Essential Care Advice for Artificial Grass in Winter

As the temperatures drop and the rain and snow fall, our gardens become harder to maintain, resulting in an untidier than usual garden. For those with an artificial lawn, you may be sitting and watching your garden turn into a winter wonderland. Not to worry; there’s no need to panic.

Is Winter Weather Damaging for Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is extremely resilient, and with a little bit of TLC, the harsh winter environment won’t damage your artificial grass. This is one of the many benefits of having an artificial lawn.

Can Frost Affect Artificial Grass?

When natural grass freezes, it is susceptible to getting damaged. The damage occurs when people walk on the frozen blades and they tear. Unlike natural grass, artificial grass is not affected by frost. It is not as susceptible to tearing as the material is much more robust than natural grass.

It is also recommended to stay off the frozen grass when possible, for two reasons. The main reason is that it can get slippy when wet or frozen. Secondly, the more you walk on the ice, the more it compacts. This could affect the turf’s ability to drain the melted ice efficiently.

Will Snow Damage My Artificial Lawn?

Snow is not a threat to your artificial lawn, and it is not recommended to use salt, anti-freeze, or any other chemicals as they will harm the materials.

You can use a plastic shovel to clear your lawn; however, we advise letting the snow melt naturally. As long as the drainage is sufficient, your lawn will look as good as new once all of the snow has melted.

Heavy Rain and Artificial Grass

Just like natural grass, artificial grass can withstand large amounts of rainfall. Artificial turf is capable of being submerged for long periods of time without damage, and this is due to the materials, nylon and polyurethane. The main concern for artificial lawns during heavy rainfall is how effective the drainage system is. If installed correctly, you have nothing to worry about, and the water will naturally drain away easily. We’ve produced this useful guide on how to install artificial grass.

The beauty of an artificial lawn during heavy rainfall is that there are no muddy puddles, meaning your furry friends can still embrace the garden.

Leaves and Other Debris

It’s not just rain, snow, and ice to worry about in winter; there are also pesky leaves and debris that make their way into your garden. A simple plastic lawn rake is the most efficient way to keep your lawn free of leaves and debris. If you have access to a leaf blower, this also works effectively at clearing your lawn.

Can You Install Artificial Grass in Winter?

Even though gardening is deemed more enjoyable in the summer, you can still install artificial grass in the winter with no trouble. You may in fact be shocked to learn that, in some cases, it’s much easier to install your artificial lawn in the autumn and winter months. As long as there haven’t been extensive frosts, the ground is much easier to dig up due to the ground being softer compared to the summer months.

Our Top Tips for Protecting Your Artificial Grass in Winter

Regular maintenance is key to keeping any type of lawn at its best. Luckily for artificial lawn owners, it’s much easier to maintain than a natural lawn. The following top tips will help you prepare and protect your garden this winter.

Our top tips:

1. Use a plastic shovel to move the snow. If you wish to clear the grass, use a plastic shovel; a metal shovel could potentially damage the fibres of your lawn.
2. Allow the snow and ice to melt away naturally.
3. The drainage system of your artificial garden will make the water disappear before you know it. There is no need for any chemicals or products on the grass, as these will damage the material.
4. Keep your grass clear of leaves and debris.
5. Use a plastic rake to keep your lawn clear of leaves and twigs, as organic debris can cause moss to grow on your lawn. If it does, you can always use an artificial grass cleaner.
6. Be careful when walking on icy artificial grass. Like any surface, snow and ice can make your artificial lawn slippy, so take care!
7. Use a ground cover or tarpaulin if the weather is severe. If there is a prolonged, severe spell of snow and ice, you may want to consider covering your grass with a groundsheet for peace of mind.

To summarize, your artificial grass will be perfectly fine in harsh winter environments, which is just one of the many advantages of having an artificial lawn. As soon as winter leaves, you will be left with a lush green lawn to enjoy.

If your worries have not been answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experts at hello@buzzgrass.com or by phone at 01900 811970.