
All artificial grass surfaces require maintenance. If it is done on a regular, daily basis the surface will stay in a good condition for longer. It is also important to use and play on the surface correctly. 1. Correct use of the surface is important • Do not walk on the surface with long (steel) studs • Only walk on the surface with clean shoes • Do not throw any chewing gum onto the surface • Do not smoke on the surface • Do not throw any glass or other litter on the surface • Do not put any heavy or sharp objects on the artificial grass • Do not play on a surface that is damaged, it must always first be repaired so as not to make the damage any worse • No vehicles should go on the surface, except for specific maintenance machines • It is not advisable to walk on a snow covered surface or one that is thawing 2. Brushing the surface The playing field must be brushed every two months with a soft nylon triangular brush. It is important to brush in different directions so that the grass fibres stand nicely upright. 3. Surrounding vegetation must be removed as quickly as possible Weeds on or around the field are best removed by hand. Ensure that you also pull out the roots without damaging the terrain surface. 4. Natural litter must be removed as quickly as possible In autumn leaves and needles fall from trees and bushes onto the field. If they are not removed immediately, they will get stuck into the artificial grass surface. This can affect the permeability of the carpet. The same applies to moss and fouling of the artificial grass carpet. Hence it is important to remove this litter as quickly as possible. This is done with a plastic lawn rake, a sweeper or a leaf blower. 5. Canteen litter must be removed as quickly as possible Canteen litter must be dealt with particularly carefully, for example glasses, tins, cups and beakers, cigarettes, lighters or chewing gum, etc. The players themselves are responsible for the bulk of this litter. In order to prevent it, it is advisable to ask the players to thoroughly brush their shoes before going onto the artificial grass surface. This can be done in different ways: with a shoe brush in lattice form, a mat, brush, etc. Special signs next to the doors must draw the attention of players to these rules. Sufficient rubbish bins must also be put around the artificial grass field. An asphalted path from the changing rooms to the field is also advisable. 6. How to deal with snow Snow and ice do not damage artificial grass surfaces made from PE (polyethylene). Snow on the artificial grass surface is best removed with a snow blower instead of a brush or snowplough. A blowing rotary tiller clears the field without putting pressure on the artificial grass fibres. Mechanical removal of the snow can damage the artificial grass fibres. Pushing the snow on the artificial grass puts pressure on the seams of the field.

Professional maintenance is required twice per year. A professional team will ensure that your site is as good as new again. The surface is first subject to a thorough inspection. The stability of all seams and markings are inspected. Weeds are removed with their roots, all fittings on the surface, drainage systems and fences are checked and if necessary repaired or replaced. After the inspection, the surface is mechanically brushed followed by partial removal, cleaning and the scattering in of sand. This treatment is important to “aerate” the sand infill so that weeds, algae and moss have no opportunity to take hold.