It may be hard to know when your Tucson artificial grass just needs maintenance and restored versus a complete replacement. But we’re here to help with this quick and easy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
Whether it is a synthetic grass that can last long past its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s important to look at some of the following points to search for wear and tear. Having a synthetic turf assessed for the following by an expert is best.
INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of bad drainage can be observed with standing water on the grass. Although this does not show that the synthetic turf is needing replacement but must be fixed or correctly maintained during the life of the artificial turf, then it can be handled during replacement. If you see puddling, this may show signs of an issue or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will discover that water will dislodge the turf infill making the turf to lay down as the water mats the fibers. This could be seen where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is nearing the end of its lifecycle, you might start observing degradation or other damage due to ultraviolet light. Be sure to occasionally check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or wild animals and sometimes even lawn mowers. In addition, damage from fires, rough weather, or other accidents can influence a turf’s condition.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills can be particularly complicated to handle on synthetic grass if not washed promptly, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from artificial surfaces. If you own a pet who uses the grass, it’s advised to do daily cleaning to ensure it looks wonderful and smell free. Take a look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re dealing with turf that’s been ignored, replacement could be the only option.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
Years of UV exposure is one of the primary causes of turf damage. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but over time, these stabilizers are exhausted many years after installing your turf, you might see a color change and areas where the turf becomes matted From UV and heavy traffic. If the surface isn’t occasionally expertly maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be harder to revive the turf over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over the years, infill can start to compact, similarly to how soil does. If artificial grass is not frequently maintained, it can cause the surface getting stiff and compacted. Walk on the grass to feel for areas that are unusually stiff. Having an synthetic grass pro test the surface hardness with a testing system similar to GMAX is the only way to determine how compact the surface could be. These devices will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a known height to figure out deceleration, AKA how rapidly the weight stops once it hits the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rainfall or foot traffic, infill materials will naturally start to wash off the surface. It is essential to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf blades upright and the synthetic grass working the way it was designed. Synthetic grass that loses a substantial quantity of infill will lead to further surface matting. It is quite possible you just require an infill refresh instead of a complete turf replacement, so ensure you consult a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' oldest installations are more than 20 years old and have maintained the natural green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic grass products look and work like new because they’re built to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature swings for all-year use.
All installations come complete with a one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our synthetic turf is manufactured to be used and is great for busy areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens of Tucson today if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to give you a free consultation.