It might be hard to know when your Austin artificial grass only needs maintenance and refreshed compared to a full replacement. But we’re here to support you with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
Whether or not it is an artificial grass that can last long past its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s critical to look at some of the following points to search for wear. Having a synthetic turf assessed by an expert is best.
INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of poor drainage could be viewed with standing water on the grass surface. Even though this does not suggest that the synthetic turf needs replacement but must be addressed or properly maintained over the life of the turf, then it can be handled when it's replaced. If you observe puddling, this may indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will learn that water will dislodge the turf infill causing the turf to lay down as the water will mat the fibers. This could be seen where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your synthetic turf is close to the end of its life, you might start observing deterioration or other damage as a result of UV. Be certain to frequently check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or pests and even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, rough weather, or other incidents can affect a turf’s integrity.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills may be particularly difficult to deal with on artificial grass if not cleaned promptly, leading to permanent damage. Lead-based paint isn’t removable from synthetic surfaces. If you have a pet that uses the lawn, it’s advised to do regular cleaning to make sure it looks great and stink free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re dealing with synthetic turf that’s been overlooked, replacement may be the only option.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure for many years is one of the greatest contributors to turf wear. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are exhausted numerous years after installation, you might notice a color change and sections where the grass becomes matted due to UV and regular traffic. If the surface isn’t occasionally expertly maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be more difficult to restore the turf year after year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
After a while, infill could start to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial turf is not regularly maintained, it can result in the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk on the grass to feel for patches that are abnormally firm. Having an artificial turf professional test the surface hardness with a testing device such as GMAX is the only way to figure out how compacted the surface could be. These systems will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a known height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how quickly the weight stops once it strikes the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or foot traffic, infill materials will naturally began to wash off the surface. It is essential to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf leaves standing upright and the turf working the way it was intended. Synthetic grass that loses a significant quantity of infill will lead to further surface matting. It is likely you just require an infill refill rather than a total turf replacement, so be sure to consult a pro.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are 20 years old or older and have maintained the natural green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products look and function just like new because they’re built to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature swings for year-round use.
All installations come with a one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that protects against fading. Our synthetic turf is designed to be used and is highly recommended in busy areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens of Austin today if you’re ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are happy to provide you with a free consultation.