October 25, 2022

It might be hard to be sure when your San Francisco synthetic grass only needs maintenance and freshened up as opposed to a full replacement. However, we’re here to support you with this easy and complete guide.

 

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT

Whether it’s an artificial yard which can last long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is important to consider some of the following items to check for damage and signs of age. Having a turf assessed for the following by an expert is ideal.

 

BAD DRAINAGE

One of the earliest indications of inadequate drainage can be seen with standing water on the grass. Even though this doesn’t show that the turf needs replacement but should be looked into or properly maintained throughout the life of the artificial turf, then it can be handled when it's replaced. If you observe pooling, this could indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will discover that water will displace the turf infill which causes the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This could be seen where downspouts are placed as well as water run off areas.

 

SURFACE DAMAGE

If your synthetic turf is close to the end of its life, you might begin observing degradation or other damage as a result of ultraviolet light. Be certain to periodically check your synthetic surface for damage caused by pets or pests and occasionally even lawn mowers. In addition, damage from fires, rough weather, or other mishaps can influence a turf’s integrity.

 

STAINS & ODORS

Paint and oil spills could be especially tricky to handle on artificial turf if not dealt with immediately, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet using the lawn, it’s preferred to do daily cleaning to keep it looking wonderful and odor free. Take a look at our cleaning guide here. If you are dealing with artificial turf that has been neglected, replacing it could be your best bet.

 

FADED & MATTED SURFACE

UV exposure for many years is one of the primary causes of turf damage. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are consumed numerous years after installation, you might observe a color change and areas where the turf becomes matted down due to UV and frequent traffic. If the surface is not occasionally professionally maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be more difficult to revitalize the turf every year.

 

INFILL COMPACTIONS

Over time, infill can begin to compact, much like soil does. If synthetic turf is not occasionally maintained, it can result in the surface becoming hard and compacted. Walk through the turf to feel for areas that are oddly firm. Having an synthetic grass pro test the surface hardness with a testing tool such as GMAX is the only way to determine how compact the surface actually is. These devices will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a established height to determine deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it hits the surface.

 

INFILL MEASUREMENTS

With heavy rainfall or foot traffic, infill materials will naturally began to migrate away from the surface. It is essential to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass blades standing upright and the artificial grass working the way it was intended. Artificial turf that has lost a significant amount of infill will lead to even more surface matting. It’s very likely you just have to have an infill refresh rather than a total turf replacement, so ensure you consult a professional.

 

GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY

Southwest Greens' oldest installations are at least 20 years old and have maintained the rich green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and function like new because they’re engineered to endure heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year-round use.


All installations come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty covering fading. Our artificial grass is developed to be used and is highly recommended in high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting fields. Contact Southwest Greens Northern CA West now if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to give you a no cost consultation.