It can be tough to know when your Naperville artificial grass just needs to be worked on and freshened up compared to a total replacement. However, we’re here to help with this quick and easy guide.
ON-SITE EVALUATION
Whether or not it is a synthetic grass that can last long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is critical to look at some of the following things to check for wear and tear. Having an artificial turf professional assess the following is ideal.
INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
One of the primary signs of bad drainage could be observed with standing water on the grass surface. Although this doesn’t indicate that the turf is needing replacement but must be addressed or correctly maintained throughout the lifetime of the synthetic turf, then it can be corrected when it's replaced. If you notice puddling, 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 collapse as the water mats the fibers. This can be seen where downspouts are placed as well as water run off areas.
SURFACE DAMAGE
If your synthetic turf is approaching the end of its life, you might start seeing degradation or other damage as a result of ultraviolet light. Make sure to periodically check your artificial surface for damage caused by pets or pests and even lawn mowers. Additionally, damage from backyard fires, bad weather, or other accidents can affect a turf’s lifespan.
STAINS & ODORS
Paint or oil spills could be especially complicated to deal with on synthetic grass if not dealt with right away, leading to lasting damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from synthetic surfaces. If you have a pet that uses the yard, 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’re dealing with turf that has been neglected, replacing it 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 as these stabilizers are depleted many years after installing your turf, you may see discoloration and sections where the grass becomes matted down due to UV and heavy traffic. If the surface isn’t periodically professionally maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be more difficult to revive the grass every year.
INFILL COMPACTIONS
Over time, infill could start to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial grass is not occasionally maintained, it can cause the surface becoming stiff and compacted. Walk through the grass to feel for patches that are oddly stiff. Having an synthetic turf expert test the surface hardness with a testing device similar to GMAX is the only way to find out how compacted the surface could be. These devices will drop a weight that includes an accelerometer from a fixed height to ascertain deceleration, AKA how fast the weight stops once it hits the surface.
INFILL MEASUREMENTS
With heavy rainfall or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will naturally began to migrate off the surface. It is important to keep your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass blades upright and the artificial grass working the way it should. Artificial grass that loses a substantial quantity of infill will lead to additional surface matting. It’s likely you just need an infill refresh instead of a whole turf replacement, so ensure you talk to a professional.
GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY
Southwest Greens' earliest installations are more than 20 years old and have kept the deep green texture and color of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and function just like new because they’re built to withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature ups and downs for all-year use.
All installations come with a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that covers fading. Our artificial grass is manufactured to be used and is highly recommended in busy areas or for long-term sporting uses. Contact Southwest Greens of Illinois now if you’re prepared to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re happy to give you a free consultation.