Maintenance of Artificial Grass
In order to maintain the natural look and beauty of your MasterGrass installation it is recommended that, on a regular basis, you remove organic debris such as leaves and seeds form your MasterGrass lawn. When leaves aren’t removed, they will compost and lead to growth of moss and weeds. Using a weed killer is possible but it’s better to prevent it. Also don’t enter the lawn if it is full of leaves, remove the leaves first.
Brush Regularly
In order to keep the grass in the best possible condition, it is recommended to regularly brush the grass in accordance with the amount of ‘traffic’ is gets. Brushing the grass will keep the fibres upright for a longer time, enhancing the natural look of your lawn.
Remove Leaves
A normal leaf blower can be used to clean your MasterGrass surface from fallen leaves and other debris. The frequency of performing proactive maintenance to your MasterGrass lawn depends on your surrounding environment and usage of your lawn.
Heavy Items
In cases where you may have placed a heavy item on the MasterGrass surface, like an inflatable swimming pool or flower pot, the grass fibers will flatten. When the heavy item is removed, simply take a broom with first bristles and brush the fibres back up again to make your lawn return to its original beauty. Over time, it is possible that the imprint stays visible. Remember to always brush against the natural pile direction of your MasterGrass lawn.
Winter Season
Winter conditions are not a problem for MasterGrass, it will not damage due to frost or break at entry. However, if snow is stamped into the grass and an icy layer has been formed, this may not be removed manually in order to prevent the fibers from damaging. This must melt naturally.
Fire and Hot Items
At all times prevent fire and hot items like BBQ ashes and cigarettes from getting into direct contact with your MasterGrass lawn as this will potentially cause melting of the grass. Repairing is possible but it will be slightly visible.
Weed Control
Weed is easy to remove by picking, brushing or rake the grass. Ensure that weed is removed before it has the chance to take root, especially at the edges. It is advisable to take care of good cleaning of the lawn. A number of environmentally-friendly products can be purchased at DIY centres and garden centres to kill algae, moss and weeds. Provided the instructions are observed, these products will not cause damage to MasterGrass artificial grass.
7 Tips for Artificial Grass Care and Maintenance
Here are seven artificial grass care and maintenance tips to ensure your yard remains green and healthy for years to come.
1. For Mild Stains
Life happens, and it often happens on grass. Sooner or later, a plate will go tumbling to the ground at a backyard barbeque, an alcoholic beverage will be knocked over, or a pet will leave his mark somewhere in the yard. For stains including cola, alcohol, urine, blood, coffee, tea, and other simple everyday substances, cleaning and care are relatively simple.
You will need to:
1. Be prompt. Cleaning up a spill quickly is the best way to ensure it won’t leave a long-lasting, stubborn stain.
2. Blot up the spilled liquid with a towel or with a dry absorbent like kitty litter.
3. Rinse the area with a mixture of water and a mild household detergent. This will not harm the fibres.
4. If you need a stronger stain removal aid, use a 3% solution of ammonia in water instead of the household detergent.
5. Thoroughly rinse the cleaner out using clean, cool water.
2. For Stubborn Stains
Substances like motor oil, grease, pen ink, cooking oil, suntan oil, and crayon can end up on your turf, and they often prove to be a bit more stubborn than the everyday substances mentioned above. If a stain doesn’t respond to mild household detergents or an ammonia mixture, try using mineral spirits to draw out the stain. The cleaning process is similar with mineral spirits: gently rinse the area, and blot up the excess liquid.
3. For the Really Sticky Stuff
Tree sap and chewing gum can also end up stuck in artificial turf, but luckily, they’re relatively easy to remove. Dry ice or aerosol refrigerants can be used to freeze the sap or gum off, and it can then be scraped off the grass.
4. Removing Pet Waste
Having pets doesn’t mean you must constantly clean and rinse your artificial grass — clean-up of pet waste is quite simple. Simply:
1. Allow solid waste to dry before you remove it.
2. Artificial grass will drain most liquid. So, if desired, to avoid a stench, douse the turf in cool water from a hose on urine spots.
Most stains that fall upon artificial grass are removable — still, it’s better to avoid stains and damage to artificial turf in the first place. For example, in addition to keeping liquids that could potentially stain the grass far away or secured, keep cigarettes and fireworks off artificial turf, and do not use strong chemicals near the grass, either.
5. Maintaining Your Lawn for the Future
In addition to the everyday wear, tear, and accidents, artificial turf owners should follow a few routine steps to maintain the quality and longevity of the artificial turf. Artificial turf generally lasts anywhere between 15 to 25 years, depending on its use. Following a routine of clearing the grass of debris, rinsing regularly, and cross brushing will help artificial turf achieve a long, useful lifespan.
6. Equipment You’ll Need
To routinely maintain and care for your artificial grass, you’ll want to be sure you have a few essential tools. You’ll need, first and foremost, a hose — if the area in which you live receives rain frequently, this is less of a necessity, but still helpful for rinsing the grass at will. A leaf blower is also helpful, or a lawn vacuum, for eliminating fallen leaves before they become ground into the artificial turf. A rake will also help to keep the fibers of the grass fresh and unmatted — but avoid damaging metal bristles, and use synthetic or plastic bristles instead, which a rake will also help to keep the fibers of the grass fresh and unmatted — but avoid damaging metal bristles, and use synthetic or plastic bristles instead, which is much gentler on artificial turf fibers.
7. Clean, Rinse, Brush, Repeat
There are essentially four main steps to taking care of your artificial grass on a regular basis. These steps should be carried out monthly, if not weekly.
They are:
1. Remove debris from the grass. This is especially important after high winds or thunderstorms. Removing leaves, branches, and other debris will protect your grass from damage.
2. Rinse the turf regularly. Use a hose with cool, clean water to remove dust and pollen. If you live in an area that receives rain often, you won’t have to rinse the grass with a hose nearly as much.
3. Brush the grass against the grain in high-traffic areas. Cross brushing against the grain will help the grass to avoid becoming matted and keep it looking strong and fresh.
Conclusion
Artificial grass is worthy investment and like all investments, it needs care and maintenance to keep it in optimal shape. Following simple directions for cleaning and removing stains, as well as making sure it is free from debris, rinsed regularly, and brushed often in high-traffic areas are important aspects of care and maintenance and will certainly pay off in protecting a beautiful yard of artificial grass.
Following simple directions for cleaning and removing stains, as well as making sure it is free from debris, rinsed regularly, and brushed often in high-traffic areas are important aspects of care and maintenance and will certainly pay off in protecting a beautiful yard of artificial grass.
