One of the biggest benefits of artificial turf is that it requires way less care and maintenance compared to natural grass. That doesn’t mean you can neglect your artificial turf and expect it to stay nice, though.

In this article we’re going to outline the recommended guidelines for maintaining your artificial turf year round, offering simple and easy steps to follow for best results.

Quick-Access Guide: Modern Grounds Artificial Turf Maintenance Guide

Maintaining your artificial turf is a simple process that you can easily incorporate into your normal routine. Next, we’ll take a look at the no-fuss routine maintenance that synthetic turf needs to stay fresh and green long term. 

With proper care, high-quality, professionally-installed artificial turf can last anywhere from 15-20 years. 

Learn More: How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?

The most important thing you need to do to keep your artificial turf looking great is to keep the surface free from leaves, debris, spills, and weeds.

We recommend the following tools to maintain your synthetic grass:

• Leaf Blower: Ideal for general upkeep, a leaf blower helps you to easily remove organic materials and debris from the artificial turf’s surface.
• Shop-Vac: Best for dry spills, you can hold the suction end of the hose just above the surface to avoid removing infill along with the debris.

If weeds are present on your artificial turf, you’ll want to remove the weed as soon as it appears, ensuring the entire root is removed to prevent regrowth.  

We recommend spraying the area with pre- or post-emergent herbicides, which are readily available online or at most major retail stores. We like this turf-safe, post-emergent herbicide: OxyTurf X. 

Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to the soil before weeds germinate, creating a protective barrier that kills them when they sprout. Whereas, post-emergent herbicides are applied to actively growing, visible weeds to kill them.

If you’ve experienced heavy rains, always make sure to check on your synthetic turf.

If the infill is disturbed after significant rainfall, take the following steps:

• Let the synthetic turf dry completely.
• Remove any lingering surface debris.
• Fluff the area with an artificial turf rake to redistribute the surface infill.

If you have pet turf, it is important to stay on top of artificial turf maintenance. 

The most important thing you can do is to clean away pet waste by routinely rinsing the areas that your pet uses with water — we recommend an oscillating sprinkler for best results. 

Follow these guidelines to keep your pet-friendly turf odor-free:

• Remove Pet Waste Promptly: Scoop solid pet waste promptly to prevent it from hardening onto the surface and into the nooks and crannies of the synthetic turf.
• Rinse Turf Regularly: Rinse your artificial turf with a hose several times per week to wash away urine and other debris, especially in hot weather. 
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Rely on professional turf installation to ensure adequate excavation, slop, infill, and drainage to prevent pooling and odors.
• Use Turf-Friendly Cleaners & Deodorizers: Professional turf installers trust OxyTurf, a powerful, environmentally-safe turf cleaner that eliminates odors with enhanced hydrogen peroxide. It’s a one-step process that requires no pre-cleaning or rinsing, wipes out odor-causing germs, cleans without leaving residues behind, and is bleach-free and safe for daily use.

Learn how to care for synthetic pet turf: How to Prevent Pet Smells on Artificial Turf

Whenever you use your yard, messes and spills are bound to happen. The important thing is to avoid letting messes linger, and prioritize dealing with them right away.

• Sticky Spills: Should be rinsed with water thoroughly, and for stubborn spills, commercial disinfectants may be used. If using a cleaning solution, make sure to rinse the turf afterward to thoroughly flush the cleaner through the turf.
• Food Waste: Should not be ignored, particularly to avoid attracting pests to your synthetic grass.
• Major Stains: Stains from paint can be removed with water-soluble products, but you should NEVER use acetone or petroleum-based products on synthetic grass. We highly recommend using Mineral Spirits, as they’re safe to use on synthetic turf.
• Gum & Candy: If gum or candy is stuck on your artificial turf, you can use ice to remove it from the turf or backing.

You should apply the same maintenance routines above for your home putting green, but we also have a few additional care recommendations. 

For homeowners who want faster ball speed, we recommend using a putting green roller weekly (or monthly) depending on your desired results. 

To prevent tripping hazards when the putting green is not in use, we suggest removing the flag post and using cup covers to keep you and your family safe.

Shop: Replacement Flags & Cup Covers

Spraying water on the turf will make it more comfortable on bare feet and pets on very hot days.

In fact, spraying down synthetic grass with water during peak heat can drop the surface temperature by 30-50°F degrees almost instantly. While it won’t stay cool all day, it’s an easy hack for comfort when you, your kids, and pets need it most.

Learn More: Does Artificial Turf Get Hot in Summer? (And How to Reduce Heat)

Every yard is subject to the effects of the sun’s rays, and artificial turf is no exception. 

High-efficiency windows and white vinyl fences may concentrate and magnify the sun’s rays into hot spots, which can put your synthetic turf at risk. This phenomenon doesn’t only affect your artificial turf, it can also warp or melt patio furniture, car moldings, trims, and other synthetic PET-based materials. 

We highly recommend smart landscaping choices by utilizing ground cover in key areas that will not be affected by the extreme heat including stepping stones or decorative rocks. It’s also possible to help deflect the sun by installing shades, awnings, or Turf Shield window treatments that diffuse and redistribute the intense rays of the sun across a wider area. 

Whatever your preferred method, it’s important to keep your turf protected.

Professional-grade turf is engineered with advanced backings, UV protection, proper infill compatibility, and realistic blade structure. It resists fading, matting, and deterioration from harsh sun and heavy rains.

Benefits that artificial turf offers compared to natural grass:

• Low Maintenance: Turf requires almost no upkeep, and will look brand new for years to come. There’s no seasonal downtime, and you can leave your days of mowing, watering, and weeding behind.
• Improved Safety: High-quality synthetic turf requires no chemicals or pesticides, and is 100% non-toxic and safe for pets and loved ones.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Save money with artificial turf! The average annual cost for landscaping maintenance in Florida can range anywhere from $1000-$2400 per year depending on lawn size and service type.
• Excellent Aesthetics: Premium synthetic turf is specifically designed with multiple colors and realistic blade designs that provide you with a gorgeous and consistent yard year-round.
• Drought & Flood Resistance: Weather is unpredictable, but high-quality synthetic turf is designed to withstand whatever nature throws your way. Enjoy a perfect yard regardless of droughts or major flooding events.
• Environmental Benefits: Artificial lawns do not require hydration, meaning you can conserve thousands of gallons of water per year. 

Discover all of the advantages of synthetic turf: Why High-Quality Artificial Turf is Worth the Investment

Caring for your artificial turf is simple and easy, and requires far less time, money, and effort than taking care of natural grass. By following our guidelines for synthetic grass care and routine maintenance, you can enjoy your dream yard for years to come. 

Modern Grounds is the premier artificial turf installer serving Tampa Bay and the entire state of Florida. Experts on staff are ready to help you enjoy a consistent and lustrous yard that is environmentally-friendly and drought- and flood-resistant. Contact Modern Grounds today for a free quote.