Wondering how long artificial grass really lasts? In this guide, we’ll explain the average lifespan of quality turf, what shortens or extends it, and how to keep your lawn looking new for decades. As Good As Grass has installed thousands of lawns across the UK – here’s what we’ve learned.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- High-quality artificial grass typically lasts 12–20 years depending on use and upkeep.
- Installation quality, foot traffic, and maintenance have the biggest impact on lifespan.
- As Good As Grass provides a 10-year product warranty and 3-year groundwork guarantee.
🧭 Jump to:
| ⚙️ What Affects Lifespan | 🪴 When to Replace |
| 🧹 How to Extend It | 📊 Lifespan by Grass Type |
| ❓ FAQs |
⚙️ What Affects Artificial Grass Lifespan?
Several factors determine whether your artificial lawn lasts ten years or twenty.
1️⃣ Product Quality & Yarn Type
Premium grasses use UV-stabilised polyethylene or nylon fibres that resist fading and flattening. Cheaper blends degrade faster under sunlight. Every As Good As Grass product is European-manufactured and UV-tested to prevent colour loss.
2️⃣ Installation Quality
A poor base shortens any lawn’s life. Proper groundwork includes:
- Type 1 MOT sub-base for structure & drainage
- Geotextile membrane to stop weeds
- Secure edging in timber or concrete
Our 3-year groundwork guarantee exists to protect your investment long-term.
3️⃣ Foot Traffic & Use
- Low traffic (balconies, decorative lawns): 18–20 years
- Medium traffic (family gardens): 12–15 years
- High traffic (schools, sports, dogs): 8–12 years
Dog-friendly and school-safe ranges use denser fibres and reinforced latex backing built to handle constant wear.
4️⃣ Maintenance Habits
Artificial grass is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Brushing, clearing debris, and rinsing pet areas regularly can add years. Our cleaning team has restored 10–18 year-old lawns to “as-new” condition.
🪴 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Artificial Grass
Even the best lawns show their age eventually. These quick checks will help you spot when your artificial grass needs a little TLC – or when it’s time for a full refresh.
- Flattened fibres that don’t bounce back after brushing
- Fading or dull colour
- Edges lifting or seams splitting
- Poor drainage after heavy rain
- Persistent odours from pet waste
Often, we can restore rather than replace – through deep cleaning, seam repair, or partial re-laying.
🧹 How to Extend the Life of Your Lawn
A few minutes of care now and then can add years to your artificial turf. Here’s how to keep it clean, fresh, and standing tall season after season.
- Brush monthly against the grain
- Rinse occasionally to remove dust or pet waste
- Avoid hot objects like BBQs or mirrors focusing sunlight
- Schedule a professional clean every 12–18 months
💡 AGAG Tip: A 30-minute brush every few months can add years to your lawn’s life.
📊 Typical Lifespan by Grass Type
Not all turf is built the same. Different products are designed for different levels of use – from soft family lawns to heavy-duty sports surfaces. Here’s what you can expect from each range.
| Grass Range | Typical Use | Expected Lifespan | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omneo / Maestro | Premium residential | 15–20 years | 10 years |
| Sol / Luna | Family gardens & pets | 12–15 years | 10 years |
| Play / MUGA Surfaces | Schools & sports | 8–12 years | 10 years |
| Hire / Event Grass | Temporary installs | 1–3 years (reusable) | N/A |
All AGAG products are UV-stabilised, non-toxic and tested to BS EN 1177 for safety where applicable.
❓ FAQs
Still got questions about lifespan, fading, or upkeep? You’re not alone – here are the answers to the ones we’re asked most often.
How long does artificial grass last in the sun?
All AGAG turf is UV-stabilised and tested for colourfastness – even after a decade outdoors, fading is minimal.
Does artificial grass flatten over time?
It can under heavy use, but regular brushing or mechanical power-brushing keeps fibres upright.
Can I make my artificial grass last longer?
Yes – proper installation, light maintenance and avoiding sharp or hot objects make the biggest difference.
Can weeds grow through artificial grass?
Not if installed correctly with a geotextile membrane beneath.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Its Best
Whether it’s been 5 years or 15, our team can restore, deep clean or replace your artificial grass to bring it back to life. Book a maintenance visit or request a free quote today.
