How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
The longevity of this grass alternative is the real deal
Keeping up with a turf lawn takes a lot of time, effort, and water. Artificial grass is a great alternative for your yard that requires minimal maintenance to always look bright, green, and lush. Learn how long artificial grass lasts, how to tell it’s time to replace it, and how to keep it looking great for years to come.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
Modern artificial grass can last between 10 and 20 years when maintained properly. Factors that affect how long your artificial grass lasts include the quality of material used, how it was installed, weather conditions, how much traffic it gets, and how it’s maintained.
Factors Influencing How Long Artificial Grass Lasts
One of the key benefits of choosing artificial grass is that it can last a decade or more without mowing, watering, or frequent upkeep—but there are some things that affect how long it’ll remain green and lush.
Grass Quality
Not all artificial grass is created equal, and the quality of your grass will influence its longevity. Higher-end artificial grass is more durable and designed to hold up better to outdoor conditions compared to lower-quality alternatives, but it’s more expensive.
Proper Installation
Improperly installed artificial turf may become uneven, is prone to flooding, and can lift, causing unnecessary wear and tear. Turf installed on correctly prepared ground and secured properly will last longer than incorrectly installed artificial grass.
Weather Conditions
Although artificial grass is designed to withstand weather conditions, extended or repeated periods of extreme weather can cause it to deteriorate faster. Extremely high temperatures, very wet conditions, and an extreme freeze/thaw cycle may mean you’ll probably have to replace your artificial grass sooner than you’d like.
Usage
Artificial grass that sees a lot of regular foot traffic or supports heavy furniture and fixtures won’t last as long as artificial grass that sees less use.
Maintenance
While artificial grass doesn’t need much maintenance, it does need to be periodically cleaned and raked to stay in good shape. Homeowners with artificial grass with dogs also need to be diligent about picking up pet waste to keep odors away and prevent premature deterioration.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Artificial Grass
After a decade or so, you may see signs that your artificial grass is nearing the end of its life span. Some things to look for include:
Splitting seams
Lifting edges
Faded color
Flattened or matted blades
Split fibers
Pooling water
How to Increase the Life Span of Artificial Grass
With a little artificial grass maintenance, you can keep your turf looking new for up to two decades. Depending on the type of artificial grass you choose, the manufacturer may have specific recommendations for steps to take to increase your grass’s longevity. Some tips to keep your artificial grass in good condition include:
Rinse it regularly with a hose to remove debris, pollen, and dirt.
Promptly remove pet waste.
Brush or rake the turf to keep the blades upright.
Keep reflective materials from focusing light onto the grass.
Regularly remove stains.
Inspect seams and edges for lifting.
Warranties for Artificial Grass
If you have problems with your artificial grass before the expected end of its life, you may be covered under a manufacturer or installer warranty. Before installing artificial grass, find out if the material has a warranty, what the warranty covers, how long the coverage lasts, and what’s required to make a claim. A local artificial grass installer may also offer a warranty on installation work, so verify any potential coverage when deciding who to hire.
Repairing vs. Replacing Artificial Grass
In some cases, artificial grass that’s nearing the end of its life span may be able to last longer with repairs rather than full replacement. If you catch lifting seams or edges early enough, they can be fixed before more damage occurs, and damaged sections of turf can be replaced so you don’t have to replace the entire area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Artificial grass requires very little maintenance aside from debris removal, periodic rinsing, and raking to restore blades to their original state. One of the biggest appeals of artificial grass is how little maintenance it requires compared to traditional grass lawns.
With time and traffic, the blades that make up artificial grass can flatten and become matted. One way to counteract this is to brush or rake the grass when the blades begin to flatten to keep them upright and prevent matting.
Artificial grass can add value to your home, particularly in drought-prone areas where traditional lawns are difficult to maintain. Artificial grass averages between $3 and $11 per square foot, and most homeowners see a return on their initial investment for artificial grass installation.