Artificial Turf Maintenance Tips for a Better Looking Lawn
Artificial turf is designed to be low maintenance, but like any outdoor surface, it performs best when it receives occasional care and attention.
At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we regularly maintain and groom artificial grass lawns throughout New Zealand. Some were installed by us, while many were installed by other companies. One thing we’ve learned over the years is that a little maintenance can make a big difference to the appearance, performance, and lifespan of artificial grass.
Whether you’re looking after a family lawn, pet area, playground, or putting green, these artificial turf maintenance tips will help keep your lawn looking its best.
Why Artificial Turf Maintenance Matters
Artificial grass doesn’t need mowing, watering, fertilisers, or pesticides, but it still benefits from routine maintenance.
Over time:
- Grass fibres can flatten
- Leaves and debris can accumulate
- Infill can become uneven
- Pet areas can develop odours
- High-traffic areas can lose their appearance
Regular artificial turf maintenance helps keep your lawn looking natural, performing as intended, and lasting longer.
Inspect Your Artificial Grass
Check Edges and Seams
Walk around your lawn and inspect the edges, joins, and seams.
Look for:
- Lifting edges
- Loose seams
- Damage from pets or garden tools
- Areas that may require repair
Addressing small issues early can help prevent larger repairs later.
Assess Surface Condition
Take a close look at the turf fibres.
If areas appear flattened or matted, they may simply require brushing or grooming to restore their appearance.
High-use areas such as pathways, pet runs, entrances, and children’s play spaces often show wear first.
How to Clean Artificial Turf
Remove Leaves and Debris
Regularly remove leaves, twigs, and organic matter from the surface.
A leaf blower is often the easiest solution, while a soft plastic rake can be useful for heavier debris.
Avoid metal rakes as they can damage synthetic fibres.
Spot Clean Stains
For everyday spills or marks, use warm water and a mild pH-neutral detergent.
Gently clean the affected area with a soft brush or sponge before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Rinse Pet Areas
Pet-friendly artificial grass should be rinsed periodically to help remove residue and maintain freshness.
For some pet owners, upgrading from standard sand infill to zeolite can further assist with odour management.
Keep Drainage Areas Clear
Artificial grass drains through the surface and base system below.
Keeping debris away from drainage areas helps maintain water flow and overall performance.
Revitalise Turf Fibres
One of the most effective artificial turf maintenance tasks is brushing the grass.
Using a stiff broom or power brush helps:
- Lift flattened fibres
- Improve appearance
- Redistribute infill
- Restore a more natural look
Brush against the grain of the grass for the best results.
Maintain Infill Levels
Infill plays an important role in supporting turf fibres and helping artificial grass perform correctly.
Over time, infill can move due to weather, pets, and foot traffic.
If certain areas appear low, additional infill may be required to maintain proper support and appearance.
Pay Attention to High-Traffic Areas
Areas that receive constant use often require additional maintenance.
Common examples include:
- Pet runs
- Children’s play areas
- Pathways
- Outdoor entertaining spaces
Regular grooming and brushing can help these areas maintain their appearance and functionality.
Consider Professional Artificial Turf Maintenance
While many maintenance tasks can be completed by homeowners, professional grooming can provide a deeper level of care.
A professional artificial turf maintenance service may include:
- Lifting flattened fibres
- Removing debris and organic matter
- Redistributing infill
- Inspecting seams and edges
- Restoring the appearance of the lawn
Many homeowners choose professional grooming every 12 months depending on traffic levels, pets, and environmental conditions.
Zeolite Upgrades for Pet Owners
Not all artificial grass improvements require replacing your lawn.
For pet owners experiencing odour issues, replacing existing sand infill with zeolite can often improve performance and freshness.
Zeolite helps absorb ammonia from pet urine and can help reduce unwanted odours while maintaining the appearance of the lawn.
Final Thoughts
Artificial turf maintenance is simple, but regular care can make a significant difference to the appearance and longevity of your lawn.
Routine brushing, debris removal, infill management, and occasional professional grooming help keep artificial grass looking and performing at its best.
At Unreal Lawns & Courts, our relationship with customers doesn’t end when the installation is complete. We provide maintenance advice, professional grooming services, zeolite upgrades, and ongoing support to help keep artificial grass looking and performing its best for years to come.
Whether your lawn was installed by Unreal Lawns or another company, our team can help restore appearance, improve performance, and protect your investment.
👉 Learn more about our Artificial Grass Maintenance & Grooming services.
