It may be tough to be sure when your Flagstaff synthetic grass just needs maintenance and restored compared to a full replacement. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with this easy and complete guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
If it’s a synthetic yard which can endure long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is critical to check some of the following things to look for wear and tear. Having a synthetic turf professional assess the following is ideal.
INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of bad drainage could be viewed with standing water on the turf. Although this doesn’t indicate that the synthetic turf is needing replacement but must be looked into or properly maintained during the life of the synthetic turf, then it can be corrected when it's replaced. If you notice puddling, this may show signs of a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will learn that water will displace the turf infill causing the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This can occur where downspouts are placed as well as water run off areas.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your synthetic turf is approaching the end of its life, you might begin seeing degradation or other damage caused by ultraviolet light. Make sure to regularly check your synthetic surface for damage caused by pets or wild animals and sometimes even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, inclement weather, or other mishaps can affect a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills may be particularly complicated to deal with on synthetic grass if not cleaned immediately, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint isn’t removable from artificial surfaces. If you have a pet who uses the lawn, it’s best to do frequent cleaning to ensure it looks beautiful and smell free. Check out our cleaning guide here. If you’re working with synthetic turf that’s been neglected, replacing it might be your best bet.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the main contributors to turf wear. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but over time, these stabilizers are exhausted many years after installation, you may observe a color change and sections where the grass becomes matted down because of UV and regular traffic. If the surface is not occasionally expertly maintained as part of standard maintenance, it will be harder to revitalize the turf every year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over the years, infill might start to compact, much like soil does. If synthetic turf is not occasionally maintained, it can cause the surface getting stiff and compacted. Walk through the grass to feel for areas that are unusually hard. Having an synthetic turf professional test the surface hardness with a testing system similar to GMAX is the only way to determine how compacted the surface is. These systems will drop a weight that includes an accelerometer from a known height to figure out deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it impacts the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With excessive rain or foot traffic, infill materials will usually began to migrate off the surface. It is crucial to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass leaves standing tall and the artificial grass working the way it should. Synthetic turf that loses a significant portion of infill will lead to even more surface matting. It’s very likely you just have to have an infill refresh instead of a complete turf replacement, so make sure to consult an expert.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' first installations are at least 20 years old and have maintained the rich green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products look and work like new because they are designed to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come complete with a one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that protects against fading. Our artificial turf is designed to be used and is highly recommended in high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting fields. Contact Southwest Greens Flagstaff now if you’re ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are happy to offer a no cost consultation.