Maintain Your Artificial Lawn with Artificial Grass Tools

Maintaining your synthetic lawn can be super-easy … if you have the right artificial grass tools and a good plan. From the fun-sounding toys like power brushes and leaf blowers right down to the classic, simple rake, the right tools for the job are your ticket to synthetic turf easy street. So, we’ll go over the entire arsenal. We’ll also talk about every important maintenance step for every season (and how to keep it all from becoming overwhelming).

So, take a deep breath, ya lawn-loving learners! And let’s dig in.

Artificial Grass Tools & Use – What to Know

• • Regular maintenance extends your artificial lawn’s lifespan by up to 25%
  • Proper tools and techniques can prevent 90% of drainage issues
  • Routine care keeps your lawn looking lush and natural for years
  • Specialized tools make maintenance quick and easy
  • Addressing issues promptly prevents long-term damage

The Most Important Artificial Grass Tools

You came here to talk artificial grass tools and maintenance, so let’s talk tools! And believe me, life is just plain easier (and much, much greener!) with the right tools in-hand.

1. 1. Power Brush or Power Broom: I love me some good power tools, and a power brush or power broom is definitely worth some love. It is possible to brush or clean your artificial grass with an un-powered version. (But why would you?) It’s pretty straight-forward: use this to remove debris and fluff up those grass fibers.
   2. Leaf Blower: Power this up and easily blast away loose leaves, twigs, and other lightweight debris. Easy-peasy (but also important).
   3. Stiff-Bristled Push Broom: the Power Broom is sometimes overkill, or simply too big for a smaller area of your yard. Grab this tool, and you’re good to go. It’s great for keeping the grass fibers upright and distributing infill evenly.
   4. Rake (with plastic tines): For when you need to get a bit more aggressive with debris removal. WARNING: no metal tines! It’ll tear up your turf’s blades, and possibly the base/backing.
   5. Garden Hose with Spray Nozzle: Why are we spraying down artificial grass? That article covers it in full, but you do want to do it regularly. The spray nozzle makes this task quick-n-easy, so you can move on to whatever else you want to do with your newly-freed time.
   6. Artificial Grass Cleaner: Sometimes water just won’t cut it, but a little cleaner does the trick. You can find a lot of options for turf cleaner, including eco-friendly and pet-friendly solutions. As a dad and dog-owner, I love the option to protect all my little important ones as I keep my artificial grass looking and smelling fresh.

If you’ve got questions about any of these, give the Artificial Turf Supply team a call: (866) 677-9405

Regular Maintenance: Keeping Your Lawn Looking Lush

We’re all tooled up. Great! Now we’ll go over the steps, tips, and tactics that make up the regular maintenance routine to keep your artificial grass so fresh and so clean, clean. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist showing my age.)

1. Brush It Up

“Um, what? You mean I have to brush my lawn?!” This is a fair question. I was surprised when I first heard about this step, too. Brushing your artificial grass is important. Lucky for you, it’s also fairly easy (now that you have a good brush). Using your power brush (or stiff-bristled push broom) will keep those grass fibers standing tall and proud. If you skip this step, your turf will likely end up becoming matted and crushed. So brush it up and keep that lawn looking natural and full.

Pro Tip Time: brush against the grain of the grass. Every time your grass is stepped on, it’s most likely to bend down in the direction of its grain. Brushing the opposite direction just lifts it back up into its best position. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up every once in a while, right?

2. Blow Away Troubles

Leaves, twigs, and debris are going to find its way onto your lawn. But you don’t want your artificial grass looking cluttered and messy. It doesn’t look great, but if you don’t remove that stuff fairly regularly, it can work its way down into your pile and break down (you don’t want that). This is where your trusty leaf blower comes in handy. Plug it in, give your lawn a quick once-over to remove all that debris, and boom! You lovely, tidy lawn is back.

3. Rinse and Repeat

Okay, your artificial grass doesn’t need watering to grow (woohoo!). However, it could sure use a regular rinse to keep it clean and fresh (what?!). Don’t worry, rinsing your lawn doesn’t use nearly as much water as regularly watering natural grass, so you’re still conserving usage and lowering your bills. And a quick rinse helps remove dirt and dust build-up, refreshes its appearance, and helps remove any odors. Just spray it down with your hose, especially those high-traffic areas or spots where pets like to do their business.

4. Deep Clean Occasionally

Brushing, blowing, and rinsing your artificial grass can only do so much. Every now and then, your lawn needs a spa day. Use an artificial grass cleaner for a deeper clean. It’s especially helpful for removing stubborn stains or odors. As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of turf cleaner products on the market. I always look for eco-friendly, pet-friendly cleaners with a high number of good customer reviews. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And don’t forget to rinse thoroughly afterward – nobody likes a sudsy lawn!

So, how often should you deep-clean your turf? Most residential lawns only need a deep clean every 3-4 months. But if you’ve got kids turning your lawn into a muddy football field or pets using it as their personal bathroom, you should seriously think about bumping that up to every 1-2 months.

Seasonal Care: Preparing Your Lawn for Every Weather

You only have one lawn, but that artificial grass will be hit with unique seasonal challenges, weather, and situations. You can’t change the weather, but you can plan for it. So here’s what you should watch for — and plan for — in every season.

