Caring for your artificial lawn in winter

With winter looming, use the last of the good weather to clean and prepare your artificial lawn. With
our current climate conditions, it is expected that we are going to have to brace ourselves for
significantly colder winters from 2016 onwards. With changes in wind flow and salinity in the
Northern Atlantic, we may also expect lower temperatures in Britain all year round. But for now, as
the nights will soon be drawing in and the temperature drops, it is time to prepare. Unlike natural
grass, though, artificial turf is actually extremely simple to look after over winter, so there’s no need
to worry. We just suggest a few simple precautions to take beforehand and as you go along.
 
If you know of, or are expecting a period of bad weather, protection can be better than treatment.
Your artificial lawn is, of course, strong enough to withstand the harsh weather but if you’re looking
for that extra edge of protection you could consider using a waterproof tarpaulin groundsheet.
Tarpaulin is a synthetic material, just like that used for artificial lawn, but it adds a whole extra layer.
Leaves and foliage are inevitably going to fall from the trees in autumn and, if left on lawns, can
cause moss and algae. Here at LawnClenz, we recommend clearing any debris from your lawn with a plastic rake, especially in areas that are heavily shaded or damp. Don’t use a metal rake as this can snag the grass pile. Alternatively use an electric or petrol leaf-blower This will prevent any build-up of moss on your artificial lawn. So aim to continue to clear up any leaves from your lawn throughout winter. A quick brush every few weeks to get rid of leaves and debris should ensure your lawn stays looking in tip top condition.
 
If we’re lucky enough to have a snow day this year, it won’t have a huge impact on artificial grass.
However artificial lawns certainly aren’t unbeatable, ice and sleet can sometimes prove dangerous.
While you can still walk on your turf in winter, be cautious if the fibres freeze as treading on them
could cause damage. Fallen snow doesn’t need to be removed, however, as it simply melts and will
drain naturally through the turf. If you do feel like you wish to remove any snow from the surface of
your lawn, ensure you use a plastic (not metal) shovel to clear any built up snow. You may also want
to use salt, but you should only do this occasionally. Avoid removing it by hand as this can lead to a
‘tearing effect’ and damage the fibres of your grass.
 
The best thing about an artificial lawn is that, unlike natural grass, you don’t have to mow your
artificial lawn. Put a costly treatment on it before winter and you won’t end up with a muddy mess
after the bad weather. You can simply sit back and relax - whatever the season - knowing your
artificial grass will remain perfect all year round. It will automatically drain ice, snow, and rain, has
strong durability and thanks to its UV resistance, will remain fade-free