If you have artificial grass, you know it’s a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. But even though it doesn’t require mowing, watering, or fertilizing, it does need to be replaced from time to time. Here are five warning signs that it’s time to replace your artificial grass:

1. The color has faded.

2. The blades are worn down.

3. The infill is compacted.

4. There are bare spots.

5. It just doesn’t look good anymore.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to replace your artificial grass so your yard can look its best. 

The artificial grass is starting to fade in color.

If you’ve noticed your artificial grass, is fading or becoming discolored, consider replacing it. Fading artificial grass can quickly lead to an unattractive yard if left for too long, so it is essential to take action when noticing the signs. If your synthetic grass is fading, it is likely losing its UV protection and needs replacement to maintain a beautiful outdoor space. Taking swift action can help ensure your artificial grass looks great and lasts longer!

There are noticeable bald spots or patches of grass that are thinner than the rest.

Seeing bald spots or patches of grass on your artificial turf can be alarming. You want to enjoy the beauty of a vibrant and healthy-looking lawn without the headache of maintaining it, but if these signs are showing up, it’s possible that your artificial grass needs replacing. It could be due to uneven wear and tear or poor installation, but however it happened, investing in a new one sooner rather than later is the safest route so you can get back outside and enjoy your yard again.

The turf feels spongy or springy when you walk on it (instead of firm like natural grass).

Having artificial grass that feels spongy and springy when walked on is something no homeowner wants to experience. Unfortunately, this can signify that it’s time to replace your artificial turf. There could be several reasons for the turf to feel springy and spongy, such as an inconsistent filling or improper drainage. Replacing your turf would bring back the firmness in your lawn.

The grass blades no longer stand straight but bend over and lie flat.

Artificial grass can be a great way to have a low-maintenance lawn that still looks beautiful. However, when your synthetic grass’s blades begin to bend and lie flat, you may consider a replacement. It is one of the five warning signs that it’s time to upgrade your artificial grass. Another is the lack of resilience and cushioning when walking. Of course, early warning signs such as fading color can always warrant further investigation in case they are superficial. But you should not ignore the bending blades sign; more minor unaddressed problems could lead to bigger ones. It may be more cost-effective to replace the turf instead of dealing with wear and tear accumulating over time.

An increased amount of infill material (such as sand or rubber) appears on the surface of the artificial turf.

The appearance of excess infill material on the surface of artificial turf is a clear warning sign that it is time for a replacement. Improper installation or other discrepancies can cause this phenomenon. As a result, the quality of your lawn and its look gets compromised by this issue. It is critical to detect and address this warning sign swiftly and effectively to protect artificial grass’s aesthetic appeal and functional value. Contact an experienced professional to inspect your turf closely before deciding whether it needs immediate replacement.

If you see any warning signs stated above, it is time to start considering replacing your artificial turf. Don’t wait for all the blades to bend and for bald spots all over – by then, it will be too late, and you will need to replace the entire system. Catching the problem at the nascent stage can save you a lot of money in the long run.