Artificial grass maintenance
Artificial grass is low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. To keep your lawn looking neat and green for years, it needs some attention a few times a year.
On this page, you can read exactly what is needed, which problems you can tackle yourself, and when it is wise to call in a professional.
At Gras Gemak, we maintain artificial grass throughout the Netherlands, from gardens in Eindhoven to rooftop terraces in Amsterdam. Whether you want to get started yourself or leave it to us, below you will find everything you need to make the right choice.
Maintaining your artificial grass in 6 steps
A neatly laid artificial grass lawn is a feast for the eyes. Naturally, you want it to stay looking its best for years to come. Proper maintenance is essential. These 6 simple steps will keep your artificial grass in top condition. See the full step-by-step guide below!
Step 1
Artificial grass inspection
First, carefully inspect the current condition of the artificial grass lawn. Based on this assessment, it will be determined whether a full maintenance plan is necessary.
Step 2
Removing moss
Moss formation on artificial grass is unfortunately common, especially in shady areas. Fortunately, Gras Gemak can expertly solve this problem for you.
Step 3
Cleaning edges
After removing the moss, some dirt often remains. We ensure this is neatly cleaned up by thoroughly sweeping the edges!
Step 4
Biomoss & stoneware
Now that the moss has been removed, it's important to prevent regrowth as much as possible. Therefore, we're treating the lawn with a combination of biomoss and stoneware.
Step 5
Deep cleaning artificial grass
The foundation of the artificial grass is now back in good condition. Next, we'll thoroughly clean the lawn with special maintenance machines for a thorough result.
Step 6
Brushing artificial grass
Time for the finishing touch: we thoroughly and carefully brush the artificial grass, so the fibers stand upright again. The result? A lawn that looks brand new!
Is artificial grass really maintenance-free?
No. That is one of the biggest misconceptions about artificial grass. Salespeople like to say, “no more mowing, no more watering, no more maintenance.” The first two are true. The third is not.
Why artificial grass definitely needs maintenance:
- Organic material accumulates. Leaves, pollen, seeds, and dust blow into your garden and sink between the fibers. If left lying around, it creates a breeding ground for moss and weeds, just like in a real lawn.
- Fibers lie flat. In areas where there is frequent walking or playing, the blades bend. Without brushing, they do not straighten up on their own.
- The infill distributes unevenly. The play sand or quartz sand between the fibers shifts due to use and rain. Without topping up, your artificial grass loses stability and resilience.
Moss and algae get a chance to grow. Especially in shady spots and under trees.
The good side of the story: if you follow the right steps a few times a year, you will enjoy a pristine lawn for years to come.
How often do you need to maintain artificial grass?
How often your artificial grass requires maintenance depends on its location and usage. In a leafy environment or with intensive use (for example, by children or dogs), maintenance is needed more often than for a quiet ornamental lawn.
As a guideline: remove leaves and twigs weekly in the autumn and monthly at that time. Brush the fibers once a month and rinse the grass clean 2 to 4 times a year. Treat moss 1 to 2 times a year. A professional deep cleaning is recommended once every 1 to 3 years, as is checking and replenishing the sand layer every 2 to 3 years.
Solving common problems
Below, we have listed the most common types of problems with artificial grass. If your artificial grass maintenance problem is not listed here, you can of course contact us by phone for advice; we are happy to help!
Removing moss from artificial grass
Moss grows where three factors come together: shade, moisture, and accumulated organic material. Three-step approach:
- Remove the food source. Sweep away loose leaves and debris. If there is heavy leaf fall, consider pruning branches that hang over the grass.
- Treat with biomoss or green soap. Do not use bleach or chlorine, as they damage the fibers.
Brush away the dead moss after a few days. Brush against the grain so that you also remove the residue between the fibers.
Stubborn moss that returns every year is a sign that something is wrong under the mat. For example, insufficient drainage or an infill layer that is saturated with dirt.
Removing weeds from artificial grass
Properly installed artificial grass has a weed control fabric underneath the mat, preventing weeds from growing from below. Any weeds you do see have come from above. Remove them as follows:
- Pull it out by hand, including the clump of dirt in which it is rooted.
- Do not use a weed burner. It melts the fibers.
- Do not use chemical-based weed killers. They damage the topsoil.
Prevent return by keeping the grass clean. No accumulated dirt means no breeding ground.
Stains, spilled drinks and pet urine
Artificial grass is in principle stain-resistant, but reacting quickly certainly helps. Steps:
- Solid residue (food, mud, feces): remove with a paper towel, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Liquid stains (drinks, paint, oil): blot with a cloth, work from the outside in to prevent running.
Pet urine: rinse regularly with water, especially with dogs that always use the same spot. A mixture of water with a splash of vinegar neutralizes odors.
Do not use bleach, acetone, or hot objects. They will irreparably damage the fibers.
Flat-lying fibers upright again
Fibers settle on walkways and play areas. Brushing against the pile direction solves this. Do this:
- On a dry, not too warm day.
- With a stiff artificial grass broom, not a metal rake.
