The Essential Apartment Manager’s Guide to Artificial Grass Maintenance
As an apartment manager, having a beautiful and well-maintained landscape is essential for attracting and retaining tenants. However, the constant upkeep and maintenance of natural grass can be time-consuming, expensive, or even completely futile. That’s why apartment managers throughout the country are switching to artificial grass.
However, although it stays green 365 days a year, synthetic turf still needs to be properly maintained to keep it looking its best. If you’re looking for a quick and comprehensive guide to synthetic turf maintenance for apartment complexes and HOAs, keep reading.
Pick Up Debris Regularly
The first step to achieving well-maintained synthetic grass for your apartment complex is to regularly perform basic artificial grass cleaning. This includes picking up debris, cross-brushing the turf fibers, and de-compacting infill.
For the best value, clear large debris such as leaves and branches yourself, and invest in professional synthetic turf maintenance on a weekly or monthly basis. Although turf grass doesn’t need the same level of care and maintenance as natural grass, regular cleaning is still necessary to prevent odors, maintain efficient drainage, and keep your turf blades lush and un-matted.
Quickly Clean Spills and Stains
Accidents happen, and spills are common in a highly trafficked area like an apartment complex. Whether it’s food and drink or a pet mess, it’s essential to clean up any spills on your synthetic turf as soon as possible to avoid staining or other long-term damage.
When you’re notified that a spill has occurred, use a dry cloth to blot away any liquid as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the spill to set into the turf fibers and become a stain. Once any excess liquid has been blotted dry, gently clean the area using a mixture of water and a mild, natural soap solution. Harsh chemicals can damage the turf fibers, so be sure to use specialized synthetic grass cleaning products or gentle generic dish soap. Once the area has been cleaned, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry.
Manage Foot Traffic
Another risk to artificial grass landscaping in apartment buildings is foot traffic. With so many people coming, going, and staying in the same general area, your turf grass is likely to become matted down over time without proper care.
To avoid this, rotate any outdoor furniture periodically. Constant pressure from seating areas and other exterior features can flatten the turf fibers and make your outdoor space look worse for wear. It’s also advised that you install stepping stone pavers in high-traffic areas to reduce foot traffic directly on the turf. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space, but it also protects your investment by preserving the synthetic turf’s condition long-term.
Increase Tenant Awareness
As the apartment manager, it’s essential to educate your tenants about the proper care and maintenance of artificial grass. Of course, you shouldn’t expect your tenants to start scrubbing spills, but providing basic care guidelines can help them be more mindful of how they use the grass. For example, you can advise them on what they can and cannot do on the synthetic grass landscaping, including using barbecues or spitting out gum.
You should also encourage tenants to report any spills, damage, or other issues they notice right away so you can act promptly in cleaning or repairing the area. Timely reporting can save you time, money, and effort in dealing with any potential problems, as these issues tend to get more severe the longer they go without being fixed.
If you want to ensure that your apartment building’s artificial grass is always looking its best, schedule regular synthetic turf cleaning with a turf maintenance professional like TurFresh. Whether you need weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly appointments, TurFresh’s routine cleaning sessions are the best way to effectively and thoroughly clean your synthetic grass landscaping without wasting significant time and money trying to do it yourself.
At TurFresh, our expert technicians specialize in synthetic turf cleaning for apartment complexes, and we can rejuvenate your green space using our proprietary turf cleaning products and proven techniques. We achieve a deeper, fresher clean than competitors, giving you long-lasting freshness that will impress guests and keep tenants satisfied. If you’d like to learn more about TurFresh’s turf maintenance services for apartment complexes, HOAs, and other residential facilities, give us a call at (951)357-0779, or fill out our online contact form today to book your first appointment.