Synthetic grass, also known as artificial turf, artificial grass, or synthetic turf, has become increasingly popular in landscaping, sports fields, rooftop gardens, pet areas, and more. The appeal lies in its low-water requirement, durability, and near-zero mowing. However, “low maintenance” is not the same as “no maintenance.” To keep synthetic grass looking good, safe, and long-lasting, one must follow a proper care regimen. In this article, we’ll explore the principles and detailed practices of synthetic grass care, from daily maintenance to occasional deep cleaning, and offer tips tailored to different environments.
We’ll also touch on CMGRASS, a brand that offers synthetic turf solutions, and how to care for CMGRASS installations specifically.
Before we go into “how,” it’s useful to understand what can degrade synthetic turf if you neglect it:
Accumulation of dust, pollen, debris, fallen leaves, and organic matter can mat the fibers or block drainage.
Pet waste, spills, stains, or liquids can leave odors, discoloration, or bacterial growth if not cleaned.
Heavy foot traffic or repeated wear may flatten the fibers, dislodge infill, or cause compaction.
UV exposure, oxidation, and weathering over time degrade the fibers or backing.
Infills may shift, compact, or disperse, reducing cushioning and function.
Seams or edges may loosen over time if not monitored or repaired.
Hence, proper care preserves aesthetics, safety, drainage, and longevity.
I’ll break this down into daily/weekly tasks, monthly or seasonal tasks, and occasional deep maintenance — and also special considerations for pets, sports fields, shaded/wet areas, etc.
Before you begin, it helps to have the right tools on hand:
Garden hose or spray nozzle (adjustable)
Soft-bristle brush, broom, or brush with synthetic bristles (avoid metal bristles)
Leaf blower or leaf vacuum
Plastic rake (non-metal)
Mild detergent or pH-neutral cleaner
Disinfectant designed for artificial turf
Enzyme cleaner (for pet areas)
Mineral spirits or solvent (for tough oil/grease stains)
Dry absorbent (e.g. kitty litter)
Ice packs or aerosol refrigerant for gum removal
Infill (sand, silica, crumb rubber, or other filler consistent with your turf system)
Seam repair kit or adhesive (if needed)
Protective gloves, soft cloths, sponges
These tasks are the foundation of good turf care.
Remove debris
Use a leaf blower, broom, or plastic rake to remove leaves, twigs, trash, pine needles, and other organic matter.
Do this often — especially after storms, windy days, or in autumn when leaves fall. Accumulated debris can hold moisture, encourage mold/algae growth, and press fibers down.
Pay special attention to edges and seams, where debris often collects.
Rinse / water flush
Use a hose with a gentle spray (not high pressure, unless the turf system is rated for it) to rinse dust, pollen, bird droppings, or surface residues.
Frequent light rinsing helps keep the grass clean and helps redistribute infill.
In dry climates or during drought, this helps remove accumulated fine dust.
Spot clean spills / stains immediately
When spills or stains occur (e.g. soda, wine, coffee, oil, food), attend promptly. The longer they sit, the harder to remove.
Use a mixture of mild soap (pH-neutral) and lukewarm water; gently blot, scrub lightly, then rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn stains like grease, motor oil, or ink, mineral spirits or a suitable solvent may be used, then rinse.
For sticky substances like gum or tree sap, freeze them (using dry ice or aerosol refrigerant) and then scrape off gently.
Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals unless specifically recommended by the turf manufacturer.
Manage pet waste (if applicable)
Remove solid waste promptly using a scoop or bag, as you would on real grass.
Spray the area with water after removal to flush away urine residues.
For odors, consider using a diluted vinegar solution or enzyme-based turf cleaner.
For heavier pet use, a more frequent flushing or disinfecting might be needed.
Brush / groom in moderate-use areas
Use a soft-bristle broom or brush (synthetic bristles) to lightly “lift” flattened fibers, especially in high-traffic zones.
Brush in different directions (cross-brushing) to maintain a natural look and prevent matting.
This also helps redistribute infill evenly under the fibers.
Beyond the routine, deeper maintenance helps preserve turf performance.
Infill inspection and top-up
Check whether infill (if your system uses infill) has compacted, migrated, or thinned out, especially in high-use paths, goals, walkways, or around furniture.
Where infill is low, add compatible material to restore the designed depth.
After adding, brush or rake to integrate it evenly.
In sports or high-impact areas, lost infill may reduce shock absorption or wear resistance.
Weed, moss, algae control
Although synthetic turf is inherently weed-resistant, weeds can grow at edges or through seams. Pull weeds when seen.
In damp or shaded areas, moss or algae may develop. Use manufacturer-approved moss or algaecide (avoid harsh chemicals) on a periodic basis (e.g. quarterly).
Ensure good drainage and airflow to minimize these issues.
Edge and seam inspections
Inspect the edges and seams of the turf to see if any loosening, lifting, or delamination is happening.
If glue or stitching fails, repair early to prevent further damage.
Also check for any shifting or settling of the base substrate that might cause depressions.
Sanitizing / disinfection (especially for heavy-use areas)
Use appropriate turf disinfectants (safe for the turf material, pH-balanced) to sanitize surface.
For pet areas, consider enzyme cleaners to reduce bacteria and odor.
In commercial or sports settings, disinfection might be done more frequently, especially after events or much foot traffic.
