Artificial grass has gone from being a playground trend to an industry standard. While the initial costs are significant, they can be recovered through savings in artificial grass maintenance and resources.

Knowing how to maintain your synthetic grass properly will go a long way. And the good news? Compared to natural grass maintenance, artificial turf maintenance is a lot easier. You only need to know how to do it correctly.

So, how do you maintain your artificial grass lawn so it still looks great for years to come? Follow these synthetic grass maintenance tips to ensure that you don’t damage your lawn and can enjoy it longer.

Never Pick or Pull on the Fibers

Picking or pulling at the fibers is a surefire way to cause a tear in the backing and destroy your lawn.

Synthetic grass is made of two primary components: nylon yarn and backing. Threads are woven into the fabric and locked into place with an additional layer of latex backing to keep the yarn from falling out.

By picking at the artificial turf’s fibers, you are compromising the structural integrity of your synthetic grass lawn, making artificial grass maintenance much more difficult.

Avoid Parking Your Vehicle on Artificial Grass

It’s common to see a car parked on artificial grass. Synthetic grass can stand up to a lot of wear and tear, but it shouldn’t be subjected to vehicle weight. You’re likely to get an indent or permanent stain on the lawn, and most likely, you’ll end up ruining the grounds entirely.

The weight of a vehicle is a lot more than you might imagine. It’s not just the tire getting absorbed into the turf; the weight pushes down on the turf and begins to break the threads, spreading out and tearing the backing.

Keep Chewing Gum, Adhesives and Oils Away from Your Synthetic Turf

Nothing’s worse than having gum, oils or adhesives on your artificial grass. It’s terrible for the synthetic turf and potentially for you. 

Synthetic grass is generally easier to maintain because it isn’t subject to the same pests, fungus and other regular problems that a natural grass lawn faces. The fiber strands are resistant to almost anything except chewing gum, oils, adhesives and adhesive removers.

The ingredients in chewing gum, oil and adhesive will be the primary reason your lawn will end up in tatters. You can spot the gum and oils with a blacklight, but you can’t tell if something contains adhesive until you try cleaning it up.

To avoid this, take the same approach to artificial grass maintenance that you would a natural grass lawn. Make sure that if you start to spill anything, clean it up right away and don’t leave an oily residue on your turf.

Using a mild soap and water solution is safe on the blades. There are also artificial grass products you can use to make cleaning a lot easier.

While there are many ways to damage an artificial lawn, the tips above can help you ensure that your turf will remain in pristine condition for years to come. Let TurFresh take care of your synthetic grass today. Since 1999, we have established a solid reputation by demonstrating our complete dedication to artificial grass maintenance through successful synthetic turf restorations, repairs, synthetic grass maintenance programs, and our line of innovative artificial grass disinfectants such as our proprietary TurFresh BioS+ spray. Contact us today at (855) 444-8873 or text us at (949) 569-6453.

Gyms in hot climates like San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Phoenix often utilize resilient artificial grass for their indoor and outdoor facilities. Artificial grass is ideal for indoor gyms and sports facilities because it gives the comfort and cushion of natural grass while remaining ultra-durable and easy to clean. 

To keep your gym’s synthetic grass in its best condition and extend its lifespan, follow these tips for easy yet thorough artificial turf maintenance.

1. Remove debris

Removing debris should be an everyday part of your artificial grass maintenance routine. At closing time each day, pick up any obvious dirt or debris that’s ended up on the turf. This can include anything from exercise equipment that hasn’t been properly put away to twigs and leaves that have been tracked in from outside. 

The timely removal of debris will help prevent matting and extend the lifespan of your synthetic turf’s fibers.

2. Spot clean stains or messes

In an area with such heavy foot traffic, spills and stains are virtually impossible to avoid. If your gym’s artificial grass has a stain or two on it, clean it as soon as possible using water and detergent. 

Blot the area, apply the solution, allow it to soak for several minutes, and blot the area again to remove the stain. If you have gum embedded into your turf, spray it with freon aerosol and gently scrape it from the turf blades using a non-metal object.

