Artificial Turf Maintenance: Keeping It Green in the Hottest Months

August 25, 2025

Artificial turf is a fantastic solution for homeowners looking to maintain a lush, green lawn year-round—especially during the hottest months of summer when natural grass struggles to stay vibrant. While artificial turf requires less maintenance than natural grass, it still needs attention to keep it looking its best throughout the season. Here are some essential maintenance tips for ensuring your artificial turf stays green and pristine, even in the heat of summer.

A garden with potted plants and a watering can

1. Rinse Your Turf Regularly

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your artificial turf looking fresh is by rinsing it regularly. During the summer months, dirt, dust, pollen, and even pet waste can accumulate on your turf, dulling its appearance. A light rinse with a garden hose helps to wash away debris and prevent build-up that could cause your turf to look worn out.



Tip: Use a gentle spray to avoid damaging the fibers. Avoid using high-pressure water as it may disrupt the turf’s structure.

2. Brush Your Turf

Brushing your artificial grass is essential for maintaining its natural look. Over time, the fibers can flatten due to foot traffic, pets, or weather conditions. Brushing helps lift the fibers, restoring the softness and ensuring they stand upright. This also prevents the turf from matting, which can cause it to look worn and less lush.



Tip: Use a stiff-bristled broom or a specialized turf brush to gently go over the turf in different directions. Brush against the grain to lift the fibers.

3. Remove Debris Promptly

During the summer, leaves, twigs, and other debris are likely to fall on your artificial lawn. If left unattended, this can cause discoloration or mold growth on the surface. Regularly remove any debris to keep your turf clean and to avoid any potential damage.



Tip: Use a leaf blower or a rake to remove large debris, and for smaller particles, a broom or brush will do the job. Make sure to dispose of debris promptly, as some items can stain if left too long.

4. Combat Pet Waste

If you have pets, keeping your artificial turf clean can be especially important in the summer months. While artificial grass is designed to be pet-friendly, waste left behind can create odors or stains if not cleaned up promptly. It's essential to pick up waste quickly and rinse the area to maintain cleanliness.



Tip: Use a pet-friendly turf cleaner or a simple solution of water and vinegar to rinse the area where pets have relieved themselves. Make sure the turf is completely dry to prevent odor buildup.

A close up of a plant with caterpillars on it

5. Control Weeds and Moss

While artificial grass is designed to minimize weed growth, weeds and moss can occasionally find their way through the seams or edges of the turf. It’s crucial to remove any unwanted growth promptly to prevent them from taking root and damaging the turf.



Tip: Apply a weed killer designed for artificial turf if you notice weeds growing. Regularly inspect the edges of your turf, where weeds are most likely to appear, and pull them out by hand if needed.

6. Top Up the Infill

Infill material is an important component of artificial turf as it helps support the fibers and gives your turf a more realistic feel. Over time, infill can be displaced due to use, weather, or pets. During the hottest months, when foot traffic and use are more frequent, it’s a good idea to check the infill levels and top them up if needed.



Tip: Use a broom to spread the new infill evenly across the surface, ensuring the turf fibers are well-supported.

A woman is cutting a bush with a pair of scissors.

7. Address Heat Issues

Artificial turf can get quite hot during the summer months, especially when the sun is blazing. While this is a normal part of the turf’s performance, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t become too uncomfortable or cause damage. To prevent your turf from getting too hot, make sure to keep it clean and regularly rinse it down to cool it off.



Tip: If the heat becomes excessive, use a hose to rinse the turf down in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

8. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

To maintain the longevity and quality of your artificial turf, avoid using harsh chemicals, including bleach or ammonia-based products, that could degrade the material. Stick with turf-safe cleaners that are designed to remove stains and odors without damaging the fibers.



Tip: Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products to ensure you're using safe, effective solutions.

9. Inspect for Damage

Though artificial turf is durable, it’s always a good idea to periodically inspect it for any signs of damage, especially after extreme weather or heavy use. Check for any loose seams, tears, or areas where the fibers may be thinning. Addressing small issues early can help prevent larger problems in the future.



Tip: If you spot any damage, consider contacting a professional to repair it. They can seamlessly fix small issues and ensure your turf remains in top condition.

Conclusion

End-of-summer pruning and trimming are essential steps to help your lawn and garden prepare for the colder months. Not only does it improve the overall appearance of your landscape, but it also promotes healthier plants and a more vibrant garden for the spring. With these simple steps, your yard will be ready to face the fall and winter seasons while maintaining its beauty.



Need help with your pruning or trimming? Contact us today for expert advice and assistance in getting your landscape fall-ready!

