It can be tough to be sure when your Oakley synthetic grass needs maintenance and refreshed versus a complete replacement. However, we are here to help with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
Whether or not it’s an artificial lawn that can endure long past its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s essential to check some of the following points to search for damage and signs of age. Having an artificial turf professional assess the following is best.
BAD DRAINAGE
One of the earliest indications of inadequate drainage can be observed with standing water on the grass surface. Even though this doesn’t indicate that the artificial turf requires replacement but must be fixed or properly maintained throughout the life of the artificial turf, then it can be fixed during replacement. If you see puddling, this might indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will find that water will displace the turf infill making the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This can occur where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is nearing the end of its life, you might begin seeing degradation or other damage due to ultraviolet light. Be certain to frequently check your artificial surface for damage caused by pets or pests and sometimes even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, bad weather, or other incidents can impact a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills can be particularly tricky to manage on synthetic grass if not cleaned immediately, leading to permanent damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet using the lawn, it is preferred to do regular cleaning to keep it looking wonderful and stink free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re working with artificial turf that’s been overlooked, replacement might be the only option.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
Years of UV exposure is one of the main causes of turf damage. High-quality artificial turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are depleted several years after installation, you may notice a color change and sections where the grass becomes matted down due to UV and heavy traffic. If the surface is not occasionally expertly maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be harder to revitalize the turf year after year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over the years, infill could begin to compact, similarly to how soil does. If synthetic grass is not frequently maintained, it can cause the surface getting stiff and compacted. Walk on the turf to feel for patches that are abnormally hard. Having an synthetic grass professional test the surface hardness with a testing system such as GMAX is the only way to know how compact the surface actually is. These devices will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a established 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 often start to move away from the surface. It is important to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf blades standing upright and the synthetic grass working the way it was designed. Synthetic grass that loses a large amount of infill will lead to further surface matting. It is feasible you just need an infill refresh rather than a whole turf replacement, so make sure to consult a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are at least 20 years old and have kept the natural green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic turf products look and function just like new because they are designed to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature swings for year-round use.
All installations come with a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that protects against fading. Our synthetic grass is designed to be used and is perfect for busy areas or for long-term sporting fields. Contact Southwest Greens East Bay today if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are happy to provide you with a no cost consultation.