Artificial grass is way more common today than ever before. Be it sports fields, home lawns, or even indoor decoration, you can find artificial turf everywhere.
I'm very fond of using artificial grass for decorating indoor spaces. Not only does it add a touch of novelty to the living space, but also provides a feeling of freshness and vibrancy with none of the hassles of real grass.
However, I've seen many of my friends and acquaintances balk at the prospect of using artificial grass. “After all,” they reason, “how long will artificial grass last in the long run? Surely not as long as real grass.”
Thankfully, the truth is closer to the opposite. When taken care of properly, good quality artificial grass can last a very long time. You just need to know how to maintain it for long-term use. And always buy the best artificial grass material like the ones mentioned in the guide.
Howdy, folks! I'm Stacy Smith. And today, I'm here to discuss the details of how to make artificial grass last longer and better. It's not as tough as you think, so stick around for an exciting read.
Let's get going.
A Brief Guide To Artificial Grass
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
There was a time when artificial grass meant cheap plastic-made mats that lost color within a few years. Today, science has advanced far enough for artificial grass to give the real deal a run for its money.
Compared to the older versions, new artificial grass can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years if properly taken care of. With regular maintenance, good quality artificial grass can even last up to 25 years. Now, that's impressive!
Major Factors Which Determine The Life of Artificial Grass
The two primary factors that determine the life of artificial grass are the kind of wear-and-tear it's subjected to and the level of maintenance. Also important is the quality of grass, which determines the degree of regular use it can withstand.
The following are the significant factors that influence the life of artificial turf.
1. The Blade Material
Similar to real grass, artificial turf is also made up of thousands of individual blades. These blades are made using synthetics such as nylon or polypropylene and are generally very strong. The quality of the plastic used, together with the way it is attached to the backing material, is a strong determinant of grass longevity.
2. The Backing Material
The blades of artificial grass are attached to a backing material which holds the turf together. This backing consists of two separate layers: the top grass and lower bonding material (usually latex), which holds everything together.
Now, if the bond between the two layers gets damaged, the lifespan of artificial grass will decrease considerably. Good quality grass will have a robust backing, and hence, will last longer.
3. Use
Everything is spoilt to a degree by constant use, and this holds true for artificial grass as well. The greater the use, the lesser the longevity. For example, if the grass is in an area where there's a lot of people walking on it, it will undoubtedly degrade faster.
4. Proper Installation
Finally, perhaps the most crucial factor which influences the longevity of artificial grass is the installation procedure. Unless experts install the grass, you really can't expect it to last long.
In the absence of proper installation, artificial grass can suffer from frayed edges, tears, and even odor build-up. All this can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Ways To Prolong The Lifespan Of Artificial Grass
Now that you know about the factors that influence how long artificial grass will last, let's discuss some ways to prolong it. These are tried and tested techniques that I've used, so you can rest assured that they’ll work.
1. Periodic Cleaning
While artificial grass doesn't need anywhere near the amount of upkeep that real grass turfs do, there's no denying that they need to be maintained. This includes cleaning at least once a month to ensure that dust doesn't settle between the blades. You can even wash the turf once in a while to ensure that it's free from dirt and bacteria.
2. Regular Brushing
Brushing the grass regularly will help to keep the blades in good condition. Usually, it would be best to use a stiff broom for this purpose, though a regular dusting brush will also do. Just make sure that you don't use anything with metal bristles, as that might damage the grass.
3. Removing Stains Immediately
This is very important, so I recommend you to pay attention. When you're using artificial grass to decorate your home, some amount of staining is bound to happen. This can result from food and drinks spilling on the turf, kids dumping paint or even pet poop.
In this case, I suggest you don't let the stains settle. Take a cleaning agent (any household detergent will do) and wash the stains off immediately. Otherwise, the grass may get crusted over, leaving permanent marks.
4. Using A Sand Infill
Finally, it would help if you used sand to fill in the space between the grass blades. This will not only improve the appearance of the grass turf but will also protect the fibers and ensure that they remain upright. Sand infills also increase resistance to fire, so that's an added advantage.
Final Words
One of the universal truths of this world is that nothing lasts forever. But with a bit of effort and ingenuity, you can make your artificial grass last longer than usual. Just follow the tips I’ve shared, and you'll be good to go.
And yes, I must mention one final thing: at the end of the day, artificial grass is plastic, so it can catch fire easily. Though some manufacturers claim to sell fire-resistant products, it's better not to put the grass anywhere near a naked flame. It might just catch fire and melt.
Remember one thing: though it's not indestructible, artificial grass can last decades. Just take good care of it, and you'll see the results.
That's all for today. Till next time!