Ideally, artificial turf needs to be replaced after 10 years from the date of installation. If you have really good and well-maintained grass, they could last even longer before re-installation.
However, necessary step needs to be taken on the first sign of damage. This is to avoid further wear and tear when these damages are left unaided. If you want to maintain the safety and functionality of your yard, pay attention to the physical condition of your synthetic grass.
The Average Lifespan of Artificial Grass
Unlike natural grass, artificial turf can last for up to 10 to 25 years. They can reach a level of deterioration and if that happens, you’ll have no other choice but to replace them. The trick to maximizing their functionality is proper maintenance.
What Affects the Lifespan of Artificial Grass
The longevity of artificial grass includes factors such as turf installation, type of turf materials, and maintenance. Weather conditions and the amount of foot traffic received also affect sturdiness and lifespan.
Read along to learn more about these factors and how they contribute to turf degradation.
Quality of Installation
Improper installation can lead to problems that can damage your turf. This includes poor drainage, uneven flooring, and weeds growing in between your turf. Prevention is always better than cure. A professional installer can guarantee quality service to avoid dealing with this kind of troubles in the future.
Quality of Materials
As a general rule, premium quality turf materials last longer than low-grade and cheaper ones. It’s because they are relatively more durable and thus have higher resistance to extreme heat, heavy foot traffic, and other external elements that can cause damage.
Exposure to Heavy Foot Traffic
High-traffic areas such as the patio, backyard or front-of-yard are where activities are frequently held. As a result, artificial turfs installed in these areas have greater chances of wear and tear. This does not only deteriorate them easily but also reduces curb appeal.
Exposure to Other Elements
Extreme heat from sunlight or cigarette butts can melt your turf. Contact to sharp objects can tear them uncontrollably. This happens if they’re left unaided at an instant. Additionally, heavy rainfall causes flood that could damage your turf if drainage isn’t installed correctly.
As a homeowner, it’s important to identify the elements that you have control over with. Check out some tips on how to address common turf problems before they get out of control.
Maintenance
While artificial turf doesn’t require mowing, weeding, or trimming, they do have proper maintenance.
One of the best ways to keep them in pristine condition is to regularly disinfect and brush off weeds and trash. You can also install a sprinkler system to keep them moist especially on hot days. This also means that you need to spend time and energy to do all these to ensure that they are well-maintained on a regular basis.
5 Signs That Your Grass Needs Replacement
There’s no need to wait 20 years before replacing your synthetic grass. If you’ve encountered anything that’s happening to your yard which is closely related to these signs, then maybe it’s time ditch the old with new ones.
Fading Colors
Attractive turfs are those that look naturally green in color. Lush green tones and fresh-looking blades captivate and add beauty to your yard. They can turn a simple garden area into a haven even with minimal features.
Your artificial turf color helps enhance and keep your lawn look elegant. No matter how intricate or well-designed your patio is, faded grass on the surrounding can affect its overall look. They won’t look as impressive as having vibrant green grasses alongside.
Foul Odors
Having a foul odor is one of the dreadful effects of poor turf maintenance.
This usually happens if you fail to keep the area regularly clean through sanitation. If you have inadequate drainage system, you can likewise experience this problem. Pet wastes, accumulated water, or dirt can cause unpleasant odors to your grass.
Consider installing high-quality turfs as well as fixing the drainage before anything else. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace your grass as frequently as possible. Also, proper maintenance is a must to keep them smelling clean and fresh always.
Stains and Burns
Lit cigarette butts, spilled paint or oil can damage the appearance of your artificial turf. The good news is that some stains can be removed using the right solution. That’s if you clean them up real quick. However, burns can be hard to cover like those caused by reflective surfaces. Melted grass, for example, can be very obvious eyesore especially when large areas outdoors are damaged caused by extreme heat.
Molds
Molds are unwanted vegetation that rapidly reproduces through spores that can be hard to get rid of. Moldy grass makes your yard look dirty and unsafe. They can cause slippery blades which is a concern especially if you have kids or elders in your household.
Loose Inlays
Infill materials help keep the blades up and stay springy by providing a cushion for a comfortable feel on your feet. They also keep turf weight down and secured. However, when they begin to loosen, they won’t only have an aesthetic disadvantage. They can cause tripping accidents and can be dangerous in heavy foot traffic areas.
You can solve this problem by buying infill materials and spreading them to those areas with loose inlays. To make sure infills are evenly distributed, an equipment for that might be necessary. A licensed contractor can help you decide whether that solution works best for your yard or if there’s a need for their replacement.
Costs of Replacing Damaged Artificial Grass in Las Vegas
The cost of replacing damaged turf depends on the size of the damaged area, the type of materials for replacement, labor fees, permits, and other incidental charges.
Whether you replace them yourself or hire a professional, the Southern Nevada Water Authority offers a rebate program to replace your non-functional turf with desert landscaping. They will pay you $3 per square foot of grass replaced for up to 10,000 square feet. An additional $1.50 per square foot will be offered for an area more than that.
Conclusion
Artificial turf needs to be replaced whether in its entirety or just a portion of the damaged area. This is to keep them looking good at all times. There’s a lot of factors that can affect the lifespan of synthetic grass.
For a start, it’s important to choose premium quality materials to ensure durability. There’s also no harm in employing professional services as turf installation is an investment that could add value to your property. Additionally, you can be assured of quality service while staying stress-free as doing them yourself can be somewhat taxing.
It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to take care of artificial turf by regularly cleaning and disinfecting the area, especially if you have pets. It also helps to watch whether waters don’t form and are properly draining to prevent molds from thriving.
Lastly, replace damaged areas immediately if you want your artificial grass to always look in its best condition all year round.