Nothing is made to last forever. Even though artificial grass has come a long way over recent few years and there have been some fantastic improvements, it still has a lifespan. With advancing technology, today’s synthetic turf has a lifespan anywhere from 10-25 years. For some, the artificial products last as long as the projected lifespan, while others have endured less time. The longevity of the turf is dependent on a few different factors, and we look at some of these and how you can work towards extending the life of your synthetic grass.
Quality of the Turf
Like with many products, a higher quality grass will hold up longer than something of a lower grade. The range of difference can be quite a few years, but over the long term can save you money so that you don’t have to upgrade as soon.
Varying qualities of synthetic turf are manufactured from a range of different materials. High-quality grass is made from superior raw materials that go through a range of necessary controls and checks before being ready for installation. You can expect that grass of this level is built to perform at its best for an extended period of time.
Exposure to the Elements
Synthetic turf is quite resilient and is manufactured for surges in the weather. No matter the quality of the grass, constant exposure can cause it to wear naturally, more so if it isn’t made out of quality materials. The 10-25 year time frame can be challenged if there is excessive exposure to heavy ice and rains, extreme frost or the scorching sun.
Infill Quality
The longevity of your artificial grass is impacted by preparation of the surface you are laying it on. This mainly includes the quality of the infill. The infill serves a few purposes, all of which help your turf last longer. For example, for drainage and fire-resistance performance of artificial grass, it is primarily improved by the quality and accurate installation of the infill.
It also helps with longevity because it keeps the lawn cooler during hot weather, and prevent rippling and creasing.
Impact of Foot Traffic
Foot traffic and other backyard impacts will cause fibres to breakdown in your turf. This is where it is essential to consider your usage of your lawn before installation so you can get the most time out of your synthetic turf. Before making any decisions, it is important to remember that you cannot compare artificial backyard grass to that of a stadium. Anywhere that there is regular activity – children playing, lots of entertaining, playing ball sports or animals running around choosing a high-quality grass will be better performance overall.
What’s next?
It has clearly been shown that the quality of the materials the synthetic grass is manufactured from, adds to the lifespan of the lawn. However, there are other ways to ensure that your grass is long-lasting, and it all comes under properly maintaining your turf.
Maintenance
While synthetic turf is low-maintenance compared to natural lawn, looking after it well can ensure your grass has a long lifespan:
- Be Proactive
The better we care for our things, the longer they tend to last, this includes your fake lawn. There are many things you can do to ensure it lasts as long as the recommended years or even more, including:
- No Smoking near or on the grass
- No butts on the ground
- Don’t grill on the lawn
- Avoid reflective surfaces to avoid sun damage.
- Keep it Clean
Every few months a deep clean will help keep your turf looking its best. Spills and animal waste can damage your synthetic grass over time, but a regular wash down with the hose will keep it in good condition and longer-lasting. If essential, a mild detergent can be used.
- Brush your Lawn
To keep your fibres upright and to avoid matting, brush against the direction of the fibres to give your synthetic lawn a long life.
- Remove Fallen Leaves
Just like we vacuum our homes to keep them in good order, our artificial lawns need to be regular swept, raked or seen to with the blower vac to get rid of leaves or debris. Leaving debris around can cause weeds to grow or encourage mildew and mould, which can severely affect the integrity of your artificial turf.
- Fix it Fast
While we are always saying how durable synthetic grass is (and it’s true), it’s not entirely resistant to damage. The best way to keep your grass well maintained and long-lasting is if you see a rip or other damage it should be dealt with immediately. Tears have a tendency to multiply if left unattended and significantly reduce the lifespan of your turf.
The best way to fix any issues with your artificial grass is to get it looked at by a qualified technician who can repair any damage most effectively without compromising the quality of your turf.
Conclusion
For a manufactured product, synthetic turf has a relatively good lifespan. Investing in a premium quality grass, will give you a good return, along with maintaining your lawn, it is likely to be the best cost-effective option for you and your family. The amount of effort you put into it the longer you will be able to enjoy your artificial lawn.
We source top-quality artificial grass from reputable manufacturers. Ask our expert team how we can help you.