Lifespan Of Fake Grass: What To Expect From Your Turf

Find out how long you can anticipate your fake grass to last when installed by the pros.

Artificial turf, unceremoniously known as fake grass, has experienced a boon here in Perth. While natural grass tends to thrive with our persistent sunshine, homeowners are tiring of the costs and time it takes to maintain their yards. By turning to synthetic grass, they can cut that maintenance down to nearly zero.

While a “real lawn” runs a risk of dying if you cut it too short, water it too infrequent, or don’t keep up with fertilizer, artificial turf has none of these issues. But how long is the lifespan of fake grass and what can you expect if you make the switch?

If you want to learn more about artificial grass, check out our other resources:

1. How Much Does Synthetic Grass Cost in Perth?

2.How To Buy The Best Artificial Grass

3. Lifespan Of Fake Grass

4. 7 Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Artificial Grass

We’re taking a closer look at everything from upkeep to warranties in this in-depth article.

Maintenance is king when talking turf. Grass requires frequent mowing, watering, fertilising, weeding, and care that can rack up time and money for homeowners. Fake grass, on the other hand, requires none of this. The most you’ll have to worry about with artificial grass is:

• Occasional hosing with water to clear dirt or debris build up
• Picking up pet waste (which applies to natural grass, too!)
• Spot cleaning stains and spills as they happen (similar to carpet)
• Brush the fibres to decompress any trodden down sections

Not only is it low maintenance, fake grass is also durable. You never have to worry about sections dying off like you do with natural grass. It is designed to withstand wear and tear from foot traffic, with certain types created for different purposes such as putting greens and pet runs. When installed correctly with sand infill, you don’t have to worry about the turf becoming waterlogged after a rain storm. And since you’re dealing with fake grass, you’ll have fewer bugs and pests to worry about, too.

So how long can you expect this lawn marvel to last?

A long, long time, it turns out.

Artificial turf can last upward of 25-30 years or more depending on care and environmental factors (more on that below). That said, most companies warranty their products for anywhere between 7-10 years.

Quality

Different brands and companies provide different levels of quality when it comes to their artificial turf. On one hand, this can be helpful especially if you are working within a specific budget. Some makes and models may be cheaper than others. But remember that you will also get what you pay for. Lower quality turfs are less likely to last beyond the 20-year mark.

Worried about price? Check out our Artificial Turf Price Guide [NEW]

Infill

Sand is an important part of artificial turf. It helps keep the mats in place and also provides for proper drainage throughout the year. It can also add rigidity to the fibres of the grass itself, helping them to stand more upright and look even more like real grass. Sand also helps absorb shock when walking (or falling) on the turf and also helps deter pests and bacteria from taking up residence.

Weather

Artificial turf is designed to take a beating from the weather. But every product has its limits. When it comes to excessive weather, including scorching hot sun, this grass can have its lifespan affected somewhat. The sun can cause the fibres to dry and become brittle and not last as long. Cold weather and snow can also have a similar effect, although they’re much, much less likely to be of impact here in Perth.

Traffic

How much you walk or tread on your grass also matters. The more the fibres are stomped on, the more likely they are to break down over time. This can affect the lush look of your turf, even if you do regular brushing to keep the fibres upright. However, while this is a concern for athletic fields that undergo a lot of activity and foot traffic, you’re not as likely to run into this issue with regular use at your home.

Material

Not all fake grass is made the same or from the same material. Different materials actually affect the longevity of the turf, not to mention its appearance. There are three main types to look out for:

1. Nylon: While considered the most expensive option, it is also the most durable and most likely to retain its shape and volume over time.
2. Polyethylene: This turf looks more like natural grass than its competition and is softer in texture.
3. Polypropylene: The cheapest option, this artificial turf is also the least durable and most likely to wear out over time from sun exposure.

Refill your infill

That infill layer we mentioned earlier is critical for a number of reasons. Not only does it help with shock absorption, but it is also key when it comes to ensuring that your turf drains rain properly. While your grass might last, your infill can tend to wash away or degrade over time. You might want to talk to your professional installer about how often to replenish your infill, but that could be as often as every 3-5 years depending on usage and wear.

Go with the pros

You might be able to tackle a small installation by yourself, but proper installation is key to longevity, especially with larger installs. If you are having your entire garden redone with artificial grass, it’s probably best for your outcome if you leave it to the professionals. While you might be tempted to save money with a DIY attempt, they’ll be certain to consider everything from leveling the land and proper drainage to getting the angle of the mats just right. The result will be a better looking – and longer lasting – surface.

So what should you look for when it comes to the best artificial turf installation provider?

Start with experience. It all comes down to how long a company has been in business and how many years they have had actually working with the materials and installs that you’re interested in.

Look for credibility. Anyone can claim to know how to do something. But looking into references and reviews can shed a lot of light on whether they actually know what they’re doing with real-life customers.

Check their credentials. You don’t want to work with anyone who isn’t licensed and insured to do the work that you’re asking about in the first place. Keep in mind that safety and coverage are not worth sacrificing. Memberships can also tell you a thing or two about their professionalism.

Ask about warranties. The best providers will also include warranties on their products and services. While they likely won’t be as long as the lifespan of fake grass, don’t settle for anything less than 7 years of coverage – the industry standard.

In just a day or two, you can have a quality lawn that looks and feels like real grass with all the benefits of synthetic turf. The lifespan of fake grass can extend well beyond 25-30 years when installed and cared for properly. And it helps to have high quality Australian made products to choose from that are designed to handle our harsh weather conditions.

That’s where the team at EverGreen Synthetic Grass comes into the picture. We have over 24 years of experience installing and providing artificial turf for homes, businesses, and athletic fields across Perth and greater Western Australia. With Australian-made products and a dedication to customer satisfaction, our realistic looking products are sure to please.

Wondering how much artificial grass might cost you for your back yard or garden upgrade? It all starts with a free, no-obligation quote from the experts. Just call us on 08 9303 2130 or request yours online today.