Artificial turf is found on many lawns and sports fields all over the world.
This fake grass tends to be more popular in regions where water is scarce, such as deserts.
Turf is available in different lengths, and the type chosen will depend on the application in which it will be used and personal preference.
It is often known as “the grass you never have to water,” but this is not entirely true.
There are a couple of reasons to water artificial turf, including cleaning it, cooling it down, and lowering the ambient temperature in a sports field. Watering artificial turf is also significant to field hockey, as it helps prevent injuries and keeps the ball from bouncing too high.
Synthetic turf is usually watered through a sprinkler system both on sports fields and sometimes in yards.
Pressure washers are used to efficiently clean the turf without causing any damage.
Test a small area first if you are worried your pressure washer settings may be too high for your artificial turf.
Keep reading for more in-depth information on the reasons for watering artificial turf, as well as some answers to a few commonly asked questions.
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Watering Artificial Turf To Cool It Down
Artificial grass may be hotter than natural grass by 20-50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C).
This increase in temperature poses a huge problem in warmer climates, especially when summer temperatures are well above 100° degrees Fahrenheit (38° C).
These high temperatures will make it impossible to walk barefoot across the lawn.
Excess heat will also cause the synthetic turf on sports fields to become sticky.
If the fake turf in a sports stadium gets too hot, it will raise the ambient air temperature both on and around the field.
A sprinkler system is the easiest way to cool an artificial surface, and with multiple sprinkler heads, the job is done very quickly.
Watering Artificial Turf To Clean It
Artificial turf needs routine cleaning to keep it in good condition, especially if you have pets or small children who are more prone to making messes on your lawn.
Learn how long artificial grass lasts by clicking the link for more info.
Animal feces, urine, oil stains, and food stains will not grow out of artificial turf, and you will have to clean the messes off.
Water will clean most debris particles from artificial grass, such as dirt and pet waste.
For stains like ice cream, ketchup, or bubble gum, you need to use household cleaners.
If the stains on the synthetic grass are oil-based, use a grease removing cleaner to get rid of them.
When an area of turf becomes too stained or worn, it will need to be replaced.
If you have had your turf for many years, new patches of turf may stand out because the original turf will have faded a little in the sun over time.
The new turf will also have a slightly different texture because it will be less worn than the original.
Use a pressure washer to clean your artificial grass, but do this with caution.
A pressure washer has the potential to tear and shred the turf if it is too powerful.
It is wise to test a small turf area to see if any damage is done before using a pressure washer all over your yard.
Here is our guide to cleaning artificial turf to help you maintain your turf properly.
Watering Artificial Turf For The Sport Of Field Hockey
In sports like American football, fake grass usually presents more challenge than natural grass due to its texture and stickiness.
Field hockey uses water on artificial turf to greatly benefit the sport.
The hockey field is usually watered before a game through a sprinkler system or water cannons.
Having water on the field reduces the risk of ankle and knee injuries, as well as skin abrasions.
Watered playing fields are much safer than sand-filled ones, and they encourage a more responsive playing style.
The water creates a smooth surface for the ball to glide on and keeps it from bouncing too high in the air.
If any problems occur with the irrigation system, a game will have to be postponed.
Modern irrigation systems are very well made, however, and some are even unaffected by windy conditions.
The specially-made sprinkler heads used on hockey fields were designed to completely disappear under the playing surface when they are not being used.
Commonly Asked Questions
Will weeds grow up through artificial turf?
While weeds can grow up through fake grass, it is a very rare occurrence with today’s advancements in the installation process.
Underneath the turf, there are many layers the weeds would need to penetrate to reach the surface.
The infill layer, leach bed, and drainage system extend several inches into the soil below the turf, and weeds would not likely make it to the top.
If any weeds are present, they would appear at the edges of the fake grass and not in the middle.
The drainage systems installed with turf are designed to funnel water away from the lawn.
If there is no water beneath the turf, weeds will not be able to grow.
Does artificial grass need special maintenance?
You will never have to mow the lawn again when you use artificial grass, but it does not mean there is no maintenance involved.
In addition to keeping the turf clean, it should be leveled out at least once per year to prevent any drainage issues.
The drainage system itself will also need to be regularly maintained to keep it in proper working order.
If the drainage system is not working properly, water will pool on the turf, possibly causing your entire lawn to flood.
Synthetic grass will also need raking to keep the fibers from becoming matted down.
Raking fake grass is very similar to raking a carpet to make the fibers fluffy again.
Drag the rake across the grass in one direction.
Then, you will drag the rake in the opposite direction to make the synthetic fibers in the grass stand up.
How long does synthetic turf last?
With proper leveling, a good drainage system, cleaning, and raking, artificial grass will last anywhere from 15-20 years.
Modern turf is more durable than it used to be and much easier to clean as well.
Long-term fading is still an issue, but it has been greatly improved in recent years.
Like any other product, modern advances in technology and design will extend the longevity of turf as long as it is properly maintained.