How Long Artificial Grass Lasts And How You Can Extend Its Lifespan

Artificial grass has certainly come a long way since the product was first introduced into the market about five decades ago. One of the benefits of the improved product technology is that today’s synthetic turf has a better lifespan compared to its predecessors.

Artificial grass manufacturers all across the globe stand by their products, giving them a lifespan of 7-25 years. Some clients can give a first-hand account of their artificial grass living up to its full lifespan, while others cannot say the same.  The longevity of synthetic grass is dependent on a number of factors, and in this blog post, we will look at the top five among these factors. Knowing what to look out for when purchasing the grass and what you can do once it is installed can help you enjoy all the benefits of an artificial grass installation for longer.

Durability is one of the true reflections of the quality of synthetic grass. It therefore goes without saying that high-quality artificial grass will definitely hold up longer than its counterparts of lower quality.  The difference can be quite significant, adding up to a few years. High-quality grass is manufactured from high-quality raw materials and goes through a manufacturing process with all the necessary quality checks and controls. This grass is built to perform its best and last for long, so you can expect to use it for a long time before you ever have to think about getting a replacement.

Infill serves several purposes, which will help in keeping your artificial grass in good condition for longer. Infill helps to keep the synthetic fibres upright and provides protection even after being subjected to heavy traffic. It also improves both the drainage and fire-resistance performance of synthetic turf. Other benefits include protecting the latex backing layer beneath, keeping the lawn cooler even in very hot weather, and preventing creasing and rippling.

A high-quality infill that will perform all these functions will help in maximising the lifespan of the synthetic grass.

Artificial grass is manufactured with ideal climatic conditions in mind, but it is very resilient in all weather. Over time, exposure to the elements of nature such as the sun, may cause the turf to wear naturally, especially if the quality is not superior. However, if this less-than-superior quality turf is constantly being exposed to the extremes, then it will wear away even more quickly. Excessive exposure to the scorching sun, heavy rains and heavy ice and frost can greatly impact the longevity of faux grass.

The expected lifespan of artificial grass installed in a family backyard cannot compare to that of synthetic turf installed in a stadium that hosts different games on a regular basis. Being constantly subjected to any form of pressure or impact from foot traffic or heavy equipment will cause the fibres to breakdown a lot faster, reducing the turf’s lifespan.

For this reason, it is extremely important to choose artificial grass depending on the application it will be used for. Some fake grass varieties are more suited for particular applications than others, and your supplier can help you choose the best one for your application. If you are looking to install it in a high-traffic area, or where high-impact activity will be on a regular, then you should choose a product with better performance in terms of tolerance to ensure it lasts longer.

Synthetic turf is generally very low-maintenance, but employing proper maintenance goes a long way when it comes to the life expectancy of the artificial grass. To maximise the useful lifespan of your synthetic grass, you can do the following

• Be proactive and do preventive maintenance

There is so much you can do in way of preventive maintenance. To avoid burn marks, ensure that you, and others, do not smoke on or near the installed artificial grass.  Ash from the cigarettes can leave your artificial grass with some nasty burns. It’s also not uncommon for people to simply forget and throw cigarette butts onto the ground covered with artificial grass. If the butt aren’t completely out, then they will damage the synthetic fibres.

 Whether you are having some people over for a BBQ, or doing that with just your family, ensure that you set up the grill away from the artificial grass.

To avoid damage from the sun, put careful thought into the layout and arrangement of any reflective surfaces around the artificial grass. These surfaces may reflect and direct the sun’s rays onto your grass where the rays may cause premature damage.

• Regularly brush your lawn using a stiff brush or broom.

You should pay keen attention when doing so, and ensure that you brush against the direction of the fibres.  This will help to keep the synthetic fibres upright and avoid premature matting. Avoid using a brush with metallic bristles as these will only damage your synthetic turf

• Regularly remove fallen leaves and other debris

The common broom, a rake or a leaf blower will suffice to remove leaves and debris in outdoor applications. If you have installed the grass indoors, then a broom or a vacuum will definitely get the job done.

Such debris, especially in outdoor installations can provide the perfect ground for weed to grow. Indoors, the same can encourage the growth of mildew and mold, which bring with them a host of other challenges that may affect the integrity of your installation.

As mentioned earlier, infill plays a significant role in ensuring that your grass has a longer lifespan. Ensure that is applied during the installation, and regularly after the grass has been laid out and is in constant use.

A deep cleaning every few months can help your artificial grass look its best. Aesthetics aside, animal waste, certain spills and harsh chemicals can damage the synthetic turf over time if they are not cleaned up as soon as possible. Weekly hosing down, and brushing or sweeping the grass just as regularly can help to keep the grass in good condition.

You should be careful when cleaning with detergents, because some may contain chemicals that are too harsh and which will only burn through the artificial grass. You will be doing your synthetic turf more harm than good. Your best option is to go for very mild detergents.

While your artificial grass is definitely durable, it is not entirely resistant to damage. Keep an eye out for any damage on the surface of your artificial grass.  This could a small rip here, a tear there. These small tears and rips do have a tendency of spreading if left unattended.

To avoid further damage which can significantly impact your synthetic turf’s lifespan, be sure to get it looked at and repaired by a qualified technicians. Our team of technicians at Perth Artificial Grass are not only seasoned professionals when it comes to installation, but we are also equipped to carry out artificial grass repairs.

Conclusion

A quality artificial grass installation is an investment that will give you a good return. By reducing costs associated with lawn care and maintenance and by adding value to your property, you can be sure that artificial grass will more than pay for itself over time.

To protect your investment, you should put in the deliberate effort to put into action the good maintenance practices highlighted above. Taking proper care of your lawn will prolong its lifespan and you can look forward to enjoying your artificial lawn for the next couple of decades.

At Perth Artificial Grass, we source for top-quality grass with lifespans of 20-25 years from reputable manufacturers. Our expert team will also offer you any advice you may need on how to properly care for your lawn in order to extend its lifespan.