One of the questions we are frequently asked by customers who are considering installing a new artificial grass lawn is how long will it last? While it is difficult to give an exact answer in years and months if regularly cleaned and maintained, artificial grass will typically provide you with a lawn that will continue to look good for around 20 years. The fact that it is uv stabilised allows artificial grass to keep its colour and look green and lush all year round.
There are a number of factors that influence how long your artificial grass will last with usage being the most important. For example artificial grass installed in the back garden and used sparingly is likely to last longer than if it was in the home of a family with children and pets, or it was in a high traffic area such as a sports field.
Within this blog post we are going to take a more in depth look at the factors that influence how long artificial grass lasts, as well as how best to maintain it to ensure you will get maximum lifespan out of your new lawn or sports field. We will also try to answer some of the questions we are frequently asked to try and make sure you get the artificial grass that is best suited for your particular needs
What Affects How Long Artificial Grass Will Last?
As we mentioned earlier there are several factors that contribute to the lifespan of artificial which starts with your choice of product. It goes without saying that if you choose better quality artificial grass it is likely to last longer than if you choose an inferior product.
There are four major factors that help determine how long your artificial grass will last, so let’s take a closer look at them, explain why they are important, and highlight what you should be looking for to ensure you get the best type of grass for you.
Blade Material
In the same way as natural turf, artificial grass consists of lots of individual blades. Every single blade is manufactured from plastic and then sewn onto a backing material. How strong these individual blades are will clearly play a significant part in how hard wearing your artificial grass is. This is why the type of plastic used in the production of the artificial grass is particularly important.
Typically artificial grass is constructed from nylon or polypropylene, both of which are extremely strong synthetic plastics. However, the materials, density, and shape of the blades can vary in terms of durability, which will have an affect on the overall lifespan of your artificial grass.
Backing Bond
As we alluded to earlier the individual blades are sewn tufted onto the backing product which binds the artificial turf together. There are two layers to the backing, the top layer being the membrane to which the artificial grass is physically attached, while the second layer, typically manufactured from polyurethane or latex, acts as a bonding material that holds everything together.
In cases where the bonding between the two layers suffers any kind of damage there is a good chance it will have an adverse effect on the lifespan of your artificial grass. When choosing your artificial grass we would advise that you make sure to check out the strength of the bond on the backing. Better quality synthetic turf will always have the strongest backing bond which is why it will be more hard wearing and last longer.
Usage
Just like any type of flooring material the amount of footfall it experiences will play a key role in how long it lasts. For example if your artificial grass is situated in an area of the garden where it is hardly ever walked on then it is likely to last for many years. On the other hand if it is in the garden of a home with several children and or pets that play on it all the time it’s lifespan could be reduced.
If your garden attracts a high amount of traffic or your children play football or other games on it, then investing in a better quality artificial grass would be a wise move. thick pile density is probably your best choice as it is more durable.
Installation
No matter what type of artificial grass you choose, if it is not installed correctly it will not give you the longevity you are looking for. If your artificial grass is not installed properly it may not drain properly, experience weed growth or suffer from plant based damage. These types of issues will undoubtedly reduce the longevity of your artificial grass.
While it is possible to install your own artificial grass especially if you are experienced when it comes to carrying out DIY projects, we would always advise using a professional artificial grass installer. An artificial grass lawn is an investment and to make sure you get maximum usage out of it ensuring it is correctly installed is imperative. While there is an initial outlay when using a professional installer it can be a lot cheaper than having to replace your lawn sooner than is needed.
What Is The Best Way To Maintain Artificial Grass?
Even though one of the main selling points of artificial grass is that it is relatively low maintenance there are still certain things you need to do to ensure it remains in good condition. By regularly carrying out a few simple tasks you can help guarantee your lawn will continue looking good for years to come.
Always try to keep your artificial grass free from debris such as falling leaves, you can do this by using a leaf blower or a stiff brush. If your lawn is bordered by trees or bushes it is important to keep them well maintained by cutting them back and trimming them on a regular basis. This will help limit the number of leaves and other types of debris such as twigs and dirt that ends up on your lawn.
If you are looking for long term cleanliness Envirofill provides a durable compaction and it maintains it’s effectiveness over a long period of time, this makes sure your artificial turf stays clean and healthy for years to come.
Regular brushing with a stiff brush will help keep your artificial turf in excellent condition as this will prevent matting and ensure the fibres remain in an upright position. If you find dirt on your lawn then hosing it down using a light detergent then brushing it will get rid of any dirt.
Avoid using harmful chemicals for pest control on your lawn as these can damage the surface. Also never place BBQ’s or anything else that emits heat on your artificial grass as it will cause discolouration and leave unseemly marks.
As we mentioned above here are the answers to a few questions customers often ask us when considering an artificial grass lawn:
How Long Does It Take Artificial Grass To Settle?
Generally it’s safe to walk on artificial grass as soon as it has been installed, however you should take care around any wet joins for the first 10 hours.
Can Artificial Grass Be Installed On Any Surface?
Artificial grass can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including soil, concrete, decking, and even rooftops. However, proper preparation is crucial for the installation, such as levelling the ground and adding a base layer to ensure good drainage and a smooth finish.
Is Artificial Grass Safe For Pets?
Yes, artificial grass is pet-friendly. It is an ideal solution if you are looking to create a low maintenance play area for your furry friends. Because there is no need to use harmful chemicals to maintain it, artificial grass is perfectly safe for your pets.
Hopefully the information we have provided in this blog post will help you when it comes to choosing, maintaining and getting the best use out of your artificial grass lawn. If you are still unsure about the most suitable type of artificial grass for your particular needs get in touch with our friendly team who will be only too happy to help.
