11/26/2025
Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to keeping your artificial turf looking fresh for 15–20+ years (OneLawn style, written just for the Bay Area):
1. Remove leaves and debris
Do it weekly, daily during fall. Use a leaf blower, soft-bristle push broom, or plastic rake. Never use metal tools. Bay Area bonus: eucalyptus and oak leaves can stain if they sit wet after rain or fog, so get them off the same day.
2. Rinse the turf
Every 2–4 weeks (or after parties), give it a quick rinse with a garden hose and spray nozzle. This washes away dust, pollen, bird droppings, and salty coastal air. No pressure washer needed—just a gentle shower.
3. Brush it upright
Once a month or whenever it starts looking flat from foot traffic, brush against the grain with a medium-stiff nylon broom or rent a power broom. This “grooms” the blades and keeps it looking plush.
4. Pet waste
Pick up solids immediately. Hose off urine spots weekly. Once a month, spray pet areas with an enzyme cleaner like Simple Green Outdoor or Turf Bomb to kill odors (super important with Bay Area dogs that use the yard 365 days a year).
5. Spot-clean spills fast
BBQ sauce, red wine, sunscreen—blot (don’t rub) with mild dish soap and water, then rinse. The faster you act, the less it sets.
6. Keep weeds away
Pull any stray grass or weeds by hand around the edges 2–4 times a year. If Bermuda grass keeps sneaking in (it loves California), a quick spray of vinegar-based herbicide on the perimeter works and stays pet-safe.
7. Refresh the infill every few years
In high-traffic spots (dog runs, kids’ play zones), the infill settles. Every 2–4 years, rent a power broom and sprinkle in fresh silica sand or antimicrobial Envirofill/ZeoFill. It only takes about 0.5–1 lb per square foot and makes the lawn feel brand-new again.
8. Fight moss and algae
Coastal fog + shade = moss. If you see green patches in spring or after weeks of fog, spray a mild turf cleaner or a 1:10 bleach-water mix, let it sit 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
9. Rare snow/ice days
If the Bay Area ever gets weird, use a plastic shovel only or just wait for the sun—salt and metal are bad news.
What NOT to do
- No pressure washers over 1500 psi (rips seams)
- No metal rakes or stiff wire brushes
- No parking cars for days (heat + weight flattens fibers forever)
- No open flames or fireworks directly on the turf (melts in seconds)
- No hot motors from lawn equipment (melts in seconds)
Follow this routine and your OneLawn will stay green, clean, and ready for every Thanksgiving touchdown and summer barbecue without you ever mowing or watering again. Need help or a quick refresh visit? We’re local—just give OneLawn a shout. 650-877-7770 🌿🦃
