It might be hard to know when your Vancouver artificial grass needs to be worked on and freshened up versus a total replacement. However, we are here to assist you with this quick and handy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
If it is an artificial grass that can survive long past its warranty or a sports turf field, it is important to look at some of the following items to search for wear and tear. Having a turf assessed for the following by an expert is best.
POOR DRAINAGE
One of the earliest signs of poor drainage can be seen with standing water on the grass surface. Even though this does not indicate that the artificial turf needs replacement but must be fixed or properly maintained throughout the life of the synthetic turf, then it can be corrected when it's replaced. If you see pooling, this could show signs of a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will learn that water will move around the turf infill causing the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This could occur where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your artificial turf is approaching the end of its lifecycle, you might start observing deterioration or other damage caused by UV. Be certain to periodically check your artificial surface for damage as a result of pets or wild animals and sometimes even lawn mowers. In addition, damage from fires, rough weather, or other incidents can influence a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills could be particularly difficult to handle on artificial turf if not washed immediately, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint isn’t removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet that uses the yard, it is advised to do frequent cleaning to make sure it looks great and stink free. Take a look at our cleaning guide here. If you are dealing with artificial turf that has been overlooked, replacement could be necessary.
FADED & MATTED SURFACE
UV exposure over the years is one of the biggest contributors to turf damage. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are depleted several years after installation, you might observe a color change and patches where the turf becomes matted down because of UV and regular traffic. If the surface is not periodically expertly maintained as part of standard maintenance, it will be tricky to restore the turf over time.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill could begin to compact, similarly to how soil does. If artificial grass is not frequently maintained, it can result in the surface becoming hard and compacted. Walk on the grass to feel for sections that are oddly stiff. Having an artificial turf expert test the surface hardness with a testing tool similar to GMAX is the only way to figure out how compact the surface may be. These devices will drop a weight that has an accelerometer from a known height to figure out deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it impacts the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rain or foot traffic, infill materials will often began to move away from the surface. It’s important to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf leaves upright and the artificial grass working the way it should. Synthetic turf that loses a significant amount of infill will lead to even more surface matting. It’s feasible you just have to have an infill refresh as opposed to a whole turf replacement, so be sure to discuss a pro.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are at least 20 years old and have maintained the deep green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant synthetic turf products look and function just like new because they are designed to stand up to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year-round use.
All installations come with a complete one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our synthetic grass is manufactured to be used and is perfect for busy areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens Vancouver (Second Generation Landscapes) today if you are ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re glad to provide you with a no cost consultation.