How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?

With proper installation and maintenance methods, artificial turf can last for more than a decade with high quality turf products and proper maintenance. Ultimately, the lifespan of artificial grass depends on several factors, including:

The amount of traffic the turf receives
The turf quality
How the turf is installed
The local climate
Maintenance quality and consistency

If you’re partnered with a reputable, experienced artificial grass company to manage your installation, you’ll maximize the turf’s life, and by extension, its value.

Five Factors That Affect the Durability and Lifespan of Artificial Turf

Synthetic grass may provide upwards of 15 years of reliable performance, depending on the following factors:

Traffic Loading

The more foot traffic your artificial grass receives, the more wear it will take on. For instance, if your turf will serve as a play surface for children and pets, it will wear faster than artificial grass that’s only lightly used. Consider what your synthetic grass will be used for and if it will be subjected to heavy foot (and paw) traffic.

Turf Quality

Artificial grass is available in a wide variety of designs and builds, and that means a wide variance in construction quality. High quality turfs are made with additional material and with higher quality material, so they’re better at withstanding wear. When selecting artificial grass for your property, prioritize the face weight to ensure you’re getting a heavier, more durable turf.

Installation Practices

No matter how well the turf is constructed, it won’t last as long if it’s not expertly installed. During professional installation, the project site will be thoroughly prepared, which involves grading the area and establishing efficient drainage. Site preparation also creates a better installation surface for the turf, ensuring a more secure fit that will last.

The Local Climate

Some climates are harder on artificial turf than others. For instance, intense sun accelerates turf wear and will cause its colors to fade with time. Turf is generally good at handling snow and heavy rainfalls, but it may need to be broomed more often to protect its durability and appearance.

Maintenance Practices

Synthetic grass is a low maintenance surface solution, but it’s not a zero-maintenance solution. Although upkeep is minimal, sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule will ensure your turf isn’t worn through by what should be minor, easily correctible issues.

How to Extend the Life of Artificial Grass

Property owners can get more from their synthetic grass by observing essential maintenance routines, including:

Brooming the turf regularly – When artificial grass is trampled on or when it’s weighed down by debris or snow, the turf blades may be flattened in the process. To stand these grass blades back up and restore the turf’s texture/appearance, turf professionals sweep a rotary brush across it. Doing this occasionally will keep the turf in optimal shape.
Keeping debris and heavy weight off the artificial grass – Artificial turf is flexible and durable enough to withstand extended loading, but it’s still a good idea to minimize exposure to extreme weight. If you do have heavier items in your yard, try to move them around occasionally to even out the wear on your turf. When debris like sticks and leaves collect on the turf, clear them when possible to minimize abrasion to the turf’s surface.
Responding as soon as damage appears – Common minor sources of damage include discoloration, tears and failed seams, which can expose the turf to further wear. If these issues emerge, schedule a professional inspection to assess the problem and have repairs made if necessary.
Partnering with a professional turf installer for maintenance – The turf experts bring best installation and maintenance practices to every job. Partnering with a proven expert to perform your turf maintenance means you’ll have access to those durability-preserving practices.

Do it Matter if I Have Standard Artificial Grass or Pet Turf Installed?

One way to maximize the life of your synthetic turf is to pick the right artificial grass for your property. For instance, there’s a major difference between pet turf and other types of artificial grass. Standard artificial grass is usually made with a taller pile height, which is ideal for aesthetic purposes, but may not be appropriate for rambunctious pets.

Pet turf, by contrast, is made with a shorter pile height, without sacrificing face weight and blade density. It’s built to withstand the paws and claws of dogs playing and running around the yard. In many ways, pet turf is similar in design and construction to sports turf, so if you’re expecting higher levels of activity on your artificial grass, pet turf is the more effective option.

Artificial Turf Can Last for a Decade or More with Expert Installation and Maintenance

Synthetic grass provides clear cost, maintenance and convenience benefits, compared to natural grass. And if it’s expertly installed and maintained, turf can provide those benefits for up to 15 years or more. However, the key is investing in high quality synthetic grass and high-quality installation practices. Quality turfs withstand wear and UV stress better, and quality installation practices ensure a stable, long-lasting fit. Both will help optimize your turf investment and guarantee property owners get the reliable surfacing solution they’re looking for. Reach out to a reputable turf installation company to get your project going.