How to Maintain Your Artificial Lawn Year-Round: Expert Tips for UK Gardens

Weekly/fortnightly, clear leaves and debris with a plastic rake or blower. This prevents organic build-up that can encourage moss. Brush the lawn against the pile to lift fibres and redistribute infill. In high‑traffic routes, cross‑brush occasionally to avoid a “worn path” look.

Monthly, inspect edges and seams. Make sure pins or adhesive hold firm and borders haven’t lifted. Rinse areas used by pets; a hose flush helps move residues through the backing. Use enzyme cleaners designed for artificial lawns to neutralise odour without harming fibres. Avoid bleach or harsh solvents.

After gatherings, move heavy furniture to a new spot and brush the pile back. For stains (BBQ grease, drinks, ice lolly colourings), act quickly: blot, don’t rub. Use mild soap and warm water, then rinse.

Chewing gum, Chill with ice and gently peel away. Oil-based stains can respond to a small amount of mineral spirit—patch test first and rinse thoroughly.

Seasonally in the UK:
• Spring: Deep brush after winter, treat any moss/algae with pet‑safe biocide, and top up infill if needed.

• Summer: Rinse more frequently in hot spells (especially for pets). Shade-sensitive areas may feel warmer—cool with a light hose spray before barefoot play.

• Autumn: Stay on top of leaves; trapped moisture invites algae. Check drainage before heavy rain months.

• Winter: Remove heavy snow with a soft shovel if needed; avoid metal edges. Don’t try to break ice-let it thaw.

Weeds rarely grow “through” quality turf, but airborne seeds can settle in infill and grow on top. Lift gently and pull by hand, or spot‑treat with a suitable weedkiller, protecting surrounding areas. If you see persistent weeds at joins or edges, review membranes and edging integrity.

For pet households, pair a high‑drainage backing with odour‑neutralising infill. Hose weekly in warm weather and treat hotspots with enzyme cleaner. If smells linger, consider a deeper rinse: lift a perimeter edge, flush the sub-base gently, and allow to drain before re‑pinning.

Drainage check: After heavy rain, observe. Standing water beyond 20–30 minutes suggests compaction or blocked outfalls. A professional can re‑screed low spots or improve the base without replacing the whole lawn.

Tools to keep handy: soft brush, plastic rake, garden blower, hose, mild detergent, enzyme cleaner, and a stiff hand brush for reviving pile.