11 Common Problems With Artificial Grass and How to Solve Each With Ease
The grass may always be greener, but that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free
Highlights
Proper drainage is one of the most important things to ensure when installing artificial grass.
It’s important to choose the right type of artificial grass for your property—not all turfs are the same, and some won’t suit your yard’s needs.
Routine artificial grass maintenance is crucial for maintaining your turf’s longevity.
There’s a lot to love about artificial grass. After all, you can skip the watering without having to worry about unsightly brown patches popping up. But this low-maintenance option isn’t completely free of care requirements.
If you run into an issue with your turf, don’t sweat—here are some easy fixes for common problems with artificial grass.
1. Drainage Problems
One of the most common problems with artificial grass is improper drainage. This can cause puddling, leading to a squishy, wet turf that both looks bad and isn’t comfortable to walk on. It can also damage it, reducing how long your artificial grass lasts.
Solution: Install Exit Drains
An easy fix for artificial grass drainage problems is to install exit drains. These drains are installed by lawn care professionals in specific locations where water tends to flood. This way, any excess water goes down the drain instead of onto your artificial grass. However, for excess water to drain properly, you’ll need to have the appropriate sub-base, like crushed granite or stone.
2. Sinking Spots
One of the most common problems with artificial grass is a spot (or spots!) where the turf is uneven or sinks. If you notice sinking holes, large divots, or an aggressive slope in your grass, then this may be due to an uneven base underneath your turf.
Solution: Pest Removal
The best way to fix your uneven turf is by determining if you have a critter infestation. If you do, hire a pest removal pro to relocate the animal in question. You’ll also need to fix the base of your lawn.
3. Unsightly Seams
Sick of seeing seams where the end of your artificial grass meets? After all, most people want fake grass for the unmatchable look of a healthy, lush yard—and a seam can totally ruin that illusion.
Solution: Correct Turf Installation
Don’t worry; the easiest way to tackle this problem is to hire a lawn care pro near you who will install the turf correctly. They may also use seam tape and glue to bind the area together seamlessly.
4. Weed Growth
Sometimes, weeds penetrate the barrier of your artificial grass, especially in areas where the turf meets another patch of turf. But they don’t always stick to the seams—seeds can blow onto your artificial grass and begin growing right there.
Solution: Install a Weed Barrier
To put a stop to weed growth, install a weed barrier underneath the turf. This kills weeds before they begin growing by not letting weeds pop through the surface. However, if your weed barrier is damaged, you’ll need to have a new one installed.
As for weeds that are seemingly on the surface of your artificial grass, brush them off regularly to avoid further growth.
5. Pet Odors
Another one of the most common problems with artificial turf is an odor that’s less-than-fresh. Most of the time, these odors come from your pet’s waste. While there’s no denying normal grass still carries some odor, turf can hold on to the scent longer because it’s made from artificial materials.
Solution: Use a Deodorizer
If you’re a pet owner with artificial turf, you can use a pet-safe infill deodorizer. These deodorizers are sold online, in lawn care stores, and in home improvement stores. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll have an odor-free lawn.
6. No Temperature Control
If you’re a pet owner or have little kiddos who like to run around with bare feet, know that artificial grass can really heat up on hot days—and potentially cause burns. To help cool your yard down in a flash, get the hose out and give it a spray. And because the grass is artificial, no one will get muddy when running around your yard.
Solution: Install Cooling Infill
For a long-term solution, install a cooling infill. Certain brands of infill are manufactured to dramatically lower the surface temperature of your turf. Even something as basic as swapping out your rubber crumb infill (which absorbs the most heat) with silica infill (which tends to stay cool) can help.
7. Melting
Hot turf isn’t just a problem because it can burn your feet. Your turf can actually melt—but usually, it’s not just from the weather. Most artificial turf can withstand temperatures up to 175 degrees to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but glare from an outdoor mirror, window (particularly low-E glass), or other reflective surfaces can get much hotter.
Solution: Take Preventive Measures
To prevent your turf from melting, mind your surroundings. Add coverings to your windows. Place mirrors and shiny backyard toys where the sun won’t reflect onto your turf. Cover your stainless steel barbeque when it’s not in use, and strategically place outdoor umbrellas where necessary.
8. Choosing the Wrong Type of Artificial Grass
Not all types of artificial grass are created equal. Shorter blades are great for a putting green but don’t provide enough cushion for comfort. Some artificial turfs are scratchy and aren’t ideal for places where kids play.
Solution: Choose the Right Material
To avoid issues, purchase a turf that suits your lifestyle—whether that means you have children and pets, enjoy playing sports, or just want somewhere to relax.
9. Lifted or Loose Edges
Another one of the problems with artificial turf is that, over time, the edges can loosen and lift—especially if they weren’t properly installed. This doesn’t just ruin the aesthetic; it also creates a tripping hazard (think tripping over the edge of an old crumpled outdoor rug).
Solution: Turf Glue
To solve the problem, use some turf glue beneath the lifted edges or pin them in place with fixing pins, or hire a professional artificial grass installer near you to help.
10. Moss Growth
Turf isn’t the most hospitable place for moss since moss doesn’t really grow on plastic. That being said, turf can hold organic matter like fallen leaves, weeds, and dirt—the kind of stuff moss loves.
Solution: Turf Maintenance
In this case, the best treatment is prevention. Leaf blow or brush your turf every so often to remove the organic matter. If you do notice moss buildup, never use a power washer or hard-bristled brush because it can damage the turf. Instead, gently wash your turf with a hose or by hand.
11. Flattened Grass
Fake grass blades don’t stay fluffy forever. Artificial turf has a tendency to flatten over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to fix.
Solution: Re-Up Your Infill
You might need to re-up your infill (infill gives the blades support and helps prevent them from flattening) or rake your grass with a turf brush to fluff those blades back up.