3. Cross-brush the turf blades

A gym or sports facility receives large amounts of foot traffic, and your turf needs to be incredibly durable to withstand the running, jumping and exercising that occurs. No matter how durable your turf is, however, it will need to be occasionally brushed to maintain its lush and realistic appearance. 

Many gyms neglect this crucial aspect of artificial grass maintenance, leaving their turf flat, fake-looking, and less comfortable to use. We strongly recommend brushing your turf blades against the grain (also known as cross-brushing) every week (or more often) to keep your turf blades upright. 

This will not only extend the life of your artificial grass, but it will also make the turf more comfortable to use and more realistic in appearance. Just remember to use a rake that doesn’t have metal bristles!

4. Apply a turf disinfectant

Any gym manager knows that sanitizing every part of your athletic facility is crucial, and your artificial grass is no exception. To ensure that you’re eliminating any bacteria (and the odors associated with them), apply an artificial turf disinfectant on an as-needed basis. 

TurFresh’s best-selling TurFresh BioS+ is an industry leader because its commercial-grade formula neutralizes odors at the source, rather than simply masking them with fragrance like other brands.

5. Check for uneven areas or loose seams

Over time, seams can come loose or infill can move around, causing potential hazards for any athletes using your facility. As part of your in-depth synthetic turf maintenance routine, check for any uneven areas or loose seams. 

If you notice that your infill is distributed unevenly, you can work it through your turf with an artificial grass rake or top up with more infill to even things out.

Artificial grass maintenance is a non-negotiable if you run an indoor gym or sports facility with artificial turf. If you need the proper equipment to maintain your synthetic grass, visit the TurFresh online store for a wide range of turf cleaning products specially created for artificial grass, including our famous TurFresh BioS+ turf deodorizer. If you don’t want to have to worry about routine maintenance, or if you don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider professional artificial grass cleaning services. TurFresh’s 10-point cleaning process can be scheduled as often as you need us, whether that’s once a week or twice a year. If you’d like to learn more about TurFresh’s artificial turf maintenance services or book your first appointment, give us a call at (855) 444-8873 or fill out our online contact form today.

Dallas and Fort Worth homeowners love artificial grass landscaping because it remains verdant and beautiful year-round, even during the most sweltering summers. However, your turf does need occasional maintenance to stay looking its best. Professional artificial grass maintenance services from experienced technicians are the best way to keep your synthetic grass lush and clean, but at-home maintenance can go a long way toward preventing weeds, rejuvenating turf blades, and making your exterior landscaping as clean and beautiful as possible. If you have synthetic grass in your backyard or business, we recommend investing in our best-selling TurfComb for the four following key maintenance steps.

1. Sweeping Up Leaves

It’s important to remove organic matter such as leaves and twigs from your yard to prevent matted blades as well as moss or weed growth. We recommend raking your lawn once a week — or more frequently, depending on the amount of foliage in your yard — and clearing the artificial turf of any organic matter. However, you should never use a standard garden rake for this. The metal prongs on typical rakes can scratch the polyethylene turf fibers, causing permanent damage to your landscaping. Instead, use a rake with synthetic blades. We especially recommend a rake or comb specially made for artificial grass maintenance, such as our TurfComb.

2. Removing Moss and Weeds

Preventing moss and weed growth is always best for your turf, but sometimes weeds can’t be avoided. Whether you’ve gone on vacation for a while and left your yard unmaintained or a couple of stubborn weeds grew around the edges of your lawn, sometimes you’ll need to remove existing moss or weeds during your routine synthetic turf maintenance. You can apply a water-based weed killer, then use our TurfComb to lift the weed out from the base of the root. Our TurfComb is also effective at cutting through and removing moss in a similar way. 

