When is it Time to Replace Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is becoming more and more popular for homeowners looking to improve their lawn. It’s manufactured for longevity, with many colors and innovative design. Still, just like anything else, artificial grass will begin to lose its structural integrity after many years of use. Learn when it's time to replace your artificial lawn. 

It can be tricky to know when your lawn just needs brushing and a refresh, and when it's time to replace the grass. Keep reading below to know when we'd recommend moving forward with a new artificial lawn. 

Surface Damage

Artificial grass is a resilient lawn material, but it can still get damaged. Artificial lawns will last for many years under normal circumstances, but accidents can affect its integrity. From fires to inclement weather, damage to artificial grass can happen. Bursted seams or uplifting turf can quickly become a safety hazard. One bad event might not be too much of a worry, but if you have many patches, you’ll more than likely need to replace the artificial grass entirely. If you try to fix one small area without replacing the whole thing, it can be very tricky to match color and seams because the existing turf will have already began to fade in color from sun exposure. Check out an example of what patching artificial turf pieces together can turn out like below. 

Stains and Odors

Artificial grass is a great alternative for those who have dogs because it is resilient to pet and human activity. In fact, it’s common knowledge that dogs love it. The only downside is that artificial grass doesn’t decompose organic waste matter, which can cause stains, bad odors, and mold. You must flush out and sanitize pet turf regularly to prevent this from occurring. Replacement is typically the only option in cases where pet turf has been neglected.

Paint and oil spills can damage the surface of your artificial lawn if not cleaned up immediately. Oil-based paints can leak into the blades and the backing causing the blades to literally dissolve if not properly cleaned. Stains from oils and paint may never be fully removable. 

Drainage Issues

Ensuring proper drainage is crucial for maintaining the functionality and longevity of your artificial grass. Without effective drainage, water pooling and flooding can occur, causing potential damage to your lawn. Over time, the drainage system of your artificial turf may become clogged with debris, leading to poor water flow and drainage issues. If you start noticing standing water or slow drainage on your artificial lawn, it may indicate underlying problems that require immediate attention. To ensure optimal performance and prevent further damage, it is essential to address these issues through repair or replacement.

Faded Color

Artificial grass comes in a variety of colors and textures that mimic the look and feel of natural grass. However, it is important to remember that the color will fade over slowly over time when the blades are constantly exposed to sunlight and weather. Luckily, artificial grass includes built-in UV ray blockers that protect against sunlight so this will take many years. But continued wear and tear will still affect the blades and diminish their quality.

Matting 

Artificial grass matting is typically unavoidable and will begin to happen after years of use, similar to scratches on the floor. Turf matting occurs when the fibers of your grass become entangled and are no longer in the upright position. Two factors that usually cause matting are excessive weight and heavy foot traffic. Over a significant amount of time, these factors can create a dead-looking space that takes away from the overall aesthetic. If the surface isn't occasionally brushed, it becomes a lot harder to revive the turf later. 

Outdated or Worn-Out Material

As technology continues to advance, newer generations of artificial turf are constantly improving in terms of durability, aesthetics, and performance, surpassing their older counterparts. If your artificial grass is outdated or made from inferior materials, it may not meet the current standards or provide the desired benefits. However, by replacing your old or worn-out turf with newer, high-quality options, you can significantly enhance the overall appearance and longevity of your outdoor space. Embrace the advancements and elevate your lawn to new heights with the latest and greatest artificial grass options available.

Benefits of Artificial Turf Replacement

1. Enhanced Aesthetics: New artificial grass can instantly refresh the appearance of your outdoor area, providing a lush, green landscape that complements your home's architecture and design.

2. Improved Durability: Modern artificial turf is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and other environmental factors, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability.

3. Increased Functionality: Replacement allows you to address underlying issues such as drainage problems, infestations, or damage, ensuring that your artificial turf remains functional and resilient over time.

4. Reduced Maintenance: Newer artificial grass requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass, saving you time, effort, and resources on mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

5. Environmental Sustainability: High-quality artificial turf is eco-friendly and sustainable, conserving water and reducing the need for harmful pesticides and fertilizers used in traditional lawn care practices.

If your turf is looking unhealthy, and its past the point of reparation, contact us today to get your replacement installation started! Need some help determining if your turf damage can be repaired? Request an estimate for repair below and provide a photo, our experts can't wait to assist you!