Arizona's heat and monsoon storms are the two biggest things that wear out artificial turf in Phoenix. Summer sun can make the surface much hotter than the air, which speeds up odor and wear, while monsoon dust storms pack fine dirt into the infill and leave the blades matted. Regular brushing and keeping the infill topped up are the best defenses against both.
Here's what's happening to your turf over a Valley summer, and what you can do about it.
How hot artificial turf gets
Turf absorbs sunlight, and unlike real grass, it doesn't cool itself by releasing water. A University of Nevada, Las Vegas study measured artificial turf surfaces as much as 62°F hotter than the air and up to 69°F hotter than irrigated natural grass. On a 110-degree Phoenix afternoon, turf in full sun can be uncomfortable or even unsafe for bare feet and paws.
What heat does to the turf
- Speeds up odor. Warm turf and warm infill release more ammonia from pet urine, which is why smells get worse in summer afternoons.
- Breaks down infill. Some infill types degrade or lose their coating faster in extreme heat.
- Ages the fibers. UV exposure slowly fades and stiffens turf over the years, especially on lower-quality products.
Keeping turf cooler
- Rinse before use. A quick spray cools the surface for a short time, enough for kids or pets to play.
- Add shade. Patio covers, shade sails and trees make a big difference on the hottest parts of the lawn.
- Keep the infill topped up. Infill helps the blades stand up and the turf drain. Some cooling infills are designed to hold moisture and release it as they warm.
- Avoid reflected heat. Windows and light-colored walls can bounce sunlight onto turf and make hot spots worse.
Watch for reflected sunlight
Energy-efficient windows on a neighboring house, or your own, can reflect concentrated sunlight onto turf and actually melt or warp the fibers. The damage usually shows up as a shiny, distorted streak or patch that appears at the same time of day. If you notice it, shade the area, apply a screen or film to the window causing it, or move the turf away from the reflection. Melted turf can't be cleaned back to normal and usually needs a patch repair.
What monsoon season does
Monsoon season in Arizona runs from mid-June through September. The storms bring three problems for turf:
Dust. Haboobs and dusty wind drop a layer of fine dirt that settles down into the infill. Over time, it can clog the turf's drainage and make the lawn feel hard and compacted.
Debris. Wind brings leaves, twigs, palo verde pods and trash from around the neighborhood. Left on the turf, debris breaks down and holds moisture and bacteria.
Washed-out infill. Heavy downpours can move infill around, leaving thin spots where the blades fall over and the backing is exposed to the sun.
After a monsoon storm
- Blow or rake off leaves and debris once things dry out.
- Rinse the turf to wash surface dust down and out.
- Look for areas where infill has washed away or piled up.
- Brush matted spots against the grain.
- Schedule a deep cleaning at the end of the season to clear dust out of the infill.
Why brushing matters
Turf blades get pushed flat by foot traffic, pets, furniture and wind-blown dust. Flat turf looks worn, traps heat and dirt, and drains poorly. Brushing against the grain lifts the fibers so they stand upright again.
Homeowners can brush small areas with a stiff push broom. For a whole lawn, a power broom with rotating bristles does a far more even job, and it also redistributes infill so it settles back between the fibers.
Why infill matters
Infill is the sand or granules between the blades. It:
- Holds the blades upright
- Weighs the turf down so it doesn't shift or wrinkle
- Protects the backing from UV damage
- Helps the turf drain
In Phoenix, infill wears away faster than you'd expect, through foot traffic, pets, wind and monsoon rain. Most turf benefits from a check and top-off every year or two. Homes with dogs sometimes switch to a deodorizing infill, such as zeolite, which helps trap urine odor.
A seasonal plan for Phoenix turf
- Spring: Deep clean, brush and check infill before the heat.
- Summer: Rinse pet areas often, add shade where you can, and treat odor more frequently.
- After monsoon season: Clear debris, flush out dust, brush and top off infill.
- Winter: Light upkeep; a good time for repairs.
Get your turf ready for the season
If your turf is matted, dusty or losing infill, a local pro in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Peoria or Glendale can brush it back up and top it off. Send a request below or call (480) 788-5344.