3. Preventing Matting & Lifting the Blades

Perhaps the most common function of a turf comb is re-blooming your turf’s blades. Cross-brushing is a crucial step in artificial turf maintenance, as it counteracts any matting and extends the lifespan of your synthetic grass landscaping. To cross-brush your turf fibers, rake through the blades against the grain. This will help lift the fibers and encourage them back into a vertical position, helping your lawn look lush and full once more. Re-blooming your turf blades is recommended at least once per month, depending on the amount of foot traffic that your lawn receives. You should also cross-brush your turf with a turf comb after the winter snow, a big storm, or after moving heavy furniture around your lawn. Any object or event that could cause your turf blades to become matted is an excellent reason to cross-brush with your TurfComb.

4. Adding Infill

Artificial grass infill — granular products placed between the turf blades — is a crucial aspect of the turf installation process. Infill fills up the space between the fibers and helps them remain upright while also creating a softer and more natural feel underfoot. Although infill is primarily associated with the installation process, your lawn needs to be occasionally topped up with infill over the course of its life as wind, rain, birds, and other unavoidable aspects of daily life sweep it away. When adding infill, you’ll need to use your turf comb to work the infill into the bottom of the pile. It can be a tedious job, but it’s necessary to support your turf fibers, aid in drainage, keep the grass cooler, and protect the backing material. You can even purchase odor-neutralizing, antibacterial infill products such as our proprietary TurFill infill. Having an artificial grass maintenance professional such as TurFresh top up your infill is the easiest way to maintain your lawn’s structural integrity.

To learn more about TurFresh’s artificial turf maintenance services or book your first turf reblooming appointment, give us a call today at (855) 444-8873 or fill out our online contact form. If you want to try synthetic grass maintenance for yourself, you can visit our online store for a wide range of turf cleaning products that are specially created for artificial grass, including our famous and best-selling TurfComb for safe, at-home turf maintenance.

Artificial grass is one of the leading landscape solutions in hot climates like San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Due to the synthetic polyethylene fibers, artificial grass stays vibrantly green all year long, for years or even decades. Like any investment, you’ll want to make your turf last as long as possible to get the most value from it. To do this, one of the best things you can do is perform appropriate maintenance as needed. Here are four of the easiest ways to help your artificial grass landscaping last even longer.

1. Rotate Heavy Furniture

While artificial turf is incredibly durable, it isn’t indestructible. Leaving heavy equipment and furniture on your turf for long periods can result in severe matting. Having matted turf blades not only worsens the appearance of your lawn but can even reduce the turf’s functional lifespan. To avoid this, move around any heavy furniture periodically to give that area of turf a rest. To provide your turf some extra care, cross-brush the affected area after moving the furniture to re-bloom the turf blades and help them stand upright again.

2. Use the Right Infill

Infill is another factor in how lush your turf looks, and choosing the incorrect infill for your property’s needs causes extra wear and tear, which will reduce your turf’s lifespan. Different infill materials are used for different purposes and different foot traffic levels. If you have a residential property with low foot traffic, silica sand is the best all-around infill. It cools your lawn, keeps blades upright, and promotes efficient drainage. If you have a playground or athletic field, crumb rubber infill is best and will provide a high level of cushioning. Organic infill is great for properties with animals, as it will absorb and neutralize odors from pet waste.

3. Remove Stains & Pet Waste

Keeping your turf in its best condition will undeniably help it last longer, and part of this includes cleaning up messes as they happen. Your turf will likely go through a lot in its life, from spills at parties to pet waste from your dog or cat. Accidents happen, but the important thing is that these messes are cleaned up as soon as possible. Quick cleanup will help prevent odors and discoloration, which can cause you to need turf replacement sooner than is ideal. As soon as you notice a spill, clean it with a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial artificial grass cleaner to preserve your artificial grass and keep it in peak condition.

4. Invest in Routine Maintenance

In general, caring for your turf and ensuring that you perform proper artificial grass maintenance will help extend the life of your turf and increase the value of your investment. If you don’t have time to complete this turf maintenance yourself, or if you want to be sure that it’s being performed to the highest standard possible, invest in professional synthetic turf maintenance services such as those from TurFresh. Our artificial grass maintenance services can be scheduled anywhere from once a month to twice a year. Regardless of how big or small your yard is or what your budget is, TurFresh has a turf maintenance package that’s right for you and will help you protect your investment for years to come.

