Artificial turf in San Jose is incredibly tough, but gradual wear and improper care can take a toll over time. Here are some of the most common issues we encounter during our maintenance calls:
Burns and Melted Spots
Artificial grass doesn't burn like real grass, but it does melt when exposed to high heat. Common causes of burnt or melted turf are embers from fire pits or BBQs and lit cigarettes being dropped onto turf. These can manifest as darkened, frayed areas where blades are singed or melted away. Melted spots range from quarter-sized divots to widespread warping.
Matting and Flattening
Frequent foot traffic in the same areas flattens artificial blades into an uneven mat-like texture. This matting is permanent over time. Matting also occurs when infill levels are too low to support blades upright. High traffic areas like paths from the patio to yard are prone to matting.
Weeds and Unwanted Growth
Artificial grass won’t grow weeds on its own, but wind and animals can carry seeds indoors that germinate in the infill. Certain resilient weeds can establish root systems if not removed quickly. Weeds are unsightly and disrupt drainage.
Infill Displacement
Infill granules are crucial for stabilizing blades and allowing drainage. Pet activity, kids play, and foot traffic kick infill out of place over time. Displaced infill causes thinning and flattened patches.
Puddling and Poor Drainage
Artificial grass depends on proper drainage to allow rainfall to flow through. Debris accumulation clogs drainage holes located throughout the turf backing. Clogged holes prevent water from draining correctly leading to pooling.
Wrinkling and Ripples
Wrinkles occur when the turf fabric is not secured tightly across the base. This causes areas to buckle and ripple. Wrinkling is often seen along edges or seams. The underlying issue is ground settlement or improper original installation.
Seam and Edge Separation
Like wrinkling, separated seams also stem from installation issues or ground shifting. Adhesive failures and loose edges cause the turf to gap open at seams exposing the flooring underneath. Once separation starts, it easily worsens.
DIY Techniques for Repairing Common Artificial Grass Damages
Many common artificial grass damages can be repaired DIY if caught early enough. Here are step-by-step guides to tackle repairs yourself:
DIY Burn and Melted Spot Repair
- Use sharp scissors to cut away the damaged blades, removing all melted and singed turf.
- For small spots under 4 inches, cut the repair area into a square or rectangle using a turf seam cutter.
- From remnant pieces, cut a turf patch to fit the repair size you traced.
- Apply a specialty artificial grass adhesive to the patch underside and place into the repair area, pressing firmly.
- Use a stiff bristle broom to work surrounding infill granules into the repair for flawless blending.
For larger burn areas exceeding 6 inches, replacement turf insertion by a pro is recommended.
DIY Tear and Gash Repair
- Lift the artificial grass on all sides to expose the rip underside. Inject turf adhesive deep into the torn seam to bind it together.
- Apply turf adhesive along the repaired seam underside and smooth back down, pressing firmly to seal.
- For large gashes, cut a patch piece larger than the hole and glue into place from beneath.
- Top the repair with infill, using a push broom to brush and blend with the surrounding turf.
DIY Weed Removal
- Manually pull weeds as soon as spotted, removing all roots to prevent regrowth.
- For larger weeds with extensive roots, use a specialty weed puller tool and work patiently to extract.
- Use a stiff brush to vigorously rake the areas weeds were removed from to disturb any remaining seeds.
- Spot treat with granular weed preventer. Rake displaced infill and sprinkle new infill as needed.
Unclogging Drainage Holes
- Use a flat head screwdriver to gently clear out compacted debris clogging turf drainage holes.
- Flush clear water through drainage holes to rinse away any remaining particles.
- Suck up excess water with a wet/dry shop vacuum so it can evaporate instead of pooling.
- Spot treat any trouble areas prone to puddling with a granular drainage aid product.
For chronic drainage problems, the subsurface may need professional inspection and repair.
Pro Tips to Prevent Artificial Grass Damages
Prevention is critical for maximizing the lifespan of your artificial turf. Utilize these pro tips to stop issues before they start:
- Sweep away fallen leaves, debris, and granules to prevent clogging drainage holes
- Perform infill redistribution by raking and grooming monthly
- Rearrange movable elements like patio furniture routinely to prevent high traffic wear patterns
- Supervise pets during play to prevent digging, roughhousing damages
- Apply weed preventer 2-3 times per year around edges and high traffic zones
- Check edges for secure anchoring and glue down any lifted corners
- Allow 12-24 hours for turf repairs to fully cure before heavy use
Signs It's Time to Call In the Professionals
While DIY repairs can fix minor issues with artificial grass, extensive damages often warrant turf replacement. When you see these red flags it’s time to call in the pros:
- Large melted divots or burns over 6 inches wide where heat has compromised integrity
- Pervasive matting across the turf area unimproved by raking
- Major wrinkling or rippling spanning several square feet, signaling foundational issues
- Multiple seam separations wider than 1/4 inch with gaps along edges
- Weed growth covering a significant portion of the area, indicating poor drainage
- Puddling across large sections after every rainfall
- Repeated tears or thinning along high traffic lanes
- Noticeable turf shrinkage and contraction over time
General Care for Long-Lasting Artificial Grass
Aside from the issues we mentioned above, artificial grass maintenance is minimal. With attentive care, you can expect artificial grass to last 8-15 years depending on usage. Follow these general tips:
- Rake monthly using a stiff bristle broom to stand blades upright and redistribute displaced infill
- Groom matted areas and paths by brushing against the grain to fluff
- Hose down turf occasionally to prevent static buildup which causes matting
- Remove fallen leaves and debris before it accumulates and compacts
- Check edges and seams routinely for secure anchoring and re-glue any lifted corners
- Adjust irrigation settings so artificial turf areas are not overwatered
Book Heavenly Greens for Artificial Turf Maintenance
At Heavenly Greens, we specialize in artificial grass installations, maintenance, repairs, and replacements tailored to Northern California properties. If your artificial turf is worse for wear, let our experts evaluate the situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution. We use advanced techniques and materials to seamlessly repair damages and refresh your landscape.
Contact Heavenly Greens at 844-382-7684 for a free quote and design consultation today.
