Artificial Grass Expert Reveals Why Homeowners Should Check Their Lawns

After one of the hottest and driest summers on record, forecasts are due to change in the run up to the August bank holiday. Parts of the UK have already received yellow weather warnings from the met office for storms, and humidity is set to creep up along with downpours across the country. 

Artificial grass is a relatively low maintenance option for homeowners however, Colin Potts, owner of Artificial Grass Direct, is warning homeowners that sudden, intense downpours can expose problems they may not have noticed during the dry spell.

“Drainage probably isn’t something most artificial grass owners have been thinking about in the hot and dry weather” says Colin. “But when you suddenly get a significant amount of rainfall, that’s when any existing issues with drainage or the surrounding ground can become much more obvious.”

Artificial grass itself is designed to let water drain through it, so homeowners shouldn’t be concerned about rain damaging the grass. Extreme downpours however can highlight issues with the drainage system underneath and around the lawn which could lead to mould.

The warning sign homeowners shouldn’t ignore

Persistent standing water is one of the main things homeowners should look out for after heavy rainfall.

“Seeing some temporary surface water during an intense downpour isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, what you don’t want to see is water continuing to sit on the lawn long after the rain has stopped. If you regularly notice puddles that aren’t clearing, it could indicate an issue with drainage beneath the lawn.”

Clear debris before the downpours

After a prolonged dry spell, homeowners may not have given their artificial grass much attention beyond the occasional brush.

“Organic debris like twigs and dirt can build up on artificial grass, particularly around the edges which is how a lot of issues begin” says Colin.

“Before a period of heavy rain, give the lawn a thorough brush and remove anything sitting on the surface and make sure you check the surrounding drains and clear away any debris that could prevent water from escaping.”

Heat, humidity and heavy rain could encourage algae and mould

The combination of hot, humid weather followed by heavy downpours could also create the right conditions for algae and mildew to develop on artificial grass where organic debris and moisture are allowed to build up.

“Humidity on its own doesn’t damage artificial grass, but when you combine warm conditions with lots of moisture and organic material you can create an environment where algae and mould are more likely to develop,” says Colin.

“This is particularly worth looking out for in shaded areas and around the edges of the lawn, where moisture can take longer to dry out.

“Give the grass a thorough brush before and after heavy rainfall, remove any organic debris and keep an eye out for green slimy patches or musty smells on areas that remain damp. If water is consistently sitting on the surface, that’s also a sign that the drainage should be investigated.”

Check the lawn after the heat

Colin also recommends taking a quick look at the condition of the grass itself following prolonged periods of high temperatures.

“Extreme heat can put additional stress on an artificial grass installation, particularly if there are already issues with the sub-base or installation,” he says.

“Before the Bank Holiday, have a look around the edges and joins. If you notice anything that appears to have lifted, wrinkled or moved, it’s worth getting it checked rather than waiting for heavy rainfall to highlight the problem.”

Don’t cover artificial grass before a storm

If the weather forecast says stormy, rainy weather, many might be tempted to cover their artificial lawns.

“Artificial grass is designed to allow rainwater to pass through, so covering the surface with an impermeable sheet isn’t going to protect it from the rain and could interfere with how water drains away,” Colin explains.

Covering your artificial lawn could do more harm than good by creating an environment that’s perfect to trap water and breed mould.

What to do after the storm

Once the weather has passed, Colin recommends giving the lawn a quick inspection.

“Remove any leaves and branches that have been blown onto the surface and check for areas of standing water,” he says.

“If the pile has become flattened, a quick brush can help lift it again. The most important thing is to take note of any areas where water repeatedly collects or takes a long time to disappear, that’s something you shouldn’t simply ignore.”