Preparing Your Soil for Next Year: Winterizing Tips for a Healthier Garden

By Digital+Smart Marketing • December 1, 2025
As the chill of winter settles in and your garden starts to wind down, now is the perfect time to think ahead to next year’s growing season. While most gardeners are wrapping up their outdoor chores, one essential task shouldn’t be overlooked: preparing your soil for the months ahead. Winterizing your garden’s soil is one of the best ways to ensure your plants have the nutrients and structure they need to thrive come spring.  Think of soil as the foundation of a house—it’s the base that supports everything you grow, and ensuring it’s in top shape will make your garden healthier, more productive, and ready for an amazing growing season. In this blog, we’ll dive into some fun and easy soil preparation tips that will give your garden a jumpstart and ensure it’s primed for success when the warmer weather returns.

How Artificial Turf Can Keep Your Yard Green Through Winter

By Digital+Smart Marketing • November 25, 2025
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, many homeowners in Chattanooga face the inevitable: a brown, dormant lawn. Traditional grass lawns struggle to maintain their vibrant green color throughout the winter months due to frost, freezing temperatures, and the lack of sunlight. But there’s a solution that can keep your yard looking lush and vibrant all year long—artificial turf. If you're tired of the hassle of winter lawn care or simply want to enjoy a beautiful, green yard throughout the colder months, artificial turf is the perfect option. In this blog, we'll explore how artificial turf can keep your yard green through winter, the benefits it offers, and why it's the right choice for your property.

The Best Time to Plant Trees: Fall Tree Installation Guide for Chattanooga

By Digital+Smart Marketing • October 20, 2025
As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to tree planting. While spring is often touted as the ideal time to plant trees, fall offers several advantages that make it a prime season for tree installation in Chattanooga. With cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall, fall provides the ideal environment for your new trees to establish strong roots before the winter chill arrives.  In this guide, we’ll explore why fall is the best time to plant trees in Chattanooga, along with expert tips on how to make your tree installation a success.

How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture and Hardscaping from Winter

By Digital+Smart Marketing • October 13, 2025
As the chill of fall begins to set in and winter approaches, your outdoor living spaces might be at risk of damage from cold temperatures, moisture, and harsh weather conditions. While many homeowners focus on preparing their lawn and garden beds for winter, outdoor furniture and hardscaping often get overlooked. Protecting these areas is essential to preserving the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your outdoor spaces.  Whether you’ve invested in a beautiful new patio, fire pit, or seating area, or you’re looking for ways to safeguard your hardscaping elements from the elements, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to protect your outdoor furniture and hardscaping features for the winter, along with how our expert hardscaping services—such as pouring concrete, paver installation, and gravel/pea pebble installations—can prepare and protect your outdoor space throughout the colder months.

Why Regular Yard Maintenance Is Essential for Your Lawn’s Health

By Digital+Smart Marketing • September 25, 2025
Keep your lawn healthy year-round with raking, leaf removal, and sustainable yard care from Chattanooga experts.

Fall Grass Seeding 101: How to Achieve a Lush, Green Lawn

By Digital+Smart Marketing • September 10, 2025
As the sweltering heat of summer fades and cooler, crisp days arrive, it’s the perfect time to think about your lawn’s health and beauty. Fall is one of the best seasons for planting new grass or rejuvenating an existing lawn. With the right timing and technique, you can ensure a lush, vibrant green lawn that will thrive through the cooler months and set the stage for a stunning yard in the spring. Here’s your ultimate guide to fall grass seeding, filled with expert tips to help you achieve the lawn of your dreams. Why Fall is the Best Time for Grass Seeding Many homeowners overlook the fall as an ideal time to plant grass, but this season offers a variety of benefits that make it the perfect window for seeding: Cooler temperatures: The cooler air and soil temperatures create an ideal environment for grass seed germination. Grass grows best in temperatures between 50-65°F, which is common during the fall months. Less competition from weeds: Weeds tend to slow down during fall, giving your grass seeds a better chance to establish roots before the winter months. Moisture: Fall often brings more consistent rainfall, helping the seeds settle into the soil and providing them with the moisture they need for germination. Strong root development: Grass seeds planted in the fall have the chance to grow strong roots before the winter freeze. This root development ensures that the grass will be healthier and more resilient when spring arrives. Step-by-Step Guide to Fall Grass Seeding Achieving a lush, green lawn through fall seeding requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your grass has the best chance for success: Choose the Right Grass Seed for Your Region Selecting the right grass seed is critical for achieving a healthy, lush lawn. For fall seeding, certain grass varieties are better suited to cooler temperatures and the growing conditions of fall. Here are some top choices for your lawn: Fescue: Fescue is a cool-season grass that thrives in cooler temperatures and is well-suited for the fall. It’s known for its shade tolerance and ability to create a lush, green lawn. It's an excellent choice for lawns that receive partial shade or areas with more foot traffic. Bermuda: While Bermuda is typically a warm-season grass, it can still be seeded in the fall in regions where the winter is mild. Bermuda grass is heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, and it can develop strong roots in fall, preparing it to grow vigorously in the spring. Clover/Fescue Mix: For a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn, consider a mix of fescue and clover. Clover is drought-resistant and provides excellent ground cover, while fescue offers the lush, green look typical of a traditional lawn. The combination creates a hardy lawn that’s resilient and requires less water and fertilizer. SlopeMaster: For areas with slopes, consider using SlopeMaster seed. This blend is specifically formulated for erosion control and fast establishment on sloped surfaces. It's an excellent choice for preventing soil erosion while providing a green, attractive cover on hilly landscapes. Choosing the right grass mix for your needs and lawn conditions will ensure a successful seeding and establish a lawn that thrives throughout the fall and spring.