In multiple directions if the grass is really flat.
In cases of severe flattening, brushing only helps temporarily. Then it is time for a deep cleaning with a brushing machine, or check if there is sufficient infill (sand) underneath.
Our artificial grass maintenance packages
Choose one of the three maintenance packages below and we will contact you within 24 hours on weekdays.
Package 1
Do it yourself package
- Bottle of biomoss
- Stoneware bottle
- Special artificial grass broom
- Brush machine worth €375.00
Package 2
Refresh
- Artificial grass inspection
- Removing moss
- Wipe the edges clean
- Applying biomoss
- Brushing artificial grass
- This package starts at €7.50 per m², with a minimum of €150.00. As the artificial turf grows, the price per m² decreases.
Package 3
Excellent maintenance
- Artificial grass inspection
- Removing moss
- Wipe the edges clean
- Applying Biomoss
- Deep cleaning artificial grass
- Brushing artificial grass
- This package starts at €10.00 per m², with a minimum of €200.00. As the artificial turf grows, the price per m² decreases.
Artificial grass maintenance per season
Each season places different demands on your lawn.
Spring. After the winter, it is time for a thorough cleaning. Remove all leaf debris left behind by the snow or rain, check for moss, and brush up the fibers. This is the perfect moment for a professional refresh, so you can enjoy it all summer long.
Summer. Requires little maintenance. Rinse occasionally with a garden hose to remove dust and pollen. Be careful when barbecuing: keep at least one meter distance between the artificial grass and hot coals. Do not place a hot fire pit directly on the fibers.
Autumn. The busiest season. Leaves must be removed every week, otherwise they form a breeding ground for moss. A leaf blower is faster than raking and less damaging to the fibers.
Winter. Hardly any maintenance. Do not walk on frozen artificial grass, as the fibers are brittle. Snow may remain on it and will melt away on its own. Do not use a metal shovel to clear snow, as this damages the grass.
What tools do you need for artificial grass maintenance?
For basic maintenance, a limited set suffices:
- Hard artificial grass broom. No metal broom, it is too harsh for the fibers.
- Leaf blower or plastic leaf rake. No metal rake.
- Garden hose with spray nozzle. For a quick rinse.
- Biomoss or green soap. No bleach or chlorine.
For thorough maintenance, an electric brushing machine is highly recommended. It brushes much deeper than manual labor and works the infill evenly through the fibers. Contact us to discuss the possibilities of renting our brushing machine or engaging our services directly.
What do customers say about Gras Gemak?
Read what our customers are saying about Gras Gemak. Discover their experiences with our artificial grass installations and maintenance services. Get inspired by the positive feedback and plan your project today!
RatingOur experience with Gras Gemak has been very good. They respond quickly and politely, think along with you to find potential solutions, and that is how they work. Everything was settled quickly. We are therefore very satisfied with the end result. We can enjoy a beautiful garden again.
Artificial grass I purchased myself at a good price, installed very neatly and quickly. Top company!
Frequently asked questions about our artificial grass maintenance
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers about our artificial grass maintenance. Is your question not listed? No problem! Feel free to contact us by phone!
No. Artificial grass is indeed much lower-maintenance than real grass, but attention is needed a few times a year to keep it looking neat. Without maintenance, dirt accumulates, moss grows, and the fibers flatten.
Basic maintenance (removing leaves, brushing) should be done monthly. A thorough treatment with a brush machine is recommended once every 1 to 3 years, depending on how intensively your lawn is used.
Yes, you can do most of the work yourself. With a stiff artificial grass broom, a leaf blower, biomoss, and a garden hose, you can get quite far. Only for deep cleaning and replenishing the infill layer do you use equipment that most people do not have.
A refresh starts at €7.50 per m² with a minimum of €150. An excellent treatment starts at €10 per m² with a minimum of €200. The larger your lawn, the lower the price per m².
Yes, we maintain artificial grass regardless of who installed it. We always start with an inspection to assess its condition.
Treat the affected areas with biomoss or green soap. Do not use bleach or chlorine. After allowing it to soak for a few days, sweep away the dead moss with a stiff artificial grass broom, against the grain.
Only on a low setting and from a distance of at least 30 cm. Excessive pressure blows away the infill (the sand between the fibers), causing your grass to lose stability. A standard garden hose is sufficient in most cases.
Remove solid residue and rinse with water. In case of urine: rinse the spot clean regularly. A mixture of water and a splash of vinegar neutralizes the odor. Artificial grass does not discolor due to urine, unlike real grass.
A hard artificial grass broom with synthetic bristles. Not a metal broom or metal rake, as these damage the fibers. Such a broom is available separately starting at around €25 and is included as standard in our DIY kit.
We will contact you within 24 hours on business days. We usually schedule an appointment within 2 weeks.
Artificial grass is secured with pegs on sandy soil and with glue or tape on seams and hard surfaces. This keeps the artificial grass firmly in place.
Brush artificial grass with a stiff broom or artificial grass brush, always against the grain. This keeps the grass upright and ensures a neat appearance.
