Playground Artificial Grass Maintenance Tips in San Francisco
A properly cared‑for artificial playground surface stays kid‑friendly. This guide covers simple short- and long-term maintenance actions — from cleaning and surface brushing to damage identification and repair — so your playground turf continues to support active use without a problem!
PLAYGROUND TURF CARE “DO’S”
PERIODIC CLEANING
REMOVE DEBRIS
Everyday debris removal prevents premature turf wear. Use a leaf blower, gentle broom, soft rake, or your hands to remove loose sticks, twigs, leaves, and trash and keep the play area clean.
RINSE THE SURFACE
Every few weeks, lightly rinse the artificial grass to remove dirt and dust buildup. A gentle spray washes away contaminants without shifting the infill.
INSPECT INFILL LEVELS
Infill provides cushioning for play and keeps the grass looking full. Check both low‑traffic and high‑use spots. If the turf isn’t as soft as it should be or looks uneven, add the recommended infill to restore performance.
INSPECTION & REPAIR
CHECK THE TURF EVERY MONTH
Watch for issues in seams and edges and infill. Small repairs now prevent larger issues.
FIX SMALL HOLES QUICKLY
Any cut or hole larger than ½ inch can spread rapidly. Repair holes immediately with the supplied SWG repair kit as soon as you spot them.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
SPRING CARE
Tidy up after winter and inspect for frost damage. Fluff the grass by brushing against the grain to lift flattened areas.
SUMMER CARE
High temps affect play comfort. Wet the turf surface occasionally to keep it cooler and keep play safe.
FALL CARE
Remove fallen leaves promptly to stop matting. Top up infill if fibers appear compressed after heavy summer traffic.
WINTER CARE
Use a plastic shovel or soft broom for snow removal. Let ice thaw on its own — metal sovels and harsh de-icers can do lasting harm.
REMOVE WEEDS, PESTS, AND STAINS
WEED PREVENTION
Weeds often sneak in at the edges. Check the perimeter regularly and pull any sprouts before roots establish.
PEST CONTROL
Ants and other insects may tunnel under the surface. Apply a turf‑safe deterrent around the perimeter to keep pests away.
STAIN AND SPILL CLEANUP
Spills are inevitable. Act fast to clean up any food or drink accidents with mild detergent and water to avoid permanent discoloration.
DON’TS FOR PLAYGROUND TURF MAINTENANCE
HEAVY LOADS
Avoid placing heavy play equipment, picnic tables, or grills right on the turf. Use weight-distributing pads if you must put something heavy on the grass.
SHARP OBJECTS
Never use metal tools. These can cut the turf fibers, leading to premature wear.
HARSH CHEMICALS
Skip harsh chemicals like strong cleaners, bleach, and solvents. They can destroy the turf fibers and infill. Always choose gentle cleaning solutions.
TURF CARE FOR PETS
If pets are present, remove waste right away and rinse the area thoroughly. This prevents odors and maintains a clean area.
KNOWING WHEN TO GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
While regular upkeep handles most needs, the Southwest Greens expert team is ready when you need them:
- Large Tears: Seams that curled, uneven or lost infill, or large rips and tears.
- Water Retention: Standing water after routine cleaning signals foundation trouble.
- Warranty Support: Questions about coverage or authorized service visits.
A clean, cared‑for playground turf surface keeps San Francisco kids safe and happy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy a fun and clean play space all year long. For professional deep‑cleaning, infill top‑off, or repairs, get in touch with your San Francisco Southwest Greens.
Need more info? Get the full playground maintenance manual here.