Seasonal Shrub and Tree Maintenance for a Healthy Winter Transition

By Digital+Smart Marketing • September 10, 2025
As the warm days of summer begin to fade and the cooler breeze of fall rolls in, it’s time to prepare your garden for the winter months ahead. While many of us focus on getting our lawns and flower beds ready for the chill, trees and shrubs also require special attention to ensure they stay healthy and strong through the winter. Proper seasonal care for your trees and shrubs will not only help them survive the cold temperatures but also thrive in the coming spring. Here’s your essential guide to seasonal shrub and tree maintenance, to ensure a healthy winter transition for your landscape. Prune and Trim Dead or Damaged Growth Pruning is one of the most important tasks in preparing your shrubs and trees for winter. As the weather cools, your plants will go into dormancy, but any dead or diseased growth needs to be removed to promote healthy growth in the next season. Remove dead or diseased branches: Start by inspecting your trees and shrubs for any damaged or diseased branches. Removing these helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases over the winter months and encourages the plant to direct its energy toward healthy growth. Shape shrubs: Trimming shrubs to maintain their shape can help prevent wind damage and snow accumulation, both of which could harm the plant’s structure. Make sure to prune back leggy or overly bushy growth to maintain a strong, balanced shape. Avoid heavy pruning of flowering shrubs: For shrubs that bloom in early spring (such as Forsythia or Lilac), avoid heavy pruning during fall as you may remove the buds for next season. Instead, focus on removing dead or weak stems to prevent disease. Watering: Don't Let Them Dry Out Although fall brings cooler temperatures, trees and shrubs still need consistent watering to prepare for winter. Moisture in the soil helps the roots establish strong systems before they go dormant for the winter. Deep watering: Before the ground freezes, give your trees and shrubs a deep watering, especially if the fall season has been dry. Aim to water deeply once a week if rainfall is insufficient. Focus on the root zone, as this is where the plant will absorb moisture for the coming cold months. Mulch to retain moisture: Mulch is a great way to help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots insulated against the cold. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunks to prevent rot. Fertilizing for Winter Health While you don’t need to fertilize all trees and shrubs during the fall, some could benefit from a little extra nourishment before winter. Fall fertilization encourages strong root growth and helps your plants build up energy reserves for the coming spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer: Choose a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that’s high in potassium and phosphorus to encourage root development rather than promoting top growth. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions, and avoid fertilizing late in the season, as this could encourage new growth that may not have enough time to harden off before the cold weather sets in. Evergreens need extra care: Evergreen trees and shrubs, such as pines, firs, and spruces, continue to transpire moisture throughout the winter. They benefit from a light fall feeding to help them survive the dry winter months. Opt for a fertilizer formulated for evergreens for best results.

Preparing Your Lawn for Fall: End-of-Summer Pruning and Trimming Tips

August 14, 2025
As the heat of summer begins to wane and cooler fall days approach, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your lawn and garden for the upcoming season. One of the best ways to ensure your landscape stays healthy and vibrant throughout the fall and winter months is by performing end-of-summer pruning and trimming. Here are some essential tips to help your plants, trees, and lawn thrive as we transition into the cooler months.

Fence Styles for Summer: Enhance Privacy and Curb Appeal

July 28, 2025
As summer rolls in, homeowners and business owners alike look for ways to boost their outdoor spaces—combining functionality with aesthetic charm. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful backyard barbecue, define your property line, or enhance security, choosing the right fence can transform your outdoor area into the perfect summer sanctuary. At Green Grounds Solutions , we specialize in residential and commercial fencing of all styles, heights, and materials, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your property.
A person waters colorful flowers in a garden with a red watering can on a sunny day.

Heat-Resilient Plants for the Chattanooga Summer

July 21, 2025
Chattanooga's summer heat can be intense, making it essential to choose the right plants for your garden that can thrive in the sun, heat, and humidity. Fortunately, there are a variety of heat-resistant plants that not only tolerate the high temperatures but also add beauty and texture to your landscape. Here are some excellent choices for Chattanooga’s hot summer days: