It can be hard to know when your Detroit and all of Michigan artificial grass only needs maintenance and restored as opposed to a complete replacement. However, we’re here to assist you with this easy and complete guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
If it’s an artificial grass that can endure long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it’s essential to consider some of the following points to search for wear. Having a synthetic turf assessed for the following by an expert is ideal.
POOR DRAINAGE
One of the primary signs of inadequate drainage could be seen with standing water on the turf surface. Although this doesn’t suggest that the artificial turf is needing replacement but needs to be fixed or properly maintained over the lifetime of the artificial turf, then it can be corrected during replacement. If you see pooling, this might indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More regularly you will discover that water will displace the turf infill which causes the turf to lay down as the water mats the fibers. This can happen where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your turf is approaching the end of its life, you might start seeing degradation or other damage caused by ultraviolet light. Be sure to frequently check your synthetic surface for damage due to pets or wildlife and even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from fire, inclement weather, or other accidents can affect a turf’s condition.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint and oil spills can be especially tricky to manage on artificial turf if not cleaned immediately, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet who uses the yard, it’s preferred to do regular cleaning to make sure it looks great and smell free. Look at our cleaning guide here. If you’re dealing with artificial turf that’s been neglected, replacement could be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the main causes of turf damage. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but over time, these stabilizers are depleted numerous years after installing your turf, you may see a color change and sections where the grass becomes matted down due to UV and regular traffic. If the surface is not regularly professionally maintained as part of regular maintenance, it will be tricky to restore the grass every year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill might start to compact, much like soil does. If artificial turf is not frequently maintained, it can result in the surface getting hard and compacted. Walk on the grass to feel for areas that are unusually stiff. Having an synthetic grass professional test the surface hardness with a testing device like the GMAX is the only way to find out how compact the surface is. These devices will drop a weight that contains an accelerometer from a established height to determine deceleration, AKA how quickly the weight stops once it impacts the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With excessive rain or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will usually began to wash off the surface. It’s important to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass leaves upright and the synthetic grass working the way it was designed. Synthetic turf that loses a substantial portion of infill will lead to additional surface matting. It’s very likely you just require an infill refill as opposed to a total turf replacement, so make sure to consult a pro.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are 20 years old or older and have maintained the rich green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic turf products look and work like new because they’re designed to endure heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for all-year use.
All installations come with a one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that protects against fading. Our artificial grass is designed to be used and is perfect for high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of Michigan now if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We are delighted to provide you with a free consultation.