November 08, 2022

Many Edmonton property owners love synthetic turf because of its ability to endure extreme weather and survive winter appearing perfect. You will not have to stress out about frost damaging your turf, but there are some steps to follow during winter to be sure your artificial turf is in its best condition for spring. Continue reading to learn more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let’s get the ball rolling with a handful of the most frequently asked questions we get as we install synthetic turf in Edmonton. Specifically, questions about caring for your turf in the winter season.

WHAT DOES ICE DO TO ARTIFICIAL TURF?

Ice shouldn’t have a significant impact on your artificial turf. It is completely okay to play or walk on it if there is a layer of snow. The blades may mat down with the weight of the ice, but it generally lifts back up on its own or, in a handful of cases, with a little extra help from a power broom. Snow won’t modify the color or damage the synthetic yard.

WILL FROST DAMAGE MY ARTIFICIAL GRASS?

No, frost won’t hurt artificial turf. The turf blades do experience freezing in intense conditions, walking on the grass through the winter would not cause any concerns. Once spring arrives and there’s no additional chance of frost, you can utilize a stiff broom to bring it back to life.

DO I NEED TO COVER MY SYNTHETIC GRASS?

You do not need to cover your synthetic grass, but you absolutely can if an especially rough winter is expected in Edmonton. Just bear in mind that you don’t need to cover areas that are being used because snow might make tarps slippery and unsafe to walk on.

CAN I SHOVEL SNOW OFF SYNTHETIC GRASS?

No, you should avoid shoveling snow from your turf except when completely necessary. If you must shovel a path, choose a handheld blower to take care of any debris or snow.

CAN I USE SALT OR ICE MELT ON MY TURF?

You must never use any ice melt salt on your turf. Salt can plug up the holes in the backing system and negatively affect your lawn’s drainage capacity. The harsh salt and chemicals can also break down the backing system, resulting in turf blades that start to pull away from the backing. We strongly recommend you to let ice melt naturally for the best results.

WILL SNOW MELT FASTER ON ARTIFICIAL TURF?

Synthetic grass surfaces can be warmer than regular grass, which means that 1-2 inches of snow will melt quicker than it would on regular grass. Because synthetic turf is evenly spread, it allows better aeration to speed up the snow-melting process.

DOES ARTIFICIAL TURF GET ICY?

Not necessarily, however, like regular grass, some artificial surfaces can be slippery in sub-zero weather. Thus, you must use the same caution you do stepping on any wintery surface, exceptionally if Edmonton has been experiencing freezing rain.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE BEFORE SNOWFALL?

You should surely do a good fall maintenance routine prior to any snowfall. Eliminating organic materials like branches, leaves, etc., are essential. You can learn more about our full guide for cleaning your synthetic yard to get particulars on what to do. Performing Southwest Greens maintenance in the spring is always a good time, making sure your surface is prepared for the warmer months to arrive.