How Long Will Artificial Grass Last? [And How Often To Replace It]

Roll of green artificial grass on the counter in the store, How Long Will Artificial Grass Last [And How Often To Replace It]

Roll of astroturf or field turf matting of artificial grass soccer field,green lawn background with workers pave the counterfeit grass.
happy woman feel comfortable and relaxing on wooden sun bed furniture outdoor on green artificial grass and looking the blue sky background, coffee morning concept. - How Long will Artificial Grass Last?
Artificial grass background. Tender hand of a baby on a green artificial turf floor. - How Long Will Artificial Grass Last? [And How Often To Replace It]
Artificial lawn for a football field. - How Long Will Artificial Grass Last? [And How Often To Replace It]
Newly laid artificial lawn in small front garden, East Yorkshire, UK. - How Long Will Artificial Grass Last? [And How Often To Replace It]

Artificial grass has become a more and more popular choice over the last couple of years. This popularity comes from many improvements made in the design of artificial grass, such as longevity. This singular improvement often leads buyers to wonder how long this fake grass will last. We did some research and found an answer that'll give you some much-needed insight.

The lifespan of artificial grass will depend on certain factors like how well it's installed, maintained, and the amount of traffic it receives. Artificial grass does have a tendency to suffer from a decrease in UV stability around the 10-year mark. However, a person with a well-installed artificial lawn should expect it to last about 20 years. 

But there's a little more to this topic than knowing the general average lifespan of artificial grass. Our following sections will provide a more detailed look into everything about this topic. You'll know whether or not to invest in artificial grass, when it will need to be replaced, and much more.

How Often Do You Replace Artificial Grass?

Aside from the 20-year average lifespan, there's no real guideline regarding how often artificial grass needs replacing. It'll vary from situation to situation. But some common signs indicate that your lawn might need an update. Here's a few of them:

A Desire For A New Look

One of the main reasons people find themselves replacing their artificial grass is the desire for a new look. After all, having the same kind of grass for 10 to 15 years might get a little boring. You might even find the old style doesn't mesh with your taste anymore.

If this does happen, you should take advantage of the many styles and green shades available to artificial grass owners. This process is something a contractor can help out with and ensure that it's installed correctly.

Excessive Damage

Roll of green artificial grass on the counter in the store

In normal circumstances, you shouldn't have any issues getting many years of use from your artificial grass. But unexpected situations could threaten its longevity and result in several spots being damaged. For example, a fire spreading onto your artificial lawn and melting individual sections into unrepairable gunk.

This situation would leave you with two choices — cutting out the damaged sections to replace them or replacing the entire lawn. Cutting these damaged sections out might seem like the right choice at first, but it's a frustrating task to say the least.

You see, it's difficult to hide the seams and match the shade of the old lawn with the new sections. These issues make replacing the entire lawn a more attractive and more cost-effective option.

Hasn't Been Replaced In Over A Decade

If your artificial lawn had been in place for ten years, it's time to pay close attention to its condition. This amount of time is when the grass starts to show some signs of wear and tear. It'd be a good idea to start checking your lawn annually from this point on. You shouldn't have much issue determining whether an upgrade is needed.

Selling Your Home

People often decide to replace artificial lawns right before selling their homes. This will help your property look the best it possibly can for potential buyers. A good rule of thumb is to examine whether it will look suitable for another five years. If not, it's time to replace it.

If you have doubts, it'd be a smart move to replace it before moving onto your home. It'll create a great impression with possible buyers and it'll increase the chances of your property selling. In this market, little details like this one can go a long way.

What Are the Advantages And Disadvantages Of Artificial Grass?

Greenering with an artificial grass background. Landscape designer holds a roll of an artificial turf in his hands.

As with any purchase, artificial grass offers benefits and drawbacks. We'll discuss both at length to ensure you have a better idea of what to expect. Let's get this started by looking at the benefits to get a feel about why people would make the change to artificial.

