Looking after your artificial pitch doesn’t have to be a chore — but it does need consistency. Whether you manage a school field, sports facility, or community 3G pitch, keeping your synthetic turf clean, level and safe ensures players get the best possible surface underfoot.
From weekly checks to seasonal deep cleans, here’s everything you need to know to maintain and extend the life of your pitch and protect your investment.
Jump to:
- Day-to-Day Maintenance: Quick Wins
- Monthly & Seasonal Checks
- 3G & 4G Pitch Maintenance
- High-Wear Zones
- Pitch Maintenance Equipment
- Maintenance Contracts for Schools & Clubs
- Repair or Replace?
- FAQ: Fake Grass Pitch Maintenance
- Artificial Pitch Maintenance Checklist
- Final Word
Day-to-Day Maintenance: Quick Wins That Go a Long Way
Daily and weekly upkeep is all about staying on top of debris and keeping the surface looking and playing at its best. Think of it as your regular MOT for the turf.
- Clear leaves, rubbish and gum: Organic waste and litter can damage fibres and block drainage. Use a blower or soft rake — not metal tools — to avoid tearing the surface.
- Brush the turf gently: A soft-bristle drag brush or mechanical sweeper helps redistribute infill and prevent flattening. Brushing also deters moss and algae growth.
- Check high-traffic areas: Focus extra attention on penalty spots, goal areas, and centre circles where wear is most visible.
Even 10–15 minutes of attention a few times a week can prevent bigger issues from developing.
Monthly & Seasonal Checks: Dig Deeper for Long-Term Quality
While day-to-day care keeps things tidy, monthly or seasonal maintenance is where you protect performance. These tasks improve safety, drainage, and play quality.
Before diving into specific tools or treatments, here are the key areas to monitor:
- Loose seams or edges: Catch these early to avoid safety hazards. Most can be patched quickly with adhesive.
- Infill compaction: Over time, infill (sand or rubber) becomes compacted, which affects bounce and drainage. You’ll want to decompact and re-spread it, particularly on 3G pitches.
- Moss, algae, or weed build-up: These thrive in damp, shady areas. Apply a synthetic turf-safe treatment every 3–6 months to prevent spread.
- Drainage issues: Poor drainage usually means the infill layer needs attention. A pitch that holds water after rain may need professional brushing and decompaction.
3G & 4G Pitch Maintenance
Modern 3G and 4G football pitches need extra care because of their infill systems. Rubber crumb and sand can compact over time, affecting drainage and ball performance. Here’s what to plan for:
- Weekly: Drag brushing to keep fibres upright and redistribute infill
- Quarterly: Deep clean with specialist machinery to decompact and aerate the infill
- Every 12–24 months: Infill top-up to restore playing characteristics
- Every 5+ years: Full refurbishment or shockpad inspection
Typical 3G pitch maintenance costs range from a few hundred pounds per visit for routine brushing, to several thousand for a full seasonal refurbishment. Ask us for a tailored maintenance plan based on your pitch usage.
💷 3G Pitch Maintenance Costs: Routine brushing visits typically cost £200-£500 depending on pitch size and location. Seasonal deep cleans and decompaction range from £2,000-£5,000, while full maintenance contracts for schools or clubs often start at £3,000 per year. Ask us for a tailored package that matches your facility’s usage.
High-Wear Zones: How to Manage the Usual Suspects
Some parts of the pitch wear down faster than others — it’s just the nature of the game.
We’re talking about goal mouths, penalty spots, and sidelines near dugouts or seating. These areas take the brunt of footfall and repeated motion.
- Increase brushing frequency
- Top up the infill layer more often
- Rotate training drills to spread usage
- If wear gets excessive, a partial resurface may be needed
Keeping these areas safe isn’t just cosmetic — it directly affects gameplay and injury prevention.
