Synthetic Turf Care 101: Keeping Your Lawn Green Year-Round

The Weekly Five-Minute Routine

The beauty of synthetic turf is that 'lawn care' shrinks to a few minutes a week. Rinse the surface with a garden hose to wash away dust and pollen — especially helpful during Contra Costa's dry, dusty summers. Pick up leaves and debris before they break down, and give high-traffic areas a quick brush against the grain with a stiff broom or power brush to keep the blades standing upright.

Pet Owners: Odor and Drainage

Quality pet turf systems are built to drain fast — urine passes straight through the backing into the base below. Rinse pet areas regularly. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can break down the backing and infill over time.

If needed, the sand infill can be refreshed.

Brushing, Infill, and Keeping Blades Upright

Over time, foot traffic flattens turf blades and compacts the infill. A monthly cross-brushing restores the pile and redistributes the infill so the surface stays cushioned and even. If you notice the blades leaning permanently or the surface feeling hard, a top-up of sand infill usually solves it.

What to Avoid

Keep hot items — grills, fire pits, cigarettes — off the turf, since embers can melt the fibers. Don't park heavy vehicles on it for extended periods, and avoid metal rakes or sharp tools that can tear the backing. With basic care, a quality installation in Martinez, Pleasant Hill, or anywhere in the East Bay should look great for 15 to 20 years.