Advantages

  • It doesn't require the use of harmful chemical residues: Artificial grass doesn't need fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to stay insect-free and beautiful. These aspects make it much safer for both the environment and your family.
  • Non-toxic: Manufacturers don't use poisonous materials in the manufacturing of artificial grass.
  • Durable: These non-toxic materials happen to be quite durable and capable of withstanding many potential issues. For instance, artificial grass is dig-proof to stop rodents and dogs from making large holes in your yard. You can also expect it to be fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and resistant to fraying at its edges.
  • Conserves water: Artificial grass makes it much easier for homeowners to deal with state water restrictions. In other words, it'll drastically reduce your water usage without having any impact on your lawn's overall aesthetic.
  • Provides a safer surface: Natural grass tends to develop humps and divots. These issues can become dangerous nuisances, which might cause an injury to a child running around on it. Artificial grass is always smooth and remains consistent.

Disadvantages

  • Higher surface temperature: Artificial grass holds more heat than regular grass. This can make it feel warm and uncomfortable to the touch after it has been exposed to harsh sunlight all day.
  • Prone to odor build-ups: Bad smells will fester when messes aren't clean up on artificial grass. You must stay vigilant and deal with potential smelly issues right away.
  • Doesn't absorb animal waste: This issue could make it a rather hard sell for pet owners. However, it's worth mentioning that artificial grass is permeable, which means liquids will pass through it without a problem.
  • Non-biodegradable: Synthetic grass is only partly made from recycled materials. As a result, your artificial lawn will end up in a landfill when you replace it.

How Does Artificial Grass Remain in Place?

Artificial Green Grass

How exactly artificial grass remains in place isn't too difficult to understand. Once your synthetic grass is measured, cut, and rolled out, the spots where it comes together will require seaming. Your contractor will then have to decide what seaming process will yield the best results.

Some options include using adhesive and seam tape to attach these pieces, using nails to secure the seams, or creating seams by sewing pieces together. Once this process is complete, the next step consists of securing your artificial lawn's border.

This step is usually done by using lawn spikes or nails to ensure your new yard stays in place. But if you're installing artificial grass on hardscapes like asphalt or concrete, the pieces will be secured with glue. Your chosen edging will also have a hand in keeping the lawn secure. It's wise to have a discussion with your contractor about what edging option is best for your situation.

If you choose an artificial lawn product that makes use of infill, the contractor will add it to your yard after it's been secured. The securing process will require a combination of glue, seam take, and nails. People installing the grass themselves should use a seed spreader to spread the yard's infill.

The infill will then help hold your artificial lawn in place by putting extra weight onto the backing material. Many homeowners go with infill products because it's a part of what makes the yard feel more natural. It'll help keep the grass's blades upright as well.

Non-infill artificial grass doesn't offer the benefit of adding additional weight to keep your lawn secure. As a result, it puts more importance on adequately securing the grass with lawn spikes, glue, and seam tape. It's the only way to ensure the install is done correctly and ends with a smile on your face.

Can You Put Lawn Furniture On Artificial Grass?

Synthetic grass lawn laying background.

You can absolutely put furniture on artificial grass. It's basically the same as putting furniture on a carpet. But you must avoid dragging sharp edges along the lawn when placing or moving it. This will break and tear up the turf, which isn't something anyone wants.

Bigger objects left in one place for an extended period might leave behind imprints on your grass, as well. It would be a smart idea to move or rotate your furniture around every six months. This will ensure that leftover marks aren't a problem for your lawn.

Aside from these small issues, people who want a bench, swing, or trampoline on their grass shouldn't have any problems. Certain brands even offer thicker and more durable material with this in mind. It might be smart move to spend a little extra on more durable grass for anyone looking to use furniture in this capacity.

Will Weeds Grow Through Artificial Grass?

Artificial turf green grass roll on white background

The majority of artificial grass manufacturers will guarantee that weeds can't penetrate their products. In most cases, this claim turns out to be accurate, as weeds rarely make an appearance where artificial turf is present.

You can attribute it to its intricate design, which features various levels that reach below the grass's surface. The lack of water access certainly doesn't hurt, either, as weeds need it to grow. These qualities allow an artificial lawn to avoid many of the issues that cause natural grass to lose its luster.

This post provided a better idea of what to expect when owning an artificial lawn. But if we didn't cover one of your questions or concerns, please let us know in our comment section. We'll do our best to address any lingering concerns.

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