Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by ReTurf
Most people buy artificial turf to avoid dealing with snow and mud. However, even the best artificial turf can be covered in snow during winter. Let’s go over dealing with snow and turf, and then you’ll get three tips on how to clean snow off artificial grass.
Remember that these methods may not be necessary if your artificial turf is installed in an area that doesn’t typically get a lot of snowfall. But if you live where it does consistently snow, following these tips will help keep your turf looking great all season long!
Snowy Weather and Artificial Turf
It’s that time of year again when the snow starts to fall and cover everything in a white blanket. While this is beautiful to look at, it can be a pain to clean off sidewalks, driveways, and roofs. But what about artificial grass? Can you just leave it covered in snow all winter? While you can’t use a traditional snow plow on artificial turf, there are some other methods that can be effective for clearing the snow.
Artificial turf is designed to withstand various weather conditions, from intense heat to sub-zero temperatures. However, cold weather can have minor effects on turf, making the surface feel harder than usual. To protect turf from the damaging effects of extreme cold and snow, let’s look at a couple of options:
Blower Method for Light, Dry Snow
Winter weather can take a toll on your property, but clearing snow doesn’t have to be daunting with the right equipment. A powered snow blower is the most efficient way to remove snow, and when mounted on a small tractor with turf tires, it can be easily maneuvered around your property.
The dryer the snow, the easier it is to blow off your artificial turf surface. A leaf blower or a blower attached to a tractor are both effective methods for removing snow without causing damage to the field.
Turf-Safe Plow Method for Thick, Heavy, and Wet Snow
A tractor-mounted snow plow is the best option for even the most stubborn snow as long as you have rubber blades and turf tires. Look for one with a rubber-edged blade to minimize damage to your lawn. Clearing snow can be a breeze with the right tools and careful planning. An important tip is always to go slow when using a snow plow on turf; you do not want to damage it.
If the snow is too wet, it can cause the turf to become matted down and more difficult to clean up. In that case, it’s best to use a broom or other manual tool to remove the snow. With a bit of care, you can keep your artificial turf looking great all winter.
Excessive Ice on Turf Removal
Ice formation on artificial turf fields can present a unique challenge to field caretakers. Even the best efforts to remove snow for a day of events on a field can quickly go south when water freezes after activities stop and cooler nighttime temperatures set in.
In these circumstances, driving a tractor over the field to break up the ice can help. After you’ve broken up the ice, you can safely use a rake or snow shovel to remove it from the turf. Although this method is not always successful, it is often worth trying before resorting to more extreme measures, such as using a blow torch or chemicals.
Recycled Artificial Turf
So we’ve gone over some methods for clearing snow off of artificial turf. Let’s briefly talk about why you want artificial turf in place of natural grass. Turf is low maintenance and will withstand the harshest environments; no need to replant every spring; just keep it clean and in the sun. But where do you get the artificial turf in the first place?
At ReTURF, we are proud to offer a sustainable solution to the problem of used artificial turf. Our facilities process more turf annually than any other in North America, and we are committed to finding ways to reuse and repurpose the material. In addition to reducing the volume of artificial turf in landfills, ReTURF offers a cost-effective alternative for sports, recreation, and leisure surfacing. We are proud to be part of the solution to this industry problem, and we will continue to work hard to find new and innovative ways to reduce waste and protect our environment. If you’re interested in using ReTURF for your yard or patio, check us out and see all about why you should make the switch!
