No matter where you live, artificial grass might be the best solution for your lawn needs. One of the main reasons why homeowners are opting for this type of grass is because it doesn't require as much maintenance as real grass does and can last for much longer.
In addition, you don't need to worry about watering your lawn or caring for the grass. An artificial lawn will retain its bright and natural green color on its own. Before deciding on artificial turf, check out the top care and maintenance tips for fake grass!
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." – Walt Whitman
Get Rid of Stains
You may not realize that fake grass care requires removing stains. Anything from your pet marking its territory to kids or adults spilling their drinks may leave behind stains. The sooner that you treat them, the less chance they have of leaving behind a permanent mark.
Kitty litter is a great tool to have on hand for stains. Simply sprinkle enough clay kitty litter over the stain so that it absorbs the liquid. You can then use a small amount of laundry detergent or your favorite cleaner. After you apply the cleaner to the stain, rinse it with clean water.
When Detergent Doesn't Work
You may come across some stains that detergent enough won't treat. Though you should still put down some kitty litter, you'll then want to use mineral spirits. Mineral spirits work on a variety of stains such as motor oil from a leaky car or crayon marks from kids who like to draw outside.
You can even use the spirits to clean traces of suntan oil or lotion. Once you apply it, use a dry paper towel to remove the excess before rinsing your grass.
Chewing Gum and More
Artificial grass installation experts often get calls from homeowners who want to know what they can do about chewing gum stuck on fake grass. You can try some of the same methods that you would to remove chewing gum from hair, such as:
- Peanut butter. The oils in the peanut butter do a good job of breaking down the stickiness of the gum.
- Dry ice works well, too. With dry ice, you want to wear protective gear and add just enough ice that it freezes the gum before chipping it off the grass.
Keep an Eye on Your Pets
You might worry about going with artificial grass because you have pets. As long as you keep an eye on them, you can prevent them from doing damage to your lawn.
If your pets go to the bathroom outside, let their feces dry completely before picking it up. This reduces the risk that the feces might fall apart or spread across the grass.
For urine, simply reach for your garden hose. Use cold water to rinse the urine away from the turf and push it away from your yard.
Get the Right Equipment
While there are many tools that you can use for artificial grass care maintenance, make sure that you have a rake and a hose.
- Look for rakes that use plastic bristles rather than metal ones that can damage the grass. They are perfect for brushing the lawn and making it look its best. A rake can also help you pick up feces and any solid materials or trash that you find.
- Hoses help you remove stains and any liquids. You can use any hose that you attach to the closest spigot. Leaf blowers are also helpful because they let you push leaves and other debris off your lawn.
Follow the Pattern
Cleaning your artificial lawn doesn't need to take a lot of time or effort. You just need to follow a simple pattern at least once a month. Some find it helpful to use this pattern every few weeks or even once a week.
Start with a rake and other tools that you use to remove any solid debris from your lawn, including leaves and trash. You can then rinse the grass with ordinary water and let the sunlight dry it for a few hours. Use your rake to brush the grass, focusing your attention on areas that receive a lot of traffic.
Make it Last Longer
With the right artificial turf care tips, your new lawn can last for up to 25 years, however, most types of artificial grass last usually for 10 to 15 years. If you take the time to care for it, you can make it last much longer. This includes both taking care of any stains that you see and rinsing every time that your pets spend some time outside.
It's helpful to set a maintenance schedule that tells you when to handle each step in the process. With all of these artificial grass maintenance tips, you can ensure that your artificial turf looks its best.
Request a free quote for artificial grass installation and learn more about its benefits by contacting a pro!
MORE FROM HOMEYOU
7 Beautiful Ways to Landscape Around Your Pool
6 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Landscaping Contractor
6 Landscaping Investments That Are Really Worth It