In exchange for a vibrant green space you can enjoy all year round, artificial turf requires special care during winter as the temperature dips and the weather turns harsh.
The good news is it does not require much effort to care for your artificial turf at any time of the year, including through winter snowstorms and cold weather!
In fact, care is similar to how you would care for grass landscaping and often depends on how they installed the turf. In this blog, we cover the essential maintenance tips for your artificial turf during winter.
How Cold/Snow Affects Artificial Turf
Frost, ice, and snow may temporarily harden your synthetic turf. If you have pets or children, be cautious of this. Your turf may not feel soft and comfortable underfoot on the paws of your furry friends. Plus, the ice and snow on your fake grass may trigger falls and tripping for the younger ones before the winter sun melts it away.
While frost will not break or damage the fibers in your artificial turf, the best thing to do is to let the frost and ice melt on their own. Using anti-freeze products is not the best action as the chemicals can harm the materials used in your artificial lawn.
Snow should not damage your artificial turf, like natural grass, so you can rest easy and enjoy the view. While grass fibers may compress, everything will fall back into place when the snow melts.
Just like ice and frost, avoid using chemicals or any other melting product as this can damage your turf’s synthetic fibers and cause drainage issues. Basic care and maintenance are a good idea from time to time.
How to Care for Artificial Turf in Winter
Although synthetic turf does not require much maintenance, there are measures you can take to help you care for your artificial turf in winter.
Tread Carefully
Be watchful of the weather forecast for possible snowy conditions. When the weather gets below freezing point, snow on your fake grass can turn into ice, forming packed layers that can be dangerous to walk on. Also, fibers on your turf may become slippery or brittle with frost.
Although artificial grass will not get damaged by frost alone, it can make the blades brittle. And if the blades become too brittle and frozen, they may break when stepped on.
Make sure to remove packed snow or ice by hand and walk carefully on your lawn to avoid damaging or breaking the blades.
Let The Snow Melt Naturally
One of the great things about synthetic turf is that it is hardly affected by freezing rain or snow. If your turf receives soft snow that is not compacted, simply allow it to melt naturally.
To speed up the process, discharge warm water on the snow. If temperatures get below freezing point, you can place several old cleaning rags or towels in the dryer to heat them, after which you can put them on the snow.
Avoid Using Salt
One standard method of melting snow or ice is using salt on affected parts. But it is best to allow your turf to thaw naturally when it comes to synthetic turf. Salt may build up in the sub-base and clog the holes in your grass’s perforated backing, interfering with your lawn’s efficient drainage capabilities.
If you have to use it, use it occasionally and sparingly as possible if you have to use it. The best way to keep your synthetic turf in pristine condition is to allow it to take care of itself and evade the temptation of trying to speed up the melting process.
Use a Plastic Shovel
Even though a sheet of snow on your turf can look appealing, it can turn into sludge within the shortest time possible. If you have to clean up, use a plastic shovel and stay at least four inches from the grass.
A metal shovel can easily damage the frozen fibers of your artificial turf underneath. Also, do not rake the shovel across the fibers themselves.
Clean Debris as Needed
As winter approaches, you may find leaves falling from the trees. If there are piles of leaves or fallen plant matter lying around, make sure to clear them. You can use a vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, a stiff brush, or a rake to get rid of organic matter regularly. This will help your grass stay away from bacteria caused by rotten leaves, making sure you are not welcoming winter with mushy leaves wedged in your turf’s blades.
You should carry large objects such as branches away. In the presence of moss without sufficient light, you can apply anti-moss treatment, if possible, during the spring and autumn. Use bio-degradable products and not bleach or acidic solutions as they can damage the fibers of your turf if applied in high concentration.
Cover It Up
In most cases, your artificial turf will be fine, but if a severe storm or blizzard heads your way, a lawn cover will not hurt. It will make clean-up easier and ensure your turf’s blades do not suffer much from bad weather.
It also allows your lawn to better resist extreme temperatures by avoiding immediate contact with snow, creating a stable temperature, and preventing extreme temperatures from burning the grass.
Examine The Nails Safeguarding Your Lawn
Because of its base, the occasional changing of seasons might affect the materials used in securing the lawn. Before winter, check your lawn and ensure it is firmly secured and reaffix or nail where appropriate.
Get Yourself an Artificial Turf
With winter approaching, it is prudent that all homeowners with artificial turf know how to care for their lawn during cold weather properly.
Synthetic turf is an ideal landscaping solution in areas with extreme weather conditions because of its ability to endure anything from arctic blasts to the driest climate. Nothing beats synthetic grass if you are looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution that will stay pristine and green throughout.
