Top Artificial Lawn Tools to Keep Your Lawn Looking Great

Artificial turf is a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. That doesn’t mean it’s zero maintenance, especially if you want to extend the lifespan of your turf. Keeping your synthetic lawn looking its best for years is easy with a few artificial turf maintenance tools. You may even find that you already have quite a few standard yard tools in your backyard shed.

Top Tools for Maintaining Artificial Turf

These tools will keep your turf looking just like new and may even address common problems with artificial grass before they start.

Lawn Rake 

You don’t want leaves and other debris exposed to the elements on an artificial lawn for long. That means decomposition and rot can build up odors and stain your turf, especially in a sunny city like San Diego. Keep a lawn rake handy to clear your turf of any extra debris that doesn’t need to be there. Use rakes with plastic tips to prevent damage to the turf and backing underneath.

If you live somewhere with lots of leaf activity in the autumn months, consider investing in a leaf blower. That may make your lawn maintenance more enjoyable. Electric leaf blowers are more eco-friendly and cut down on some of the noise of a gas-powered version if you’re not working with ample space.

Turf Brush

A brush or broom with synthetic bristles is one of the best artificial turf cleaning tools. This simple tool doesn’t just clear your turf of debris; it can return the volume to the blades in your lawn and prevent your yard from wearing down. 

A good turf brush is particularly effective in areas with heavy foot traffic. Fluff up any areas stomped by active kids or pets by cross brushing the blades. This means you’re brushing in the opposite direction or against your lawn’s natural grain until those blades begin to perk up. 

Garden Hose

You won’t need to water your artificial turf as you would a natural lawn. A water hose is useful for clearing spills and pet waste from your synthetic lawn. Give your turf a rinse once in a while to keep your lawn looking — and smelling — good. 

A gentle spray also works well to remove dust or pollen that may have accumulated on your turf. If you live somewhere with warm, sunny weather and little rain, try to give your turf a quick rinse weekly.

Gentle Cleaning Solution

Choose an eco-friendly multi-purpose solution or household detergent to remove any spills or stains that you can’t remove using your garden hose alone. A one-to-one blend of vinegar and water is also sufficient for a more budget-friendly solution for most minor spills and pet waste. If those spaces are shared with kids and pets, it also serves as a natural disinfectant and anti-bacterial.

Non-toxic turf deodorizers are another option if using your turf as a pet relief area. Just make sure you’re not using those products to replace regular cleaning and maintenance. You should try to ensure that you’re keeping odors at bay before they start, rather than covering up smells. 

Maintenance Tips for Your Artificial Turf

Let’s look at a few simple maintenance tips to keep your synthetic lawn looking its best now that you’re prepped and ready to go with your artificial turf maintenance tools.

Cleaning Your Artificial Turf

The bulk of your maintenance for artificial turf is to keep it clean and free of debris. To keep your turf clean:

• Give your artificial turf a gentle spray with the garden hose every week. Doing this will take care of any dust or pollen build-up.
• Mop up or hose down your turf immediately after any spills or instances of pet waste. That will help keep any odors and stains at bay.
• If you see any resistant stains, use your cleaning solution to treat and remove them before they set in the sun.
• Notice larger debris? Rake or pick up larger pieces before they get a chance to decompose.

Preventing Turf Wear & Tear

Regular foot traffic and pet use will inevitably cause some wear and tear on your turf, but there are ways to extend the life of your synthetic lawn and enjoy your turf for years to come.

• If you use outdoor furniture, move heavier pieces around once in a while to prevent long-term divots. Like your favorite carpet at home, heavy items can lead to grooves in your turf.
• If your turf has flattened in some areas, give it a good brushing. The blades should spring back even if they’ve spent time underneath heavy furnishings.
• Rips and tears in your turf should be addressed as soon as possible. A small snag could become a more significant issue if you don’t fix it.

Quick note: Assuming your turf project wasn’t a DIY installation, the company that installed your turf should be able to assist with any issues that come up with your synthetic lawn. That includes minor repairs.

First Things First: Install High-Quality Turf

A high-quality turf installation is the best way to make sure your turf is as low-maintenance as it should be. You’ll get guidance over the appropriate infills for your purposes and advice on cost savings where possible. 

Hiring a team of artificial turf experts also means you’ll have long-term access to those experts. They’ll be at the ready to help with easy fixes for small rips or tears in your turf and are just a phone call away if you need advice about your turf project.

Are you ready to move forward with a beautiful, low-maintenance synthetic lawn for your outdoor space? USTurf can help you get started. Get a free estimate today from San Diego’s top artificial turf experts.