Handling The Heat: Top 5 Artificial Grass Heat Problems in Summer (And How to Solve Them)

Melbourne’s hot climate can pose significant challenges to maintaining artificial turf. 

So, what are these heat-related issues, and how can you tackle them?

Let’s dive in so you can enjoy a healthy-looking lawn 365 days a year (even when the mercury rises).

In this article, we’ll explore the top five heat problems that artificial grass owners face in Melbourne and provide practical solutions to keep your turf looking and feeling great. 

Whether it’s overheating, melting, or colour fading, understanding these issues and how to address them is crucial for the longevity and performance of your artificial lawn.

Choosing the right solutions not only ensures a cooler, more comfortable surface but also extends the life of your investment.

Let the countdown begin.

The good news is that artificial lawn is designed to be highly durable and can generally fare well even under the scorching sun. However, there are a few things to consider to ensure your lawn remains in top condition during the hotter months.

Synthetic grass is manufactured with UV-stabilised materials, which helps prevent fading and deterioration due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Most high-quality synthetic turf are also tested to withstand extreme temperatures without melting or losing their shape. That being said, the grass can still get quite hot to the touch, which may be uncomfortable for children or pets.

Implementing strategies like using cooling infills or installing shade structures can significantly reduce the heat absorbed by the grass, making it more pleasant to use.

While synthetic grass does fare well under the summer sun in terms of durability and longevity, taking additional measures to manage heat can improve its usability and comfort.

By choosing high-quality products and employing the right heat management solutions, your artificial lawn can remain a beautiful, functional, and cool oasis throughout Melbourne’s hottest days.

Synthetic lawn is a fantastic option for Melbourne homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen lawn.

However, the city’s hot climate can create unique challenges for maintaining artificial turf.

Here’s what to watch out for and how to troubleshoot problems before they arise.

#1 – Overheating: Keeping Your Grass Cool

Synthetic grass can become uncomfortably hot during Melbourne’s scorching summer days. To combat this, there are several strategies you can implement.

Overheating occurs because synthetic materials absorb and retain heat, making the surface extremely hot to touch.

ACTION STEPS:

• Use Cooling Infill: Infills like silica sand or acrylic-coated sand can help to reduce the temperature of the grass by reflecting heat.
• Install Shade Structures: Adding pergolas, sails, or other shading options can significantly decrease direct sunlight exposure.
• Water the Grass: Spraying water on the surface can provide immediate cooling, though it’s a temporary fix.

#2 – Melting: Preventing Turf Deformation

Extreme temperatures can cause artificial lawn to melt, leading to deformation and damage.

Melting typically occurs when the turf is exposed to intense heat, especially from reflective surfaces like windows or metal objects.

ACTION STEPS:

• Install Reflective Window Films: Applying these films to windows can minimise the intensity of reflected sunlight.
• Position Heat-Reflective Objects Away: Keep grills, fire pits, and other heat-generating items away from your turf.
• Choose Heat-Resistant Turf: Opt for products designed to withstand higher temperatures.

#3 – Colour Fading: Keeping Your Grass Green

Constant exposure to sunlight can lead to the fading of your artificial grass, making it look worn and unattractive.

UV rays break down the colour pigments in synthetic grass, leading to a bleached appearance over time.

ACTION STEPS:

• Use UV-Resistant Grass: Select turf that has built-in UV protection.
• Apply UV Protection Sprays: These sprays can provide an additional layer of protection against UV damage.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean and maintain the grass regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accelerating the fading process.

#4 – Odour Retention: Ensuring Freshness

High temperatures can cause artificial grass to retain odours, especially from pet waste and spills.

Heat can exacerbate odours by causing bacteria to thrive and organic materials to decompose faster.

ACTION STEPS:

• Use Odour-Reducing Infill: Infills treated with antimicrobial properties can help combat odour.
• Regular Cleaning: Hose down the grass and use mild detergents to clean up pet waste and spills.
• Install Pet-Specific Turf: Consider turf designed specifically for pets, which often includes built-in odour control.

#5 – Weed Growth: Keeping Your Lawn Pristine

Even with artificial grass, weed growth can be a problem, particularly during Melbourne’s warmer months.

Weeds can grow through the backing of artificial turf or around its edges, detracting from its neat appearance.

ACTION STEPS:

• Install a Weed Barrier: Place a high-quality weed membrane underneath the artificial grass.
• Edge the Turf Properly: Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent weed infiltration.
• Regular Inspections: Check for and remove any weeds promptly to prevent spread.

Dealing with heat problems in your artificial grass is essential for maintaining a comfortable and visually appealing lawn, especially in Melbourne’s hot climate.

By understanding and addressing issues like overheating, melting, colour fading, odour retention, and weed growth, you can ensure your artificial turf remains in top condition.

Let’s sum up what we learned:

• Overheating: Use cooling infill, install shade structures, and water the grass.
• Melting: Apply reflective window films, position heat-reflective objects away, and choose heat-resistant turf.
• Colour Fading: Use UV-resistant grass, apply UV protection sprays, and maintain regular cleaning.
• Odour Retention: Use odour-reducing infill, clean regularly, and consider pet-specific turf.
• Weed Growth: Install a weed barrier, edge the turf properly, and conduct regular inspections.

At Reelgrass, we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in artificial grass solutions, backed by years of excellence and a steadfast commitment to helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Our expertise ensures that your artificial lawn stays cool, pristine, and inviting, no matter how hot Melbourne’s weather gets.

Don’t let heat problems compromise the beauty and functionality of your artificial grass. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the best solutions, ensuring your lawn remains a lush oasis all year round.

For personalised advice tailored to your unique needs, reach out on 1300 306 389 or claim your FREE quote online.