Many San Diegan’s have made the switch from natural grass to artificial turf. If you are considering turf, you might have many questions regarding the lifespan or if it will fade, and what type of maintenance is required. We hope to inform you and help you determine if artificial grass is right for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Natural grass require up to thousands of gallons of water every years, which is one of the main reasons why San Diego homeowners, businesses and schools replace their natural grass to artificial grass which is a low-water option solution.
However, this does not mean that artificial turf is a no-water option. For the most part it does not require water, but there will be cases in which you may want to water your artificial turf landscape.
One of the most common use for water on turf is to rinse off to remove debris and dust. Many spray down their turf once or twice a month to keep it clean. Moore often if you live in a dusty area.
If your pets use the turf for restroom purposes, you will need to hose down the area. After removing solid debris, you might want to spray the areas with the garden hose to remove liquids and odors.
On hot days, you can cool off the artificial grass by spraying it with a hose before children/pets play with bare feet/paws.
High quality turf have UV inhibitors that are added to the fibers, that impede it from fading. After a long period of time, some fading might occur. Some companies will offer a warranty on fading. For example, Tough Turtle Turf offers a Lifetime Warranty against fading.
The lifespan on your synthetic turf depend on many factors, this includes the quality of the turf product and installation. It also depends on the amount of traffic it receives during the years. Depending on those factors and the amount of maintenance it receives, you can expect your turf to last between 15 to 25 years.
Artificial turf is often used for parking areas and driveways, but consider this idea before installing turf for that purpose. It is best to discuss this options with your artificial grass installer to ensure the turf that has been chosen will withstand heavy traffic.
Your installer should recommend the best quality and type of fake grass for the application and discuss other alternatives. For example instead of turf in the parking area, perhaps a combination of pavers and turf would be better.
Cars parking on synthetic turf can cause great damage to the fibers and much more.
Most of the new line of artificial turf are fire resistant and it is less likely it will catch on fire; however, it will melt. Burning embers or hot surfaces will leave marks on your lawn, which will require repairs.
Because of this you should not set tabletop or portable barbecue grills directly on your lean. Also, burning embers and hot coals can escape from the grill and land on your turf causing small or large damage.
The best option is to use your grill on paving stone or concrete to create an area that will be away from anything flammable that can cause damage to your lawn.