.
Ensure Your Lawn is Firmly Secured
As temperatures drop, the ground can become softer and more malleable, making your artificial turf more susceptible to shifting and movement. To ensure that your synthetic grass remains firmly in place throughout the winter, check the seams and edges of your lawn to ensure that all nails, staples, and other materials are still firmly in place.
If you choose to invest in professional artificial turf maintenance rather than handling it yourself, you can rest assured that our 10-point turf cleaning process includes checking the edges and seams of your lawn. Upon your request, our technicians will tuck any edges that may have lifted over time or that need adjustment. We can also perform minor repairs, such as re-securing nails, to keep your turf in top shape throughout the season.
Clear Debris Regularly
Fall and winter bring a lot of debris, such as leaves and twigs, which can accumulate on your artificial turf lawn. Although a pile of autumn leaves may look beautiful, it’s important to regularly remove any debris to prevent it from being compressed into the turf and causing matting or damage.
If left on your synthetic grass for an extended period of time, debris can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. As the organic matter begins to decompose, it will trap moisture and encourage harmful bacteria growth, compromising the health and safety of your family as well as risking long-term damage to your synthetic grass. We recommend picking up any large debris by hand or using a gentle rake to collect smaller materials. Just make sure to use a rake with synthetic bristles — never metal — to avoid damaging the turf fibers.
Tread Carefully During Freezing Weather
One of the biggest advantages of artificial turf is its durability, but it’s important to remember that it’s not completely indestructible. During freezing weather, the fibers of the synthetic turf can become brittle, which can cause them to snap or break under heavy weight.
Because of this, it’s important to tread carefully on your lawn when the temperature drops below freezing. You should also avoid placing heavy objects, such as patio furniture or sports equipment, on the synthetic turf during this period, or pick it up as soon as you’re done using it.
Allow Snow To Melt on Its Own
If you live in an area that experiences snowfall during the winter, you may be used to shoveling or snow-blowing it away from your outdoor spaces. However, it’s important to let snow melt on its own rather than attempting to shovel it off the turf, if possible.
Artificial grass is designed to drain efficiently, so the snow will eventually melt and drain away from your property without causing any damage. Shoveling or plowing snow, on the other hand, can potentially damage the turf fibers if not done carefully and cause them to become matted or compacted.
Shovel Carefully
In some cases, it may be necessary to shovel your artificial turf to clear a path or remove excess snow. If this is the case, it’s crucial that you do so carefully to prevent damage. Whenever possible, use a broom to gently sweep away excess snow rather than using a shovel.
If you must use a shovel, always use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one, as metal can cause tears or punctures in the synthetic grass. Begin by lightly brushing off any excess snow, and then gently shovel in the back-and-forth motion. Avoid pressing down too hard or using a scraping motion, as this can cause damage to the fibers. It’s also important to avoid using any salt or de-icing chemicals on the turf, as these can damage the fibers and backing or clog the drainage system.
By following these tips for proper winter turf maintenance, you can ensure that your lawn will continue to look beautiful and lush all year long. If you’re concerned about potentially damaging your turf, or if you have a busy schedule that doesn’t leave time for routine turf maintenance, trust a synthetic grass maintenance professional like TurFresh. Our turf cleaning service is comprehensive and performed by experienced technicians who know how to achieve the deepest, longest-lasting clean for your lawn without damaging your turf’s fibers. If you’d like to experience the difference that a professional artificial turf maintenance service makes, give TurFresh a call at 855-444-8873 or fill out our online contact form today. For DIY turf maintenance, you can browse our proprietary turf cleaning products on our online store.