Homeowner’s Guide to Using Artificial Turf in Texas for Stain-Free Outdoor Landscapes
If you’re tired of unsightly stains on your hardscapes, artificial turf in Texas is a great alternative for your landscape.
Your outdoor landscape is an investment and you want it to look pristine. Unfortunately, stains on hardscapes can be frustrating and difficult to remove—even if it’s something as simple as a grape juice stain.
Stains in Hardscapes: What They Are and How to Remove Them
Discover the most common types of stains that can get on hardscapes and how difficult it can be to get rid of them:
Concrete
Concrete is easy to maintain, durable and affordable. However, it can stain easily.
Rust Stains
These occur when metal gets on concrete and causes an oxidation reaction. You can remove rust by scrubbing the area with a stiff brush and warm water mixed with laundry detergent or trisodium phosphate.
Oil Spots
These are common in concrete driveways. You can remove them using a degreaser and a stiff brush. After scrubbing, rinse away any leftover residue with clean water.
Mildew
Mildew grows beneath the surface of porous materials, like concrete. Removing it can involve using industrial strength cleaning solution and some hard scrubbing.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a great material for hardscapes because it has a high-temperature tolerance. However, it’s also porous, which means that it has plenty of places for stains to hide.
Rust Stains
Rust stains on asphalt are usually easier to remove than they are on concrete. You just need to scrub the area with lemon juice and salt.
Oil Spots
If you park your vehicle on an asphalt driveway, you may end up with oil stains from oil leaks. Similar to the removal process for concrete, you’ll need a degreaser to remove them.
Bird Dropping
You can remove bird droppings and other organic waste from your asphalt by scrubbing them off. Then, use hot, soapy water to sanitize and deodorize the area.
Paint Splatters
Use paint thinner to remove paint from asphalt, but apply it sparingly. Too much paint thinner can damage and discolor the asphalt.
Wood
Wood is one of the most beautiful and versatile hardscape materials available, but it tends to stain easily.
Moss, Mold and Mildew
To remove mildew, mold or moss from your wooden hardscape, use a mixture of bleach and water and scrub away the stain. Use 1-part bleach to 3-parts water. Then, let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with water.
Oil and Grease Spots
Use baking soda to remove grease or oil stains from wood. Then, sprinkle some on the stain and then scrub it away with a brush. Be sure to rinse afterward.
Yellowing or Fading
This is caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. It’s unavoidable, but you can keep it from happening by using UV-blocking varnish or paint on your wood annually.
Pavers
Because they are porous and absorb liquids, pavers can easily get stained.
Oil Spots
Mix 1 cup of liquid dish soap, 1 cup ammonia and 1/2 cup baking soda in a gallon bucket. Then, pour the mixture onto the stained area, let it sit for 15 minutes and scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse clean.
Rust Stains
Use a solution of one part bleach and three parts water and apply it to the stained area with a stiff brush. Then, let the solution sit for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
How Artificial Turf in Texas Eliminates Stains in Landscapes
If you replace your existing hardscape with artificial grass, you won’t have to worry about accidental spills and other stains ruining an otherwise beautiful landscape.
Here’s why:
It Repels Liquids
Unlike real grass, which absorbs liquids and is difficult to clean, artificial grass repels liquids. This makes it incredibly easy to clean up spills.
The liquid will stay on top of the surface until you wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel. This means that you will no longer have to worry about permanent stains ruining your outdoor landscape.Don’t worry about spills soaking into the soil or hardscape under your turf and becoming smelly.
It Has Efficient Drainage
Artificial grass is made with a permeable backing that allows water to pass through it. This means liquids drain away from the turf rather than soaking into the ground beneath it.
Professional installers ensure the installation site has great drainage before laying down turf. They can also use deodorizing infill to keep unpleasant odors at bay.
Still on the fence about synthetic grass? Check out this article for more reasons to love artificial turf.
How to Clean Up Spills on Artificial Grass
If something spills on your artificial grass, here’s what you have to do:
- Soak up the spill with a paper towel or napkin.
- If that doesn’t do the trick, then spot clean it with a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and water.
- If a spill is large or stubborn, you can rinse it with a garden hose and scrub the area gently with a soft-bristled scrub brush.
Do not use any chemicals or harsh detergents to remove stains from your artificial grass. They can damage or discolor the turf.
Best Stain-Prone Places to Install Fake Grass in Texas
Ready to stain-proof your outdoor landscapes? Here are some of the places around your home that would benefit the most from a synthetic grass installation:
Patios
A patio is one of the most common places to find unsightly stains in a backyard, especially if you have pets or children.
Cover those spots with lush, evergreen artificial grass. Not only will it breathe new life into the space, but it’ll also give the space a soft, comfortable flooring. It’ll be gentle on the feet and it won’t get hot enough to burn even on hot days.
Moreover, you can use artificial turf for the entire area or mix it with hardscapes for more visual interest.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are spaces where food and drinks often get spilled on the floor. This can lead to unsightly stains over time without regular maintenance.
The good news is that there’s no need for constant upkeep when you use artificial turf. All you’ll have to do every now and then is hose down any spills to prevent them from attracting pests and keep the area clean.
Driveways
Reduce the areas in your driveway that can get oil, paint and grease stains with artificial grass.
You’ll have to be strategic in where you place the turf because it doesn’t hold up well to tire traffic. Consider installing it as strips in the middle of your driveway. Not only will this diminish the hardscapes in the area, but it’ll also give the place a pop of color.
Eliminate Stains From Your Landscapes for Good With Synthetic Turf in Texas
So there you have it: everything you need to know about artificial grass and how it can help you maintain a stain-free landscape.
If you need help choosing or installing artificial grass, we’re always ready to help here at Texas Turf USA.
You can contact us at 346-250-4797 or complete our online form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible so we can start helping you bring your landscaping dreams to life!