If you’d like to learn more about TurFresh’s artificial turf maintenance services or book your first appointment, give us a call today at (855) 444-8873 or fill out our online contact form. If you want to try synthetic grass maintenance for yourself, you can visit our online store for a wide range of turf cleaning products specially created for artificial grass, including our famous TurFresh BioS+ turf deodorizer.

During the wetter times of year in Los Angeles and Santa Ana, moss, mold, and other lawn nuisances can creep into your artificial grass if you’re lax with your synthetic grass maintenance. Although synthetic turf is far less maintenance than natural grass and incurs these issues less frequently, it is still possible to find moss growing in your artificial grass lawn. To eliminate existing moss and prevent future moss from growing on your synthetic turf lawn, follow these quick steps this winter and spring.

Clear Your Artificial Turf Lawn

Before attempting to remove any existing moss, you’ll need to prep the area. Begin by removing all conditions that facilitate moss growth so you can prevent it from happening in the future. Examples include large debris, leaves, pet hair and anything that may obstruct your drainage system. Rake away debris using a comb with synthetic bristles; metal tongs such as those found in traditional rakes can damage your synthetic turf’s blades and shorten the lifespan of your lawn. 

TurFresh’s TurfComb is specially designed for artificial grass, utilizing polypropylene plastic bristles that won’t damage your turf blades. The TurfComb is highly effective at removing pet hair, aerating your turf, and removing any other objects obstructing your drainage. Once your lawn is cleared of debris, consider trimming any trees or vegetation which may leave more debris on your lawn in the future.

Apply a Cleaner

After clearing your lawn and preparing the area, apply your choice of cleaning product to kill the moss. Make sure that you do this on a sunny and dry day so that you have a higher chance of fully eliminating the moss; rain soon after cleaning can encourage additional growth. Cleaning agents recommended for removing moss from artificial grass include commercial moss killers, artificial grass cleaning products such as TurFresh BioS+ or a vinegar solution. 

If you choose a commercial moss killer, make sure that it’s safe for use on synthetic turf. Perform a patch test on a small section of your lawn before applying it more widely to ensure that it doesn’t damage your turf blades. If you opt for a homemade vinegar solution, mix distilled white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply to the moss with a spray bottle. After spraying your chosen cleaning solution, allow it to soak into the area for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.

Rinse the Area

After scrubbing, allow the solution to sit on the lawn for another 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing down the affected area. This will clear away any of the moss remnants and the remaining cleaning solution. You can also rake or sweep away the moss if it detaches from the turf in larger patches.

Keep Up Artificial Grass Maintenance

One of the most common causes of moss growth in artificial grass is poor drainage. Since moss and mold grow in warm, damp areas, pools of water created by inadequate drainage systems create the perfect environment for these nuisances to grow. If you want to prevent moss in the future, the best thing to do is keep up routine artificial grass maintenance processes, whether DIY or professional. 

Professional synthetic turf maintenance services such as those offered by TurFresh will help keep your turf in its best shape by ensuring that the turf blades are fluffed and upright, drainage is unobstructed, and odors are eliminated. Our comprehensive 10-point cleaning process covers everything you need to keep your lawn fresh and clean year-round, reducing your risk of developing moss in the future and eliminating any existing spores.

To learn more about TurFresh’s artificial turf maintenance services or book your first appointment, give us a call today at (855) 444-8873 or fill out our online contact form. If you want to try synthetic grass maintenance for yourself, you can visit our online store for a wide range of turf cleaning products that are specially created for artificial grass, including our famous and best-selling TurFresh BioS+ turf deodorizer. At TurFresh, we have everything you need to defeat stubborn moss and keep your synthetic grass pristine all year round.