How to Look After Artificial Grass in Winter

With autumn here and the winter fast approaching, our customers often ask us about the performance of artificial grass in cold climates. They want to know whether they can still get it installed, and those that already have it want to how to care for their artificial grass in winter. So we’ve put together this simple guide featuring answers to the most frequently asked questions, including how to look after artificial grass in winter.

Can artificial grass be installed in the winter

Although summer may seem like the obvious time to install artificial grass due to the pleasant conditions, in actual fact it can actually be installed all year round. In some ways autumn is the perfect time to install artificial grass, and winter may even be preferable too. The ground definitely shouldn’t be as dry and hard as it is during the summer, and this makes the process of a perfect installation a lot easier.

Do I have to tidy up in Autumn and Winter?

Year-round tidiness is as important with an artificial lawn as it is with a natural lawn. Gathering up Autumn leaves (and other debris) instantly improves the look of your garden area, and, in the case of artificial grass, it is important so that drainage holes don’t become clogged or blocked. This can be a problem in time and can cause flooding (as well as an unpleasant odour from stagnant water and decomposing leaves). Use a soft-headed brush to sweep the leaves away – or a rake if necessary. If you do, make sure you only glide it across the top of the grass with no pressure on the surface. It is also possible to use an outside wet-and-dry vacuum, as this is really effective and will easily remove accumulated fallen leaves and other debris, whilst at the same time lifting the pile of the grass.

What do I do if snow covers my artificial lawn?

First of all, don’t panic! A covering of snow on your artificial grass will not harm it. Don’t use a shovel to move the snow, unless absolutely necessary, as the hard force of using it could damage the grass surface and the backing. The grass may flatten down slightly, but once the snow has melted away the blades will spring back naturally. If you can’t wait, you could use a brush to lift the pile.

Does artificial grass get waterlogged?

Good quality artificial grass does not get waterlogged. It is designed and manufactured to allow water down to the water table, just like natural grass does. There are usually drainage holes in the backing material of the artificial grass, and the water should seep through. To this end, it is very important that the correct compacted and free-draining sub-base is in place prior to the laying of a new artificial lawn. Sub-base is usually a layer of material (crushed aggregate, gravel or recycled materials) that lies immediately below the installed artificial turf.

Can artificial grass get damaged by frost?

Your artificial grass is strong and incredibly resilient in a variety of conditions, in ways that real grass is not – but how do you protect new turf from frost? Artificial grass won’t be actually damaged by winter frost whereas real grass dies off. That’s not to say that frost doesn’t have an effect on artificial grass – it does. The blades stiffen when frosty spells hit, and an artificial lawn is not as comfortable to walk on in winter as it is during the rest of the year. You should not use salts or specialised liquids to melt the ice, as excess salt might affect drainage holes in the backing. It’s advisable to allow a thaw and for frost to melt and for the subsequent water to drain away through the turf.

Maintaining your artificial grass in winter is pretty much as fuss-free as it is throughout the rest of the year. This brilliant product is a game-changer for people who want to enjoy their gardens, or a garden space, with little effort. Contact us for a quote on installation!