How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?
Natural San Diego lawns drink a lot of water, but California continues to be in a major drought with severe water shortages. Homeowners in and around San Diego are switching to artificial turf lawns. But how long does artificial turf last? Modern artificial turf products are durable and strong and stay a vibrant green for years. With a little bit of maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful artificial lawn. Learn more about the factors that can affect your turf’s lifespan and how you can extend your lawn’s lifespan.
Factors Affecting Turf Lifespan
So, how long does turf last? Depending on how much foot traffic crosses your lawn, how well you maintain it, and other factors, your lawn can last between eight and ten years. Consider these key factors:
Heavy Use
The more foot traffic and use your artificial lawn sees, the quicker it will wear through. For
example, the turf right outside your back door or by your gate will see more wear and tear than the far corners of your backyard. Similarly, wear from play, pets and pet waste, and lawn furniture can speed up the aging process.
You can minimize the effects of heavy usage by routinely cleaning and adding new fill to your turf, as well as by selecting the right type of turf from the start.
Weather Effects
Weather also changes how long artificial grass can last. In the San Diego area, two of the biggest risk factors are sunlight and heat. The granulated fill between the grass blades is dark and can heat up in sunlight, scorching the grass and making it brittle. Lots of sunlight exposure can also fade and
bleach the grass.
Ignoring Light Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is essential for protecting your lawn and extending its lifespan. Key maintenance tasks are:
● Rinsing the lawn to clean stains and pet waste
● Brushing the grass to make it stand upright
● Replacing or replenishing the infill
● Monitoring it for snags, holes, or wrinkles that need to be repaired
When you take care of your artificial lawn, the answer to the question, “How long does fake grass last?” becomes a lot better. When you keep the turf clean and proactively watch for the first signs of damage, you can make it last much longer and minimize damage.
Taking Care of Synthetic Turf
Artificial turf is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to natural grass, but it only has a long artificial grass lifespan if it’s taken care of. Add these simple tasks to your lawncare maintenance checklist after artificial grass installation.
Water and Rake Your Turf
Artificial turf doesn’t need to be watered every day or twice a week. But washing high-traffic areas is important for removing stains and keeping the grass a vibrant green. Rinsing the lawn can also clear out debris trapped in the infill.
Once a quarter, use a power broom or soft rake to fluff up the grass. This chore makes the infill less compact and helps straighten the fibers to make it look upright again.
Clean Up After Your Pets
Depending on the underlayers below your artificial turf, it should be safe for pet use. However, it’s still important to quickly clean up after your pets. Pick up solid waste and rinse away liquid waste to keep the lawn smelling clean and fresh.
Watch for Repairs
Most major turf damage starts small: a snag from a patio chair, a small wrinkle you ignore, or compacted turf that you don’t correct. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf can’t fix itself—but you can easily fix small problems if you catch them in time. Make a habit of inspecting your lawn for damage, and make time to repair it quickly instead of letting the problem grow.
Is It Time to Replace Your Turf?
Reach Out to HomeTurf Switching to artificial turf or replacing old artificial turf in your backyard is a great way to refresh your property. Boost your artificial grass lifespan with turf installations, repair, and services from HomeTurf.
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