Artificial grass is the ideal choice for people looking for a perfect looking lawn, as well as a low maintenance alternative to real grass. But, low maintenance should not be confused with no maintenance. Whilst artificial lawns don’t require watering or mowing unlike natural grass, there is still some upkeep required to keep them in tip-top condition all year round – not just in winter, but when the sun decides to make an appearance too.

Bradleys has put together some maintenance advice to help you prolong the lifespan of your artificial lawn – so read on to find out how you can ensure your artificial lawn looks great for years to come….

1/ De-cluttering the debris –  It’s inevitable that leaves and other debris will find its way onto your lawn and whilst it won’t damage it, it is advisable to regularly remove debris to avoid weed growth on the surface of your artificial lawn. This is because a build-up can cause damage to the lawn’s drainage and encourage weed growth, so either collect it by hand or use a leaf blower for removal. Alternatively, you can use a moss or weed killer, but if you do, ensure it’s a water-based solution to avoid further damage.

2/ Keep it clean! – Artificial grass is made out of resistant material, so you can remove any stains and marks quickly using hot, soapy water or tougher stains with mineral spirits. One of the main reasons people choose artificial grass is because its perfect looking appearance, so don’t spoil this by not keeping it clean once its installed. Even with rainfall, it will require the occasional hosing down, especially during the summer months and if you can also use specialist artificial grass products if your lawn has heavy use.

3/ Brush, brush, brush – It’s important that you brush your artificial lawn regularly to ensure that the plastic fibres it’s made out of remain in a good condition. A stiff broom is ideal for this and brush the fibres against or into the fibre direction, which will help to life and reinvigorate them. Just make sure that your broom isn’t made out of metal bristles as it will damage the fibres. Generally, brushing can take place on a monthly basis but during the summer when you’re out in the garden, high-traffic areas should be maintained more on a weekly basis.

Other top tips:

• Cutting back hedges and over-hanging trees can help to reduce debris
• Prevent burn marks by choosing a surface that’s fire-resistant. Also keep heat away from your grass as it can melt the fibres. This is particularly important with things like BBQs, smoking and fireworks
• Reflective surfaces and mirrors should be avoided anywhere near things can potentially reflect the sunlight onto your lawn. This is because it can cause the colour of your artificial lawn to fade quickly and the magnification effect also has the potential to melt the fibres
• Keep motor vehicles off your lawn which can ruin the grass – the only exceptions are bicycles, wheelbarrows and wheelchairs