It might be difficult to know when your Pittsburgh artificial grass needs to be worked on and refreshed compared to a full replacement. However, we are here to help with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
Whether it is a synthetic grass which can endure long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is critical to check some of the following items to look for damage and signs of age. Having a turf professional assess the following is best.
POOR DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of inadequate drainage can be viewed with standing water on the turf. Although this doesn’t show that the turf needs replacement but must be corrected or correctly maintained during the lifetime of the artificial turf, then it can be handled when it's replaced. If you notice pooling, this might show signs of an issue or dips with the sub-base system. More regularly you will learn that water will displace the turf infill making the turf to lay down as the water mats the fibers. This could occur where downspouts are placed as well as water run off areas.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is nearing the end of its lifecycle, you might start seeing degradation or other damage due to UV. Be certain to periodically check your artificial surface for damage as a result of pets or wild animals and occasionally even lawn mowers. Moreover, damage from fire, rough weather, or other incidents can influence a turf’s integrity.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills can be especially tricky to handle on artificial grass if not cleaned promptly, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet who uses the yard, it’s best to do frequent cleaning to ensure it looks great and smell free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you are working with artificial turf that has been ignored, replacement may be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the biggest causes of turf wear. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are depleted many years after installing your turf, you might observe discoloration and patches where the grass 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 more difficult to revive the turf over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill might start to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial grass is not regularly maintained, it can result in the surface getting hard and compacted. Walk on the turf to feel for patches that are abnormally firm. Having an artificial grass professional test the surface hardness with a testing tool like the GMAX is the only way to find out how compact the surface could be. These devices will drop a weight that includes an accelerometer from a fixed height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it hits the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or foot traffic, infill materials will often began to wash off the surface. It’s crucial to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf leaves standing upright 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 quite possible you just have to have an infill refill instead of a whole turf replacement, so make sure to discuss an expert.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' first installations are at least 20 years old and have kept the rich green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and work just like new because they are built to stand up to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for year-round use.
All installations come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty covering fading. Our artificial turf is manufactured to be used and is great for high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens Pittsburgh today if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to offer a free consultation.