What should you not put on artificial grass?

Artificial turf is widely used in sports venues, parks, schools and private courtyards because of its environmental protection, durability and beauty. However, while enjoying the convenience and comfort brought by artificial turf, there are also some taboos to pay attention to. The following are several items and behaviors that should never be placed or used on artificial turf to avoid damaging the turf and ensure its service life.

No barbecue and fire

High temperatures are the enemy of artificial turf. Artificial turf is typically made of synthetic fibers and plastics, making it extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Its heat resistance limit is usually below 60°C. Above this temperature, the grass fibers will melt and shrink rapidly, even causing a fire. Even brief contact can cause irreversible damage.

✔ To avoid any potential damage to the turf, ensure that barbecue grills, campfires, or cigarette butts are kept away from the artificial turf. It is best to use a fire-resistant, heat-insulating mat or place it on a stable surface, such as a patio or concrete area.

Harmful Effects:

• High temperatures directly melt the grass fibers, forming charred clumps and damaging the turf's smoothness;

• Charcoal embers or sparks from fireworks may ignite the grass fibers, causing safety accidents;

• High temperatures accelerate the aging of the underlying adhesive, leading to turf delamination and curling.

Avoid dumping hazardous chemicals

While artificial turf is durable, it is extremely sensitive to certain chemicals. For example, chemicals such as gasoline, paint, and strong acids and alkalis can not only corrode the turf surface, causing it to lose its shine, but can also seep into the soil and pollute water sources.

✔ Avoid using harsh chemicals or oily products near artificial turf. If chemicals are accidentally spilled, immediately rinse with plenty of water and clean the contaminated area with a mild detergent.

✔ Avoid using fertilizers or pesticides designed for natural grass, as these can damage your artificial turf.

Harmful Effects:

• Corrosive substances damage the protective film on the grass fibers, causing the turf to yellow, become brittle, and break easily;

• Dyes from dyes can penetrate the grass fibers and are difficult to remove even with repeated washing, affecting the appearance;

• Oil stains attract dust, forming stubborn stains, and accelerate the aging of the underlying adhesive.

No sharp objects

Artificial turf is mostly made of PE or PP, which, while tough, has poor cut resistance. The underlying drainage pad and cushioning layer are also vulnerable to punctures from sharp objects. Knives, glass shards, and sharp metal objects can all scratch artificial turf, causing irreparable damage. Damage to the turf surface not only affects aesthetics but also increases the risk of personal injury.

✔ Exercise caution when using any sharp tools around artificial turf, especially in children's play areas or sports fields.

✔ For areas with high traffic or frequent gardening work, it is recommended to lay protective mats to protect the grass blades.

Harmful Effects:

• Cutting the grass fibers causes the turf to "shed," exposing the underlying material and affecting its appearance; this is irreparable.

• Piercing the underlying drainage pad damages the drainage system, leading to rainwater accumulation, mold growth, and corrosion of the ground surface.

• Sharp edges scratch the turf surface coating, accelerating aging and fading.

Avoid parking heavy objects for a long time

Artificial turf consists of a cushioning pad and a drainage layer. It can withstand the weight of a person or light activity, but prolonged heavy pressure can cause irreversible structural damage. Although artificial turf has good resilience, prolonged parking of cars, trucks, or heavy equipment can put enormous pressure on the surface, causing the turf to dent, deform, crack, and even accelerate material aging.

✔ If heavy objects must be placed on the artificial turf, it is recommended to use a weight-bearing pad or protective layer to evenly distribute the pressure and reduce the risk of damage.

✔ Regularly move heavy objects on the turf to distribute the weight evenly.

Harmful Effects:

• The cushioning pad collapses after prolonged compression, causing the turf to lose its elasticity, become hard underfoot, and lose its comfort;

• The drainage holes in the drainage layer become clogged, preventing rainwater from draining properly and leading to mold and moss growth;

• The edges and corners of heavy objects can create localized high pressure, causing the grass fibers to break and the base layer to damage.

It is not advisable to accumulate a lot of debris

Artificial turf drainage systems are generally well-designed, but prolonged accumulation of fallen leaves, debris, and heavy fabrics can impair drainage, leading to waterlogging and the growth of mold and bacteria.

✔ It is recommended to regularly remove debris from the turf to maintain its aeration and drainage.

