Fake Grass Maintenance [Tips for a Pristine Lawn]

Fake grass is designed to be low maintenance, but like any outdoor surface, it still benefits from regular care.

At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we regularly groom and maintain 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 maintaining a family lawn, pet area, playground, or putting green, these fake grass maintenance tips will help keep your lawn looking its best.

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 fake grass maintenance helps keep your lawn looking natural, performing as intended, and lasting longer.

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.

Rinse Your Turf

After removing debris, rinse the surface with clean water to remove dust, pollen, and smaller particles.

Pet areas may benefit from more regular rinsing, particularly during warmer months.

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.

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.

While many maintenance tasks can be completed by homeowners, professional grooming can provide a deeper level of care.

A professional 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

Pet-friendly artificial grass is designed to drain efficiently, but some pet owners can experience odour issues over time.

Regular rinsing helps keep surfaces fresh, while professional maintenance can remove debris and organic matter that may contribute to unwanted smells.

For some pet owners, replacing standard sand infill with zeolite can significantly improve long-term odour management. Zeolite helps absorb ammonia from pet urine and is a popular upgrade for households with dogs.