Aftercare and Maintenance for Artificial Grass
It is a common belief, encouraged by some, that artificial grass is maintenance free. It may not require mowing, but it will certainly need some routine general maintenance to keep it looking fresh and in good order. The greater the use, the more maintenance should be carried out, particularly if large dogs have access to the lawn.
Grass should be kept clean, using a stiff brush or power brush on larger areas. This should be carried out by sweeping in one direction, removing leaves and other detritus off the surface.
Vacuuming of the pile may be advantageous, especially where pine needles and other thin leaves are present. Vacuuming is not recommended if the lawn has been treated with kiln dried sand. Any suction should be low pressure, sufficient only to remove the needles.
General hosing down and washing with water, accompanied by a light brushing with a stiff broom will keep the pile fresh and clean. Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging or flooding, as this will encourage moss and fungal growth.
If pressure-washing, take care to avoid harsh or concentrated jets, especially if sanded.
Avoid leaving objects on the grass pile in one place for any length of time, otherwise the stalks may become permanently bent or misshapen. Items such as garden furniture or play equipment should be regularly moved to avoid damage to the pile.
Avoid spilling boiling water, oil, acid or bleach on the artificial grass.
Avoid barbecues, fire-pits, naked flames, cigarette ends or other potential sources of excess heat to any area of artificial grass.
Summary
It is important to remember that installing artificial grass successfully requires training and skill to enable a professional finish. In all but the simplest of schemes, it requires teamwork and specialist tools and equipment, including elements of risk of health and safety due to the weight factors and complex nature of the works involved.
This pamphlet is intended as a Standards Guide. Some installers may use more sophisticated methods of installing – using a compressor and staple gun using stainless steel staples for example. Some may have a company policy of fixing the matting every 15cm, depending on the likely use of an installation. As mentioned previously, every project is bespoke, and this guide is intended as a basic standard for essential specification purposes only.
With careful forethought and planning, installing an artificial grass lawn can be a labour saving, cost effective and attractive part of any garden.
Alan Sargent FCIHort MPGCA
Alan Sargent Consultancy Limited – 2022
Useful Addresses
Association of Professional Landscapers
Horticulture House, Manor Court Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0RN, 0333 0033550
Landscape Academy
Unit 7, Barrowmore Industrial Estate Barnhouse Lane
Great Barrow
Chester
CH3 7JA
01829 740194
TASK Academy Limited
Lower End Farm, Lower End Birlingham, Pershore, WR10 3AD, 01386 462790
TruLawn Limited
Yalders Farm Bramshill Road, Eversley, RG27 0PT, 0800 2100461
Premium Artificial Grass Ltd
Todds Green
Unit 13A Shangri-La Farm Stevenage
SG1 2JE
01438 215787
EasiGrass Limited
Unit E4 Middlesex Business Centre Bridge Road
Southall
UB2 4AB
0800 8085651
Quantity Surveyor/Estimator
LandPro Limited
14, Upper Bourne Road Farnham
GU10 4RQ 01252 795030
The Landscape Library Limited
3, Willow Walk, Petworth, Sussex, GU28 0EY, 07342 041335
