Why water artificial turf? I mean, isn’t trashing your watering schedule a major reason to get fake grass in the first place? Water savings (and water conservation for the eco-minded among you) is supposed to be one of synthetic turf’s big selling points. And according to many experts, it is. But there are still a range of good reasons you should actually hose down your artificial grass. Surface temperature, removing dust and allergens, maintaining turf’s looks and appearance … these are all among the great reasons for a little turf watering.
So, why don’t we take a closer look at this weird “to water or not to water” question for your artificial grass?
Why Water Artificial Turf?
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- Watering cools down the turf surface, especially important for sports fields and hot climates
- Rinsing helps remove dust, pollen, and debris, keeping your lawn fresh and clean
- Occasional watering maintains the turf’s appearance and performance
- It helps eliminate odors, particularly in areas frequented by pets
- Proper watering can extend the lifespan of your artificial grass
The Cool Factor: Artificial Grass Temperature Control
Imagine you’re having your friends over. It’s one of those super-hot Saturdays, but you’ve already picked up all the grilling and backyard picnicking supplies. Sure, your artificial turf looks perfect, but it’s also hot enough to make you wonder if you could just cook those steaks on it. So, what do you do? Stick to your plan and hope your friends like their feet cooked medium well?
Well, this is where a little H2O comes to the rescue.
Grab your hose and water your artificial turf. Seriously. Each droplet of water draws a bit of heat right out of those turf blades. It’s just science. And it’s not just for backyard bbq’s. This is a trick that can be used at public parks, where a bit of watering can keep your neighborhood kiddos from overheating. And it’s often used at sporting venues with artificial grass. Spraying down the field at half-time or when the team is resting between practice sessions can help the players stave off overheating and dehydration.
Pro tip: For sports fields or areas with high foot traffic, consider watering about 30 minutes before use on hot days. Let those players focus on competing … not worrying about their health.
Dust Busters: Keeping Turf Clean
Turf cleanliness often gets overlooked. People often think the “low maintenance” nature of artificial grass means it’s pretty much hands-off. But even though artificial turf doesn’t grow, it can still collect dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. I mean, think about your car. It doesn’t grow either, but it’s constantly getting dirty!
It’s not all that uncommon for clients to call because their allergies are acting up. “I thought this turf was supposed to be allergy-friendly!” Well, the turf itself is (unless you’re allergic to the artificial grass materials), but that grass still lives outdoors. Rinse it down and those sneezing fits subside. Then everyone can get back to enjoying that outdoor space.
A quick spray-down every few weeks can work wonders to your turf clean and reducing allergens. So go give your lawn a refreshing shower!
The Fountain of Youth: Watering Artificial Turf Maintains Appearance and Performance
Most folks know that a little water can perk up a wilting plant. On the other hand, many folks don’t realize that artificial turf isn’t too different. Okay, so turf doesn’t really wilt. But regular rinsing can help maintain its appearance and performance.
Many of you have probably seen burned-out-looking artificial turf at public places like mini-golf courses or old sports stadiums. It starts to lose its color, flattens down like a pancake, and feels hard as a rock. I don’t know about you, but that’s not what I want out of artificial grass. And the solution is so simple: just schedule a regular rinsing cycle. Often, even dead-looking turf can bounce back to life.
Plus, if you set a light watering schedule before theres an issue, it keeps artificial grass looking more healthy for longer. Watering helps redistribute the infill material, keeps the blades upright, and can even reduce static electricity.
The Smell Test: Watering Helps Eliminate Turf Odors
Sad truth time. Pets make your lawn smell like, well, pets. On the plus side, artificial turf is great for easy clean-up. Downside? It can get a bit ripe without proper maintenance. Luckily, watering can help with those odor problems.
You can either make sure to spray down the area that your pet just sprayed down. Or this is yet another good reason for regularly scheduled waterings. Just rinse the area to help dilute and wash away pet urine. Reduce odor build-up, and make everyone’s lives (including your neighbors).
Long Live the Lawn: Water Your Turf to Extend Its Lifespan
Think of watering your artificial turf as an investment in its longevity. (Another car analogy incoming.) Regular oil changes keep your car running smoothly, right? Well, this is the same principle: occasional watering can help extend the life of your turf.
Regular rinsing helps prevent the buildup of debris that can break down the turf fibers over time. It’s a simple step that can add years to your lawn’s life! I don’t know about you, but I like simple solutions to expensive problems.
Watering Wisdom: Tips and Tricks
We’ve gone over a handful of “why” water artificial turf. So now we get practical – let’s talk about the “how.” I’ve gathered some quick tips to keep your artificial turf in great shape:
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- Use a gentle spray setting on your hose or sprinkler system.
- Water more frequently during pollen season or in dusty areas.
- For pet areas, rinse more often and consider using a pet-friendly deodorizer.
- In hot climates, a quick spray before outdoor activities can create a more comfortable surface.
- Don’t overdo it – artificial turf drains well, but you don’t want to create a backyard swamp!
Wrapping It Up
“Why water artificial turf” can seem like a silly question. But in reality, it’s just a simple method of keeping your artificial grass looking lush, smelling great, and basically being its best self for years. And you don’t have to over-do it with the watering. Just a quick hose-down does all kinds of wonders for your yard.
If you have any other questions about how to keep your artificial grass lush, cool, and odor-free, give the Artificial Turf Supply team a call: 866) 677-9405
And if you’re ready to learn how much artificial grass might cost in your yard, check out our free quote tool.
Otherwise, keep living the good lawn life, my friends. And keep those great landscaping questions coming!