Spring Cleaning

Winter’s harshness has come and gone. Now you can refresh and rejuvenate your artificial grass for those sunny day activities you love so much!

• • This is a great time for a deep-cleaning, a fresh start for your outdoor living seasons.
  • Check for any damage from winter weather and address it promptly.
  • Give your lawn a thorough power brushing to rejuvenate it after winter.
  • Apply a weed preventative if needed – yes, weeds can still be pesky, even with artificial grass!

Summer Lovin’

Summertime! Get out your swimwear, sunscreen, travel plans … and spend only a little time to keep your artificial grass fresh in the heat!

• • Rinse your lawn more frequently to keep dust and pollen from building up.
  • Watch for any turf fading from intense sunlight. If you spot it, you might need to add some infill.
  • Heat warning: intense heat can actually melt some artificial turf types, so watch near any reflective surfaces nearby (looking at you, energy-efficient windows!).

Fall Maintenance

Your leisurely summer is over. As Fall sets in, be ready to step up your artificial grass maintenance game. But with this turf care game-plan, you got this!

• • Use your leaf blower more frequently to prevent leaves from decomposing on your lawn.
  • Give your lawn a good brushing to prevent matting from increased moisture.
  • Check your drainage system to ensure it’s ready for winter rains.

Winter Wonderland

You get to stay all cozy and dry through the winter. Your turf does not. But you can help it weather winter storms gracefully.

• • Remove any snow gently – no metal shovels allowed!
  • Brush off any remaining snow to prevent compaction.
  • Check for any frost heave that might affect your lawn’s evenness.

Tackling Common Issues: From Stains to Smells

Let’s face it, life happens. Kids, pets, party guests, storms, drought, and everything else. Your beautiful artificial lawn is likely to take a few spills (and similar). But don’t panic! You can handle these common issues with a few simple steps and the right artificial grass tools.

Removing Stains from Artificial Grass

Spilled your cocktail during that backyard BBQ? No sweat!

1. 1. Blot the stain immediately – don’t rub, or you’ll just make it angry.
   2. Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water for most stains.
   3. For tougher stains, a mix of vinegar and water can work wonders.
   4. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Dealing with Pet Business

What’s the saying, “when you’re a dog, the whole world’s a fire hydrant?” Sometimes our furry friends think the lawn is their personal bathroom.

1. 1. Solid waste: Pick it up promptly (sorry, no magic tool for this one).
   2. Liquid waste: Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
   3. For odors, use an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for artificial grass.

Removing Chewing Gum

I have kids, so trust me when I say “gum happens.” All is not lost, though, and here’s how you clean it up.

1. 1. Freeze the gum with ice or a commercial freezing spray.
   2. Once frozen, the gum should easily break off.
   3. If any residue remains, use a citrus-based cleaner to remove it.

Long-Term Care: Protecting Your Investment

Your artificial grass is an investment. Like any good investment, you should protect it.  We’ve written an entire, in-depth article about cleaning your synthetic turf. And here are some other long-term care tips.

1. 1. Rotate Heavy Furniture: Heavy outdoor furniture can leave indentations on your lawn, so move it around every once in a while.
   2. Address Repairs Promptly: Watch for loose seams or other damage, then get them fixed ASAP. Small issues often become big problems quickly.
   3. Monitor Your Infill Levels: Over time, regular wear and tear can displace your artificial grass’s infill. Keep your lawn looking and feeling fresh with regular infill level checks. Scatter more on when its needed.
   4. Professional Deep Clean: Consider having a professional deep clean every 12-18 months. Think of it as sending your lawn to a fancy spa retreat.

If you have questions about any of these long-term care steps, give the Artificial Turf Supply team a call: (866) 677-9405
We’re happy to help keep your artificial grass looking beautiful.

The Don’ts of Artificial Grass Maintenance

We’ve covered what you should do to keep your turf looking great. Now, let’s talk about a few things you absolutely shouldn’t do.

1. 1. Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach on your lawn. They can ruin the color, texture, and performance of artificial grass.
   2. Avoid using metal tools that could damage the fibers.
   3. Don’t ignore drainage issues. Standing water invites mold, mildew, discoloration, pests, and all kinds of other unpleasant consequences.
   4. Never use a power washer on your artificial grass – it’s too harsh and can damage the fibers and infill.

Your Artificial Grass Maintenance Cheat Sheet

So, we’ve covered a LOT of great tips, practices, and information for artificial grass tools and maintenance. Here’s a quick recap:

1. 1. Brush regularly to keep fibers upright and distribute infill.
   2. Remove debris with a leaf blower or rake.
   3. Rinse your lawn to keep it clean and fresh.
   4. Address stains and pet messes promptly.
   5. Adjust your care routine with the seasons.
   6. Protect your lawn from heat and heavy objects.
   7. Don’t ignore issues – address them quickly to prevent bigger problems.

High-quality artificial grass is low maintenance, not no-maintenance. But now you’re a Total Turf Boss who know the best tips and the right tools! You’ll be keeping your lawn looking great with less effort. And “more for less” is pretty much always the name of the game, right?

Are you reading this article as research, considering what your own artificial grass lawn might cost? Use our free turf quote tool to get a reliable idea of what your synthetic lawn will cost.