Pitch Maintenance Equipment
Maintaining synthetic turf isn’t just about elbow grease — the right tools make the difference:
- 🧹 Drag brushes: Wide-frame brushes pulled behind a small tractor or quad, used weekly to prevent compaction
- 🔄 Decompaction machines: Specialist kit that lifts and separates compacted infill, improving drainage and play
- ➕ Infill top-up spreaders: Evenly distribute rubber crumb or sand across the surface
- 💧 Turf-safe cleaners: Moss and algae treatments applied every 3–6 months
Many facilities invest in a drag brush for weekly use, while calling in professionals for quarterly deep cleaning and decompaction.
Should You Bring in the Pros?
At a certain point, you might need a professional maintenance visit — especially if you’re managing a busy community space or sports centre.
We offer full maintenance and repair services to extend the life of your artificial pitch and ensure it meets performance and safety standards.
Maintenance Contracts for Schools & Clubs
If you manage a sports facility, a maintenance contract ensures your pitch stays safe, compliant, and playable all year round. Typical contracts include:
- ✅ Weekly or monthly brushing visits
- ✅ Seasonal deep cleans and decompaction
- ✅ Infill level checks and top-ups
- ✅ Emergency repairs for seams and tears
- ✅ End-of-season performance and safety reports
Contact our team to discuss flexible packages for schools, clubs, and community pitches.
Repair or Replace? Knowing When It’s Time
Regular maintenance keeps your artificial pitch in top shape — but even the best surfaces have a shelf life. So how do you know when a surface needs a little TLC, and when it’s time to fully replace it?
Here are some telltale signs your pitch might be beyond repair:
- Widespread seam lifting or damage: Minor seam splits can be patched, but if joins are failing across multiple zones, it may indicate adhesive breakdown.
- Heavy fibre loss: If turf fibres are coming away in clumps or the pile has become excessively thin, the surface may no longer be safe or playable.
- Infill won’t stay level: Persistent infill migration or drainage issues despite regular brushing can signal deterioration of the base layer or backing.
- Noticeable shock absorption loss: If the pitch feels flat, hard, or “dead,” it could be putting players at risk of injury — and likely needs replacing.
Not sure where your pitch stands? We offer full pitch assessments and honest guidance on whether a repair or full artificial pitch installation would be more cost-effective in the long run. We have also put together this handy guide explaining how much a astroturf sports pitch installation costs.
We install high-performance 3G and 4G sports turf for schools, clubs, and commercial venues across the UK — backed by decades of experience and tailored support.
FAQ: Fake Grass Pitch Maintenance
- How often should I brush an artificial grass pitch? Once or twice a week for regular use. High-traffic or 3G pitches may require deeper brushing every few months.
- Can I jet wash my synthetic pitch? It’s not recommended — too much pressure can damage the surface or remove infill. Use a hose and soft brush instead.
- Does fake grass flatten over time? Yes, especially in well-used zones. Brushing helps fibres stand upright and prolongs lifespan.
- Do 3G and 4G pitches need infill top-ups? Yes. Most require infill top-ups every 12–24 months, depending on usage levels.
- How long does an artificial football pitch last? With proper maintenance, most pitches last 10–15 years — sometimes longer.
Artificial Pitch Maintenance Checklist
Want a quick reference for your grounds team? Here’s a simple checklist you can print or share:
- 🗓️ Daily: Remove litter and check goal mouths
- 🗓️ Weekly: Drag brush to redistribute infill
- 🗓️ Monthly: Inspect seams, edges, and drainage
- 🗓️ Quarterly: Deep clean, decompact, and moss/algae treatment
- 🗓️ Annually: Infill level check and top-up
- 🗓️ Long-term: Assess shockpad and fibre wear every 5 years
Regular maintenance not only prolongs lifespan but also ensures your pitch meets safety standards for competitive play.
Final Word: Keep It Clean, Keep It Safe
Artificial grass may be low maintenance, but staying proactive with care keeps it game-ready. Whether you handle it in-house or bring in experts like us, the key is consistency.
By following this guide, you’ll extend the life of your pitch, reduce repair costs, and provide players with the safest, highest-performing surface possible.
