It may be hard to be sure when your Greenwich synthetic grass only needs to be worked on and restored versus a total replacement. But we’re here to help with this quick and easy guide.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
If it is a synthetic grass which can survive long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s important to consider some of the following points to search for wear and tear. Having a turf assessed by an expert is best.
BAD DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of bad drainage could be seen with standing water on the grass surface. Although this doesn’t show that the artificial turf needs replacement but must be corrected or properly maintained over the lifetime of the synthetic turf, then it can be corrected when it's replaced. If you see puddling, this may indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will learn that water will dislodge the turf infill which causes the turf to collapse as the water mats the fibers. This can happen where downspouts are situated as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is nearing the end of its lifecycle, you might start observing deterioration or other damage due to ultraviolet light. Be sure to occasionally check your artificial surface for damage as a result of pets or pests and sometimes even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fires, bad weather, or other mishaps can impact a turf’s condition.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills can be particularly complicated to deal with on artificial grass if not cleaned promptly, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint isn’t removable from synthetic surfaces. If you have a pet who uses the yard, it is best to do frequent cleaning to ensure it looks beautiful and stink free. Check out our cleaning guide here. If you are working with artificial turf that’s been ignored, replacing it may be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure for many years is one of the primary contributors to turf wear. High-quality turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are consumed several years after installing your turf, you might notice a color change and sections where the turf becomes matted due to UV and regular traffic. If the surface isn’t occasionally professionally maintained as part of standard maintenance, it will be tricky to restore the turf year after year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over the years, infill might start to compact, exactly like soil does. If synthetic turf is not frequently maintained, it can result in the surface becoming hard and compacted. Walk across the grass to feel for areas that are oddly firm. Having an artificial grass expert test the surface hardness with a testing tool like the GMAX is the only way to find out how compact the surface might be. These systems will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a established height to determine deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it hits the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or foot traffic, infill materials will usually began to move away from the surface. It’s crucial to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf blades standing tall and the turf working the way it was designed. Artificial grass that loses a substantial quantity of infill will lead to more surface matting. It’s feasible you just have to have an infill refill as opposed to a complete turf replacement, so be sure to talk to a pro.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are at least 20 years old and have maintained the deep green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic grass products look and work just like new because they’re built to stand up to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come with a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty covering fading. Our artificial grass is manufactured to be used and is great for heavy use areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of Connecticut now if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re happy to provide you with a free consultation.