Artificial Grass Maintenance
In this blog article we look at how to keep Artificial Grass performing at its best, preventing compaction, drainage issues and weeds.
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3 min read
PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES
Artificial grass is generally designed for use in sports surfaces. As such, it must perform several tasks to a high standard.
1. An even surface for players to run over, allowing the ball to play as expected.
2. Provide grip for players.
3. Drain quickly so the pitch can be used for as many hours as possible.
4. Provide a relatively soft , even landing with no sharp objects.
5. Look attractive to players and spectators.
There are several variations of artificial grass. However, their composition is usually quite similar. There will be a solid hard-core or similar base, covered by sand to provide an even foundation for the surface. This base is covered by a porous mat with the appearance of grass. The mat will be woven or perforated to allow fast drainage. In between the pile (grass strands) will be a filling; such as rubber crumb or sand. This is used to keep the grass pile upright and even, as well as providing a soft landing for players.
THE 3 BIGGEST THREATS TO SURFACE PERFORMANCE ON ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
SURFACE COMPACTION
The grass pile and surface infill get heavy traffic when the surface is in use. This results in the pile being trodden flat and the infill compacting between the strands. Over time the compaction will lead to drainage problems. The surface will also become hard and uneven; making it less enjoyable to play on. If left untreated the surface will flood and play will be very difficult.
DETRITUS BUILD UP
Playing surfaces are often placed near large hedges and trees, where detritus can easily be blown onto the surface. Players also contribute by walking dirty boots onto the grass from nearby grass or dropping litter. If left on the surface the detritus will be trodden into the mat and will rot down, blocking up the surface, which will prevent drainage and providing an ideal growth medium for moss and weeds.
SURFACE DISPLACEMENT
The filling in the mat is loose and light. Therefore heavy traffic displaces the infill, especially in areas of heavy play, such as goal mouths. If left untreated the surface will become very uneven, causing balls to deflect in odd ways and players to trip.
TREATMENT
A regular preventative maintenance regime is very simple and easily implemented. Surface compaction can be easily prevented by using a powered sweeper over areas of heavy traffic and a drag mat or static brush over other areas to keep the infill loose.
A wide brush or drag brush can be used to stand up the grass pile and redistribute the infill for a smooth surface.
Detritus build up can be prevented by sweeping also. A filter collector can be used to allow infill through while larger detritus is collected.
Other measures can also help, such as keeping the route to and from the surface swept to minimise dirt brought onto the surface by players boots. Nearby trees should be regularly pruned to reduce leaf and twig fall and leaves should be collected.
Surface displacement can be easily treated with a drag mat or static brush, which can redistribute the infill evenly across the surface.
REMEDIAL WORK
If regular maintenance has been neglected we have often come across surfaces which are very compacted and covered with moss. This can be remedied by using a Kersten powered sweeper; removing the moss and detritus along with some of the infill. The brush can then be used to get deep into the pile and de-compact the remaining infill. Additional infill may be needed to top up what has been removed. In extreme situations we have also had to use a Kersten Weed brush with wire bristles to remove the moss and de-compact the surface. This should only be used as a last resort! It is a very aggressive method and can damage the surface if used too heavily.
For more information on looking after surfaces check out our surface maintenance handbook. https://kerstenuk.com/files/Kersten-surface-maintenance-handbook-catalogue.pdf
Call us on 0118 9869 253, or email info@kerstenuk.com to discuss your application.
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