Artificial turf is increasingly replacing natural grass on sports fields. There are many reasons for this trend: durability, greater functionality, and easier, less costly maintenance. In this article, we will focus on the last advantage.
What does proper artificial turf maintenance look like? It is true that maintaining natural grass is much more time-consuming and expensive than caring for synthetic surfaces, but that does not mean artificial turf is “maintenance-free”.
After reading this article, you will know which maintenance procedures are essential and what to do to maximize the lifespan of the turf. This knowledge will help you use your field properly and enjoy it for many years.
Artificial turf MUST be maintained
Let’s start by debunking the myth that “artificial turf can simply be installed and left without care.” That is not true.
Of course, you can install synthetic turf and avoid maintenance, but the result will be costly—rapid wear and reduced comfort. On sports fields, this may even become dangerous, as the surface loses its shock-absorbing properties.
Artificial turf requires maintenance regardless of the material or technology used. Some level of care is always necessary. The good news is that the higher the quality of the product, the better the results of maintenance.
Compared to natural grass, these procedures are faster, simpler and usually cheaper.
No Mowing, Fertilizing or Uncertainty
Natural grass requires year-round care, especially during the growing season. It needs regular mowing, fertilizing, watering and cleaning.
Additionally, it can only be used for a limited time—football pitches are often recommended for no more than 4 (!) hours of use per week.
Even with intensive care, results are not guaranteed. Natural grass may still be sparse or unattractive due to factors such as grass species, usage intensity, maintenance quality or weather.
Artificial turf offers much greater predictability in appearance and performance.
With proper maintenance, artificial turf will remain in excellent condition for many years. It also saves time, water and money.
Cleaning artificial turf
The basic maintenance procedure is regular cleaning. This involves removing all debris and foreign objects from the surface.
You should regularly inspect the field and remove unwanted items manually or with a sweeper. Particular attention should be paid to sharp objects such as stones, glass or metal parts, as they can permanently damage the turf and pose a safety risk.
Artificial turf should be cleaned from:
- leaves, branches, moss, algae and organic debris
- weeds and vegetation (both on the surface and edges)
- litter such as plastic, paper and packaging
- stains (e.g. juice, blood, coffee, fuel, glue, paint)
- animal waste, mold and fungi
Important: snow and ice do not damage artificial turf (unless it is low-quality). Wovengrass woven turf is fully resistant. If removal is necessary, use snow blowers or ploughs with rubber edges—never metal or hard blades.
Brushing artificial turf
To maintain a natural look and upright fibers, regular brushing is required.
Brushing should be done against the grain using a stiff (non-metal) brush, approximately every 30–35 hours of use.
Maintenance – What to remember
- refill infill if displaced
- repair damage immediately
- perform professional maintenance twice a year
Specialist maintenance uses dedicated machines that restore turf condition and extend lifespan. These procedures are documented.
Precautions
During the use and maintenance of synthetic turf, precautions should be taken to prevent premature wear of the surface. In practice, detailed information regarding safety measures is provided by the artificial turf manufacturer. In addition, all restrictions and guidelines should be included in the user manual. It is important to ознакомиться yourself with it.
The following can be considered universal precautions worth keeping in mind:
- do not place heavy objects on the turf, such as stages, platforms or tents,
- design access routes to the field in a way that minimizes the risk of bringing in mud and other contaminants,
- prohibit the entry of motor vehicles onto the surface, such as motorcycles, cars or bicycles (except for maintenance and cleaning equipment).
Does every artificial turf require the same care?
No.
The guidelines above are mostly universal, but each product has different maintenance needs. Lower-quality turf or non-woven systems may require more frequent and complex maintenance.