Check drainage / water flow
Confirm that water is freely draining through the turf’s drainage system (e.g. via gravel/base layer, drainage holes).
If you see puddling, check whether debris or clogged drains are obstructing flow.
Over time, base substrate might settle, requiring slight leveling or adding base material underneath critical sections.
These tasks are heavier but essential for long-term performance.
Deep grooming / power brushing
Use a mechanical groomer or power brush (if allowed by the turf system) to fully lift fibers, decompact infill, and restore the pile.
Do this especially before high-use seasons or after heavy wear.
However, be cautious with equipment — only use machines compatible with your turf installation.
Infill decompaction / replacement
Over time, infill may compact due to traffic, reducing cushioning and increasing hardness.
Deep decompaction (loosening) is needed, followed by top-up of fresh infill.
In some systems, full replacement of infill might be done every many years, depending on wear.
Surface hardness / impact testing (for sports / athletic turf)
For athletic installations, periodic testing of surface hardness (e.g. Gmax testing) ensures safety (avoid surfaces too hard).
If hardness is high, additional maintenance or infill adjustment may be needed.
Base leveling / repair of substrate irregularities
After years of use, the base (sand, crushed stone, aggregate) may shift or settle, creating low spots or depressions.
You may need to lift sections, add base material, re-level, and re-secure turf.
Also inspect for root intrusion (if adjacent natural grass) or nearby tree roots pushing up.
Edge re-anchoring / seam re-gluing
As the turf ages, adhesives or stitching at seams or borders might degrade — re-glue, re-stitch, or reset edges as needed.
Don’t use metal bristles or wire brushes Use only synthetic-bristle brushes or brooms; metal bristles can damage the fibers or backing.
Avoid heavy or sharp objects Avoid dragging heavy furniture, stone pots, grills, or machinery with hard wheels across the turf. Use protective pads if necessary. Also avoid spiked shoes (e.g. metal cleats) unless approved by the turf manufacturer.
Rotate high-use zones if possible If certain areas see constant use (e.g. under swings, footpaths), rotate or rest those zones occasionally to reduce permanent matting.
No fireworks, cigarettes, or burning Synthetic turf may be damaged by heat, embers, or cigarette butts. Do not allow open flames, sparks, or barbecues directly on the surface.
Prevent soil or dirt encroachment Use transition strips, edging, or hardscapes adjoining turf areas to reduce soil/dirt washing onto the turf (which would clog the drainage or embed dust).
Train users & signage In commercial or community installations, signage or rules (e.g. no chewing gum, no food on turf, no bikes/skates) may reduce damage or littering.
Since you referred me to https://www.cmgrass.com/, here’s how those general practices apply to CMGRASS installations, along with any brand-specific pointers.
CMGRASS is a manufacturer and supplier of artificial turf solutions (for landscaping, sports, etc.). Their products include various turf types, underlay, and accessory systems.
When caring for CMGRASS:
Always follow the maintenance guidelines and warranty conditions set by CMGRASS. They may specify allowable cleaning agents, brushing frequencies, and methods.
Use compatible infill materials as recommended for CMGRASS turf types (e.g. certain sand, silica, or rubber infills). Using incompatible infill might void warranty or cause performance issues.
For stains or chemicals, refer to CMGRASS’s documentation or support to ensure the cleaning method (e.g. pH range, no solvents harmful to backing or fibers).
If CMGRASS provides a recommended disinfectant or maintenance product (e.g. anti-microbial sprays they endorse), use that or ensure any alternative is safe for their system.
Monitor seams and edges per CMGRASS’s installation guidelines; if they require specific adhesives or seam tapes, maintain those components properly.
Because CMGRASS is a reputable supplier in the turf industry, installations done properly will benefit from the care practices listed above — and following their brand guidance ensures you don’t inadvertently damage their turf.
Frequency | Tasks |
---|---|
Daily / Weekly | Remove debris, rinse surface, spot clean spills, remove pet waste, brush flattened areas |
Monthly | Inspect infill, top-up infill, pull weeds, check seams and edges, sanitize heavier-use zones |
Quarterly | Moss/algae treatment, deeper brushing, check drainage, seam/edge minor repairs |
Annually / Every few years | Deep grooming / power brushing, infill decompaction or replacement, substrate leveling, edge/seam rework, hardness testing (for sport) |
Adjust the frequency based on climate (dusty or windy areas may need more rinsing), usage (pets, children, heavy traffic), and local conditions.
Matting or “flat areas”: Increase brushing frequency, deep grooming, or infill top-up.
Odor or bacterial growth (in pet zones): Use enzyme-based cleaners, flush more often, and sanitize regularly.
Poor drainage / puddling: Check for clogged drainage paths, substrate compaction, or base settlement; remedy by re-leveling or cleaning drainage.
Seam lifting / edge curling: Re-glue or re-stitch seams, secure edges, or add anchoring strips.
Weeds or moss growth: Address promptly, use approved weed or moss treatments, maintain dryness and airflow.
Stains that won’t go away: Use stronger (but safe) solvents, soak, blot, and rinse repeatedly; if needed, consult turf manufacturer for recommended stain removers.
Hard surface or reduced cushioning (sport turf): Test hardness; if too high, decompact infill, add fresh infill, or adjust substrate.