Harmful Effects:

• A damp underlying environment breeds moss, contaminating surrounding grass fibers, and mold growth may trigger allergies;

• During rain, water can become trapped beneath the mulch, preventing evaporation and accelerating substrate decay.

Avoid pet urine accumulation

While artificial turf can be used in pet activity areas, the long-term accumulation of pet urine can produce unpleasant odors and affect the turf's hygiene.

✔ It is recommended to wash the turf regularly and use a pet-specific deodorizing cleaner to keep it fresh.

✔ Ideally, use a dedicated pet turf or removable mats in areas frequently used by pets for better maintenance and cleaning.

Harmful Effects:

• Long-term urine residue can damage the UV-resistant coating on the grass fibers, causing them to yellow and become brittle;

• Urine seeps into the underlying cushioning and drainage layers, fostering bacterial growth and producing odors that are difficult to completely remove;

• Areas with urine residue attract insects, further polluting the turf environment.

Avoid using hard-bristle brushes and high-pressure water guns

While artificial turf requires regular cleaning, using a stiff-bristled brush or high-pressure water gun can damage the turf and shorten its lifespan.

✔ It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush for gentle cleaning or a low-pressure water gun to maintain the integrity of the turf.

Harmful Effects:

• Excessive water pressure from a high-pressure water gun can directly impact the grass fibers, causing them to flatten or even break.

• High-pressure water can penetrate the bonding layer between the turf and the ground, washing away the underlying adhesive and causing the edges of the turf to lift and detach, potentially leading to the entire turf becoming loose.

• The powerful impact of a high-pressure water gun can force dirt and debris from the turf surface into the drainage holes, causing blockages and preventing rainwater from draining properly, which can then lead to mold growth.

Proper use to extend the life of artificial turf

Artificial turf is a beautiful and durable flooring material, but improper use may greatly shorten its life. To keep artificial turf in the best condition, please avoid the following behaviors:

× Do not light a fire or barbecue to prevent the turf from melting or catching fire.

× Avoid chemical dumping to prevent corrosion of the turf and pollution of the environment.

× Keep away from sharp objects to prevent scratches on the surface of the turf.

× Do not park heavy objects for a long time to prevent the turf from deforming.

× Avoid using high-pressure water guns and hard-bristle brushes to avoid damaging the grass.

✔ Clean up debris regularly to keep the turf breathable and dry.

✔ Clean up pet urine regularly to prevent odor and bacterial growth.

Maintenance and Care

Understanding the taboos is important, but mastering the correct maintenance methods is equally crucial:

• Placement Rule: "Place down mats first, then place items." Equip all furniture and equipment with wide, supportive pads under their legs.

• Daily Cleaning: Regularly remove leaves and debris with a soft brush or hairdryer; rinse periodically with clean water to cool and remove dust.

• Professional Inspection: Conduct a professional inspection annually, replenishing filler particles to ensure proper drainage.

Common Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions about the use of artificial turf, and these misconceptions can indirectly lead to turf damage:

1. "Short-term placement of heavy objects is fine."

Correction: Even short-term placement within 24 hours can cause temporary deformation of the cushioning pad. Frequent short-term placement will eventually lead to irreversible deformation. It is recommended to avoid this as much as possible. If placement is necessary, be sure to lay down wooden planks to distribute the pressure.

2. "Plastic toys won't damage the turf."

Correction: Some hard plastic toys (such as skateboards and roller skates) have relatively hard edges. Collisions and friction from children playing with them are enough to scratch the surface of the grass fibers. It is recommended to place only soft toys on the turf; hard toys should only be used under adult supervision.

3. "Rainwater can wash away all stains."

Correction: Rainwater can only wash away surface dust. Rainwater is ineffective at removing oily, stained, or corrosive stains; in fact, it can cause the stains to spread. For these types of stains, a specialized cleaning agent must be used immediately.

4. "Artificial turf is not afraid of the sun and doesn't need maintenance."

Correction: Although artificial turf has UV resistance, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will accelerate the aging of the grass fibers. Placing high-temperature objects on top of this will double the damage. It is recommended to build a temporary shade structure over the turf in the summer or to regularly spray water to cool it down.

Proper use and maintenance of artificial turf can not only extend its life, but also keep your outdoor space clean and beautiful at all times. I hope the above suggestions can help you better protect and enjoy your artificial turf!