Astroturf, or artificial grass, offers a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, providing a lush green appearance year-round without the need for mowing, watering, or fertilizing. However, like any outdoor surface, Astroturf can develop issues over time, including the growth of moss. Moss can make your artificial lawn look unsightly and can create slippery conditions, posing a safety hazard. Fortunately, removing moss from Astroturf is a straightforward process that can help restore your lawn’s pristine appearance. Here’s how to do it.
Why Moss Grows on Astroturf
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s important to understand why moss might grow on your Astroturf in the first place. Moss thrives in damp, shaded, and poorly ventilated areas. If your Astroturf is frequently wet, shaded by trees or buildings, or if it’s in an area with poor drainage, moss may start to grow. While artificial grass is designed to allow water to drain away, prolonged damp conditions can still create an environment where moss can take hold.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
To effectively remove moss from Astroturf, gather the following tools and materials:
- Stiff-bristled brush or broom: For manually scrubbing the turf.
- See our full range of Brooms & Brushes here
- Biocide and Cleaner: Our Baticlean CR is safe and recommended for all types of artificial grass.
- See our full range of Moss Killing & Surface Cleaning here
- Garden sprayer: For applying the chemical evenly.
- See our full range of Garden Sprayers here
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Start by clearing the area of any loose debris, such as leaves, twigs, or dirt, that may have accumulated on the surface of your Astroturf. Use a stiff-bristled broom to gently sweep away the debris. This step is important because it allows you to see the moss growth clearly and ensures that the biocide can penetrate the affected areas effectively, as well as making sure you get the most out of your product, and not waste any on debris.
Step 2: Apply the Biocide
Next, apply the biocide that is specifically designed for artificial grass. Our Baticlean CR is pH neutral and will not affect the Astroturf surface. It's important to choose a product that won’t harm your Astroturf.
- Dilute: As an average we state that 1-litre of Baticlean CR will cover 30m2 at a dilution rate of 1 litre to 4 litres of water. If your surface is clear from staining and there is nothing else visible and you just want to keep it that way then you can cover a little more than the 30 metres.
- Apply: Baticlean CR can be applied in several ways however we recommend using a sprayer as this will give you the optimum coverage at the ideal concentration. We have a full range of sprayers and lances including telescopic lances that will enable you to spray at height which is especially useful when applying moss killer to a roof. You can browse our extensive range of sprayers and accessories where you should be able to find the products you need.
- Allow time to work: After application, depending on the thickness of moss and time of year, allow the biocide to sit for as little as 24 hours, or up to 5 days - until the spores are dead.
Step 3: Scrub Away the Moss
Once the biocide has had time to work, it’s time to scrub the moss away. Use a stiff-bristled brush or broom to thoroughly scrub the moss-covered areas. This will help loosen the moss from the Astroturf fibres. Be sure to apply enough pressure to remove the moss, but not so much that you damage the Astroturf.
- For stubborn moss: If the moss is particularly thick or stubborn, you may need to reapply the biocide and scrub again after it has had more time to work.
Our Baticlean CR has no need of rinsing unlike other biocides.
Step 4: Prevent Future Moss Growth
To prevent moss from returning, take steps to address the conditions that allowed it to grow in the first place:
- Improve drainage: Ensure that your Astroturf is properly installed with adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling.
- Increase sunlight exposure: Trim back any overhanging branches or vegetation that might be casting too much shade on your lawn.
- Regular maintenance: Keep your Astroturf clean and dry by regularly brushing it to remove debris and prevent moisture build-up. Consider applying a moss prevention treatment periodically to keep moss at bay.
Conclusion
Removing moss from Astroturf doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, materials, and a little bit of effort, you can restore your artificial lawn to its original, vibrant condition. By addressing the root causes of moss growth and committing to regular maintenance, you can keep your Astroturf looking great for years to come.