How to Maintain Artificial Grass in Different Seasons

Artificial grass is known for its low maintenance, year-round vibrancy, and versatility across a wide range of Australian landscapes. But just like any outdoor surface, a bit of seasonal care goes a long way in preserving its performance and appearance—especially if you’re using it in high-traffic areas, schools, or sports facilities.

At TigerTurf, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients across Australia—from regional councils to suburban families—so we know how the changing seasons can impact your synthetic turf. Here’s our comprehensive guide to maintaining artificial grass through the seasons.

Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters

While artificial grass is designed to be durable and weather-resistant, different seasons introduce unique challenges. Whether it’s leaf build-up in autumn, UV exposure in summer, or muddy runoff in winter, regular upkeep keeps your surface safe, clean, and looking its best.

Let’s break it down by season.

Spring: Refresh After the Cooler Months

Spring is a great time to give your lawn a proper once-over, especially after heavy rains or leaf accumulation from autumn and winter.

What to focus on:

• Clear debris: Remove any fallen branches, leaves, and organic matter to prevent mould or weeds from forming.

• Check drainage: Ensure water is still flowing through your turf’s backing and base layers. Spring showers can highlight poor drainage spots.

• Light brush: Use a stiff broom or power brush to revive the pile and remove flattened patches.

For outdoor spaces in schools or playgrounds, this is also a good time to inspect high-wear areas and plan repairs if needed.

Summer: Beat the Heat and UV Exposure

Australia’s summer heat can be intense—but quality synthetic turf like ours is built to handle it. However, keeping things cool and clean is still essential.

Maintenance tips:

• Rinse occasionally: Hosing down your turf cools the surface on hot days and removes dust, sweat, or pet waste.

• Spot clean regularly: If kids, pets, or sports players are active on the surface, stay on top of spills or odours to maintain hygiene.

• Shade protection: If you’re using artificial grass in a residential backyard or pet area, consider adding shade sails to reduce surface temperatures.

Our TigerTurf range includes UV-stabilised yarns designed to withstand long periods of sun exposure without fading.

Autumn: Keep It Leaf-Free

Autumn is the season of falling leaves and cooler winds. And while it’s beautiful, excess organic material can cause problems if left unmanaged.

How to stay ahead:

• Use a leaf blower or plastic rake: These tools help clear leaves without damaging the fibres.

• Watch for weed growth: Seeded leaves or moist debris can encourage weeds to push through the backing—spot-treat as needed.

• Rinse and sweep: Regular rinsing and light brushing prevent matting and mould.

If your site is surrounded by trees, increasing cleaning frequency in autumn is a good idea.

Winter: Drainage and Safety First

Rain, mud, and fallen branches are common during Australian winters—especially in regions with high rainfall.

Winter care tips:

• Monitor drainage: Check that the turf’s sub-base is performing well. Puddles or soggy areas may indicate blocked drainage.

• Remove heavy debris quickly: Wet branches or soil clumps can leave marks or damage the fibres if left too long.

• Use turf-safe deodorisers: In cooler weather, odours from pet waste may linger. Use enzyme-based turf cleaners to neutralise smells.

Well-installed artificial grass should handle winter well, but proactive upkeep makes all the difference.

General Maintenance Tools to Keep On Hand

To stay ready year-round, we recommend keeping the following on hand:

• Soft-bristle broom or power brush

• Garden hose or irrigation system

• Leaf blower or plastic rake

• Enzyme cleaner (for pet areas)

• Weed killer (turf-safe)

• Mild detergent and sponge for stains

Final Thoughts

Artificial grass may not need mowing, watering, or fertilising—but it isn’t completely maintenance-free. A seasonal routine ensures your turf continues to look lush, perform safely, and last longer—whether you’re using it for sports, schools, homes, or pet spaces.

Need help maintaining your turf? Get in touch with the TigerTurf team for professional artificial grass maintenance and learn how we support long-term performance across sectors