Expectation: Lush, green turf you can be proud of all year round. đ
Reality: Disturbing unidentified black patches all over your artificial grass! đ
Promises of perfectly manicured lawnsâreminiscent of endless summers and carefree enjoymentâcan quickly give way to a worrisome reality for unsuspecting homeowners: Dark speckles of something marring your synthetic grass.
It's like a punch to the gut, especially when your turf is still relatively new!
While their presence is initially more baffling than alarming ("Is it mud?"), we're here to warn you that you may have other problems underfoot: Algae, moss, mould, and mildew.
No place is safe
Contrary to what you might have been told, algae, moss, and fungi like moss and mildew can developâand thriveâon synthetic grass. Fortunately, understanding why such growths happen helps protect your backyard oasis from these creeping terrors.
Hint: Moisture is a recurring theme.
#1: Drainage troubles
Inadequate drainage creates the ideal environment for bothersome growths. But what lies behind most drainage issues?
đ¨ Shoddy work
Improper levelling, installing over concrete, or cutting corners with the sub-base preparation can cause water to pool rather than drain effectively.
Heads up: Uneven or lumpy turf and spots that sink when you step on them should set off alarm bells. (They're telltale signs that your turf wasn't installed correctly.)
đ§ď¸ The weather
You're more likely to encounter these lawn nuisances in autumn, winter, and early spring when weather conditions work in their favour. To be more precise, frequent or heavy rainfall causes the ground to become saturated with water, making it difficult for artificial turf to drain.
đ Inferior products
Like a poor installation job, low-quality artificial grass or the wrong specifications (for your needs) spell eventual moss and mildew trouble. Absorbent fibres and subpar backing are the most common culprits!
#2: Landscaping
While plants beautify your backyard, they can also create unintended consequences for your synthetic turf.
âď¸ Shade
Areas that receive less sunlight make it easy for these organisms to establish themselves as there's less water evaporation. Hello, dampness!
đ Organic debris
Neglecting to stay on top of your raking game allows fallen leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris from surrounding deciduous trees, overhanging branches, and nearby shrubs and bushes to trap moisture beneath them.
#3: Maintenance
Behind the scenes of all those picturesque artificial lawns lies diligence. Because, without regular maintenance, even fake turf won't hold up against life's chaos!
𧚠Infrequent cleaning
This last one is linked to all of the above: Inconsistent upkeep of your synthetic grass leaves the door open for spores and more to prosper! Yes, that includes viruses and bacteria from the bottoms of your shoes.
The consequences (of doing nothing)
From visual appeal to your family's well-being, let's explore the potential outcomes of ignoring "black things" appearing on your turf.
Odours: The combination of stagnant water, organic matter (including dog poop), and the presence of algae and mould can lead to foul smellsâearthy, musty, and worseâpermeating your yard.
Ugly yard: Visible black or velvet green patches detract from your lawn's attractiveness. Friends won't want to hang out there. And, frankly, neither will you!
Invasion: At first, these growths may go unnoticed. From a few blemishes here and there, they begin spreading sideways, obstructing drainage holes, traversing and proliferating across your turf. In other words, it becomes a persistent and unignorable problem.
Health risks: Moss and algae-affected surfaces can turn your turf into a potential slippery fall hazard, especially when wet. Accidents aside, mould and mildew can also trigger respiratory issues.
Expenses: These growths affect the longevity of your turf, potentially cutting its lifespan by years. Gulp! You may have to invest in expensive mould eradication services or, in severe cases, replace your turf. đ¸
But you can safeguard your turf...
To keep the risks of algae, moss, mould, and mildew at bay, remember that negligenceâand procrastinationânever pay.
- Remove organic messes daily and never allow dog poop to linger or dry out, as it provides a breeding ground for mould. (And other nasties.)
- Don't wait for mountains of leaves to accumulate out back. Brush away dirt and debris regularly using our no-fuss turf rake. It leaves nothing behindâand makes cleaning easy.
- Implement a deep cleaning regimen using an environmentally friendly yet uncompromising artificial turf and backyard disinfectant.
Don't forget: Action today beats strenuous, back- and bank-breaking "remedies" tomorrow, so secure your turf hygiene essentials now.
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