Reasons for Mold on Artificial Turf (and What to Do About It)
Southern California residents from Los Angeles to Santa Ana are switching to drought-tolerant artificial grass in droves. Its low-maintenance nature and evergreen appeal make it perfect for virtually every property, especially when you add on the cost-savings associated with a synthetic grass lawn versus natural sod. It even experiences mold and mildew far less often than natural grass because of its incredible, innovative drainage system installed underneath the artificial turf. However, there are instances in which mold or mildew can occur in artificial grass landscaping. When this happens, there are a few reasons why it could be occurring. Luckily, all of them can be fixed with the right tools for artificial turf maintenance!
Improper Installation of Artificial Grass
Improper drainage is the main cause of virtually all mold or mildew you’ll experience with synthetic grass, and unfortunately, this problem can begin as early as the initial installation. If your artificial turf is installed directly on top of concrete or soil, it will lack the proper drainage system required for top artificial grass performance. In this instance, small pools of water can form between the artificial turf and the concrete, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. If this is the cause of your mold, it can be fixed by installing a proper drainage grid under the synthetic turf.
Low-Quality Artificial Turf
Another issue many homeowners run into is discovering that they have installed low-quality artificial grass. Cheap synthetic grass may be made from absorbent nylon fibers or inferior backing materials, which do not allow for proper drainage. Meanwhile, high-quality artificial turf made from polyethylene will be nonabsorbent and will allow all water to drain from the backing, preventing pooling and, as a result, mold and mildew growth. Not all synthetic turf is created equal, and while a dirt-cheap turf product may sound great when it comes to the initial installation bill, it can cost you far more in the long run with all of the synthetic grass maintenance problems you’ll encounter. If this is your issue, you may have to opt for a higher-quality turf product to prevent future mold or mildew growth.
Not Performing Synthetic Grass Maintenance
Another reason that you may see mold or mildew growth in your synthetic grass lawn is inadequate synthetic grass maintenance. Any spilled food or drink, uncleaned pet waste, or other contaminants can see mold growth if left untreated. Luckily, this issue is the easiest to fix, as all it requires is regular synthetic grass maintenance. Performing artificial turf maintenance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis can help you prevent mold and mildew growth as well as preserve your investment and keep your lawn in great shape for years to come. If you don’t have the time or energy to spare for routine synthetic turf maintenance, you can turn to TurFresh’s expert artificial grass maintenance service. We have comprehensive 10-point artificial turf cleaning services for residential and commercial properties, and we offer a range of scheduled service plans that suit every budget. If you want to prevent harmful mold and keep your lawn pristine, TurFresh has you covered all year long.
If you’d like to schedule your first synthetic turf maintenance appointment or receive a free estimate, give us a call today at (619) 566-0020. If you prefer to DIY your artificial turf maintenance, you can visit our online store for everything you need to keep your artificial grass in its best condition for years to come.