It may be hard to be sure when your Los Angeles and Southern California synthetic grass needs upkeep and restored versus a total replacement. But we’re here to help with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
Whether it is an artificial yard that can last long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s crucial to look at some of the following things to look for damage and signs of age. Having a turf assessed for the following by an expert is best.
POOR DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of inadequate drainage could be seen with standing water on the grass. Even though this doesn’t show that the artificial turf requires replacement but needs to be addressed or properly maintained over the life of the artificial turf, then it can be fixed during replacement. If you notice pooling, this could indicate an issue or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will learn that water will displace the turf infill making the turf to lay down as the water mats the fibers. This could happen where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is approaching the end of its life, you might begin observing deterioration or other damage caused by UV. Make sure to regularly check your artificial surface for damage as a result of pets or wildlife and occasionally even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, rough weather, or other mishaps can affect a turf’s integrity.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills can be especially tricky to deal with on artificial grass if not washed immediately, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from artificial surfaces. If you own a pet using the lawn, it is preferred to do frequent cleaning to ensure it looks great and stink free. Check out our cleaning guide here. If you’re dealing with artificial turf that’s been ignored, replacing it might be the only option.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure for many years is one of the main contributors to turf damage. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are consumed many years after installation, you might observe discoloration and sections where the turf becomes matted down because of UV and heavy traffic. If the surface isn’t periodically expertly maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be harder to revive the turf over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill can begin to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial grass is not occasionally maintained, it can lead to the surface getting hard and compacted. Walk through the grass to feel for patches that are abnormally stiff. Having an synthetic grass professional test the surface hardness with a testing system like the GMAX is the only way to find out how compact the surface might be. These systems will drop a weight that includes an accelerometer from a established height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how rapidly the weight stops once it strikes the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or foot traffic, infill materials will usually start to move away from the surface. It is essential to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass blades standing and the artificial grass working the way it was intended. Artificial grass that loses a substantial quantity of infill will lead to additional surface matting. It is feasible you just need an infill refresh as opposed to a complete turf replacement, so make sure to discuss a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are more than 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 endure heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come with a complete one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our synthetic turf is designed to be used and is highly recommended in busy areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of Southern California now if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to give you a no cost consultation.