It can be tough to be sure when your Fresno synthetic grass needs to be worked on and restored compared to a full replacement. But we’re here to support you with this quick and easy guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
Whether or not it is a synthetic grass which can endure long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is essential to look at some of the following things to check for wear and tear. Having a turf assessed for the following by an expert is best.
BAD DRAINAGE
One of the first indications of inadequate drainage could be seen with standing water on the turf surface. Although this does not suggest that the turf needs replacement but should be addressed or properly maintained during the lifetime of the turf, then it can be handled during replacement. If you observe pooling, this may show signs of a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will find that water will displace the turf infill making the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This can happen where downspouts are located as well as water run off areas.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is close to the end of its lifecycle, you might start observing deterioration or other damage due to ultraviolet light. Be certain to regularly check your synthetic surface for damage as a result of pets or pests and occasionally even lawn mowers. In addition, damage from fire, rough weather, or other incidents can affect a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills can be particularly tricky to manage on artificial turf if not washed right away, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet that uses the lawn, it is preferred to do frequent cleaning to make sure it looks wonderful and stink free. Check out our cleaning guide here. If you are working with artificial turf that has been neglected, replacing it could be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the main contributors to turf damage. High-quality turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but over time, these stabilizers are consumed numerous years after installing your turf, you may see discoloration and patches where the turf becomes matted down because of UV and regular traffic. If the surface isn’t regularly expertly maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be harder to restore the turf every year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill could begin to compact, much like soil does. If artificial grass is not frequently maintained, it can lead to the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk across the turf to feel for sections that are abnormally firm. Having an artificial turf professional test the surface hardness with a testing tool such as GMAX is the only way to know how compacted the surface may be. These systems will drop a weight that has an accelerometer from a fixed height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it impacts the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With excessive rain or foot traffic, infill materials will often began to migrate away from the surface. It is important to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass blades standing tall and the turf working the way it was designed. Artificial turf that loses a significant amount of infill will lead to more surface matting. It’s feasible you just need an infill refresh rather than a total turf replacement, so make sure to talk to a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' oldest installations are 20 years old or older and have maintained the deep green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and work like new because they are designed to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come complete with a one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty covering fading. Our artificial turf is manufactured to be used and is perfect for high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens of Fresno today if you’re ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re glad to provide you with a no cost consultation.