You’ve made the switch to artificial turf no more mowing, watering, or battling dead patches. But here’s the surprise: synthetic grass still needs regular care to keep it looking lush and clean. The big question most turf owner’s face is, should you roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, or bring in a team of pros?
It’s not just about sweeping off a few leaves. Turf maintenance can impact everything from how your lawn looks and feels to how long it lasts. A clean, fresh-smelling, perfectly brushed turf boosts your property’s curb appeal, keeps things safe for pets and kids, and makes your investment go the distance.
In this blog, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of DIY vs. professional turf maintenance. What does each involve? Which one is more cost-effective? And most importantly what’s the smarter choice for you?
What Is Turf Maintenance and Why Does It Matter?
A lot of people assume artificial turf is set it and forget it. No watering? Check. No mowing? Even better. But fast-forward a few months and you might notice that once-fluffy turf is now flattened, dull, or even giving off a funky odor.
This is exactly where turf maintenance comes in.
Artificial turf may not grow like natural grass, but it still deals with everything nature throws at it dust, debris, pet waste, food spills, pollen, and foot traffic. Without regular care, it can lose its fresh appearance, develop odors, and even harbor bacteria.
Here’s what solid turf maintenance does for your synthetic lawn:
- Restores bounce and texture by brushing up flattened fibers
- Cleans out organic debris like leaves and twigs that trap moisture
- Eliminates odors and sanitizes the surface, especially in pet zones
- Balances infill levels, which maintains proper drainage and cushion
- Extends turf life, preventing premature wear and saving you money
At the end of the day, maintenance isn’t just about looks it’s about hygiene, performance, and durability.
DIY Turf Maintenance: Is It Worth the Effort?
If you’re the hands-on type who enjoys a bit of weekend upkeep, DIY turf maintenance can be appealing. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and gives you control over your lawn’s look. But let’s break it down:
Typical DIY Tasks:
- Brushing with a soft-bristle broom or turf rake to prevent matting
- Rinsing the turf surface to remove dust and spills
- Using a leaf blower to clear debris
- Spot cleaning with turf-safe soaps
- Monitoring infill levels in high-use areas
Sounds simple? It can be. But consistency is key. Most turf experts recommend doing light maintenance every week or two.
DIY Pros:
- Very cost-effective (just the tools and cleaning products)
- Flexible you do it when you want
- Gives you hands-on control
DIY Cons:
- Takes time and regular effort
- Missed issues like drainage problems or uneven infill may go unnoticed
- Deep cleaning is tough without the right equipment
- Risk of using wrong tools (like metal rakes) that can damage turf
For small yards or areas with light foot traffic, DIY can do the trick especially if you stay consistent. But for busier households with pets, kids, or frequent visitors, it may not be enough to keep things truly clean and safe.
Professional Turf Maintenance: What Do You Get?
Bringing in the pros might feel like a luxury, but once you see the results, it’s easy to justify. At Artificial Turf Maintenance, we have years of experience. We also use commercial-grade equipment that homeowners cannot access. Think of it as a spa treatment for your turf.
What’s Included in a Professional Turf Cleaning Session:
- Power brushing to lift flattened fibers and smooth the infill
- Debris removal using specialized vacuums and blowers
- Odor and bacteria treatment in pet areas using turf-safe, antimicrobial cleansers
- Infill top-up and redistribution to restore proper drainage and cushion
- Visual checks for early signs of matting or damage
- Detailed brushing along edges and high-traffic zones
- You don’t have to do a thing just enjoy a lawn that looks and smells brand new.
Benefits of Going Pro:
- Industrial-level clean you can’t replicate with DIY
- Saves you time, especially for large areas
- Prevents long-term damage, saving on future repair costs
- Keeps turf safer for kids and pets
- Subscription-based plans available for ongoing upkeep
And the best part? Most homeowners only need professional maintenance a few times a year, with light DIY tasks in between. That combo keeps your turf looking flawless without overwhelming your schedule.
DIY vs. Professional Turf Maintenance: Pros and Cons
Let’s put them head-to-head:
If you have a small, lightly-used turf space, DIY might be enough. But if you’ve got pets, kids, or a high-traffic yard, hiring a professional turf cleaing service delivers far better results without the weekend workload.
Is DIY or Professional Turf Maintenance More Cost-Effective?
Let’s talk dollars and sense.
DIY Investment:
- Turf rake/brush: $30–$50
- Leaf blower: $60–$150 (if you don’t already own one)
- Turf cleaner/deodorizer: $20–$40/month
- Occasional infill top-up: $30–$100
These are mostly one-time costs, but if you fall behind on maintenance, small issues can turn into bigger, costlier repairs.
Professional Investment:
- One visit costs between $100–$300 depending on yard size and services
- Includes odor treatment, infill balance, edge brushing, and deep sanitization
- You typically only need this quarterly or biannually
Long-term benefit? Professionally cleaned turf lasts longer, performs better, and avoids premature wear which saves you money on turf replacement.
Which Option Delivers Better Results?
Here’s the truth: DIY can handle surface-level cleaning and minor odor control. But when it comes to deep cleaning and overall turf health, the pros always win.
DIY Results:
When it comes to DIY turf maintenance, if done consistently, you can keep things tidy and free from visible debris. However, DIY maintenance often misses deeper issues such as drainage problems or compacted infill, which can affect the turf’s overall performance. Additionally, while DIY odor control might help on the surface, it may not last long without the use of proper sanitizers, leaving your turf vulnerable to lingering smells over time.
Professional Results:
Professional turf maintenance delivers a much more thorough approach. The deep brushing techniques used by experts lift the fibers, restoring the turf’s texture and appearance. Specialized treatments are applied to eliminate odors right at the source, ensuring long-lasting freshness. Infill is also redistributed to maintain the proper bounce and drainage, preventing any compacting or unevenness. Even in high-use zones, where foot traffic or pets may cause wear, professional services keep your lawn looking pristine and smelling great.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the right turf maintenance approach comes down to your lifestyle. If you’ve got time, tools, and a small yard, DIY maintenance might be enough. But if you’re busy, have pets, or want your turf to always look top-tier, calling in the professionals is 100% worth it.
The winning formula? Combine light weekly DIY tasks with a scheduled professional turf maintenance plan. That way, your turf stays fresh, clean, and lasts longer without the hassle.
Ready to keep your turf looking flawless year-round? Let Artificial Turf Maintenance take care of it for you! Whether you’re looking for expert services or DIY-friendly solutions, we’ve got everything you need to keep your synthetic lawn in top shape. Contact us today and experience the difference!