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Protecting the Play: Preventative Maintenance Tips for High-Traffic Synthetic Turf

Protecting the Play: Preventative Maintenance Tips for High-Traffic Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf is a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Every patch of synthetic turf needs regular maintenance to stay lush, functional, and aesthetically appealing throughout its lifespan. This is especially true for synthetic turf in high-traffic areas.

Below are some preventative maintenance tips to help keep your artificial grass resilient through the years.

Remove Debris Regularly

It’s highly crucial to avoid allowing leaves, twigs, and other debris to accumulate across the surface of your synthetic turf. Such debris can trap moisture, stain the turf, or prevent drainage. You should schedule regular routine cleaning using a rake or a leaf blower. 

Rinse the Synthetic Turf Regularly

Hosing your synthetic turf regularly is a sure way to remove dust, pollen, and any contaminants on the turf. Keeping the fibers clean will keep the fibers from matting or becoming stiff. Synthetic turfs in normal traffic areas will stay clean with weekly hosing.

In high-traffic areas, on the other hand, you may need to rinse the fibers every two to three days.

Remove Pet Waste Quickly

Picking up pet waste quickly can prevent odors and stains. Where the waste has already caused stains, you can clean the fibers by using enzyme cleaners designed for use on synthetic turfs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid bleaching large sections of fibers.

Brush Regularly and Correctly

Synthetic turf in high-traffic areas needs regular brushing to stay upright, maintain bounce, and avoid matting down. Regular brushing can also redistribute infill. This sand-like material helps ensure stability and consistent drainage.

Replenish Infill Proactively

Infill on synthetic turf can settle or get displaced due to the high traffic. If you don’t replenish it proactively, drainage issues might develop, ruining the turf’s functionality.  

You should inspect the infill level more frequently, replenishing any areas that feel compacted or thin. Be sure to only use the infill material recommended by the synthetic turf installer for the best results.

Implement Preventative Restrictions

Don’t allow the use of heavy furniture on the turf for extended periods. The excessive weight can flatten the turf fiber in the affected areas. Additionally, you should keep people wearing cleats or shoes with sharp edges from walking across the surface frequently as they can damage the fibers.

Ensure Protection Against the Elements

Extreme heat can damage some types of artificial turf or putting greens. Therefore, you should consider installing awnings or shade sails over your turf during the hottest periods of the year. 

Conversely, you should take steps to prevent the accumulation of snow or ice on your artificial turf in the winter months to keep the turf fibers from matting and tears.

Inspect the Turf Regularly

Regularly inspect your artificial turf for tears, loose seams, and other such problems. Discovering and addressing minor issues promptly will stop them from becoming more serious ones.

Do you need some help with your synthetic turf maintenance in Millbrook, Alabama, and the surrounding areas? Call River Region Sports Fields at (205) 617-4884 to schedule a consultation. Let us assist you today.