It can be tough to be sure when your Houston synthetic grass only needs upkeep and refreshed as opposed to a complete replacement. However, we’re here to help with this easy and complete guide.

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT

If it is a synthetic grass that can last long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is crucial to check some of the following points to check for damage and signs of age. Having a synthetic turf professional assess the following is best.

POOR DRAINAGE

One of the earliest signs of bad drainage could be observed with standing water on the turf. Even though this doesn’t show that the artificial turf is needing replacement but needs to be looked into or correctly maintained throughout the lifetime of the artificial turf, then it can be addressed during replacement. If you see puddling, this may indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More often you will discover that water will dislodge the turf infill making the turf to flatten as the water mats the fibers. This can be seen where downspouts are placed as well as areas of water runoff.

SURFACE DAMAGE

If your turf is close to the end of its lifecycle, you might begin observing deterioration or other damage caused by ultraviolet light. Be certain to regularly check your artificial surface for damage due to pets or wildlife and sometimes even lawn mowers. Moreover, damage from fires, bad weather, or other mishaps can influence a turf’s integrity.

STAINS & ODORS

Paint or oil spills could be particularly complicated to manage on artificial turf if not cleaned right away, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint isn’t removable from synthetic surfaces. If you own a pet using the lawn, it is advised to do frequent cleaning to ensure it looks great and odor free. Take a look at our cleaning guide here. If you are dealing with artificial turf that’s been neglected, replacement could be the only option.

FADED & MATTED SURFACE

Years of UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of turf wear. High-quality turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but once these stabilizers are consumed numerous years after installation, you might see discoloration and areas where the grass becomes matted down because of UV and heavy traffic. If the surface isn’t periodically expertly maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be more difficult to restore the grass every year.

INFILL COMPACTIONS

After a while, infill might start to compact, similarly to how soil does. If synthetic turf is not occasionally maintained, it can lead to the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk across the grass to feel for patches that are abnormally firm. Having an synthetic turf pro test the surface hardness with a testing system similar to GMAX is the only way to figure out how compact the surface is. These systems will drop a weight that includes an accelerometer from a known height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how rapidly the weight stops once it hits the surface.

INFILL MEASUREMENTS

With heavy rainfall or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will often began to wash away from the surface. It is crucial to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the turf blades upright and the turf working the way it should. Artificial turf that loses a significant quantity of infill will lead to more surface matting. It’s likely you just need an infill refresh instead of a whole turf replacement, so ensure you talk to a pro.

GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY

Southwest Greens' first installations are 20 years old or older and have maintained the natural green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and function like new because they’re engineered to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year-round use.

All installations come with a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our artificial turf is designed to be used and is perfect for high-traffic areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of Houston today if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re glad to provide you with a no cost consultation.