How to repair damaged artificial grass in 5 easy steps

How can artificial grass get damaged?

However strong and durable, there are a few things that can cause permanent damage to artificial grass. Avoiding them is key to enjoying your evergreen lawn for many years to come. Steer clear of:

1.    fire: barbecues, fire pits, cigarettes … can melt your artificial grass
2.    chemicals: fertilisers, pesticides …
3.    sharp objects: gardening tools, sharp-edged furniture …
4.    paint: especially oil-based paint
5.    inadequate artificial grass for your application

Has your artificial grass already fallen victim to any of the above? In most cases, it’s fairly easy to repair the damage – but remember: prevention is always better than cure! Whether you're asking yourself how to fix melted artificial grass, how to repair artificial turf with cuts in it, or how to clean stains in your artificial grass, you'll be amazed about what you can do with a small patch of artificial grass and the right technique.

Pro tip: inspect your artificial lawn regularly to prevent small areas affected by wear and tear from becoming larger.

Can you repair artificial grass yourself?

Yes, it’s possible to repair damaged artificial grass yourself. That is: if the burned, torn, or discoloured section of your synthetic lawn is relatively small and you’re armed with some basic DIY skills and tools. Very much like a carpet repair, you can cut out the damaged section and replace it with a leftover piece of artificial grass. How? Follow our step-by-step instructions below.

If a larger part of your artificial lawn was damaged, it’s advisable to bring in professional help. Count on our Turfgrass experts to get the best results for your artificial turf repairs.

Before you start: leftovers do the trick

Do you have some remnants of artificial grass left after the installation? Even the smallest or unevenly cut pieces can come in handy for quick fixes. Using leftovers from the original installation, you can be sure the grass you’re replacing will blend in nicely with the rest of your lawn. 

If you don’t have any remnants, it can be hard to find an exact match to your original grass. Even if you buy artificial grass from the same product range, the colour and fibre type might differ slightly. Avoid awkwardly patched up areas by turning to your installer or dealer to help you find the best fit.

A step-by-step process to repair your artificial lawn

To replace damaged sections of artificial grass, you’ll need: 

•    a leftover piece of artificial grass or a close match
•    a sharp knife or box cutter
•    a round-shaped lid or piece of cardboard 
•    self-adhesive synthetic turf seaming tape (or turf seaming tape and artificial grass adhesive)

Got it? Let’s get started. 

Step 1: remove the damaged spot

Use a round-shaped lid or piece of cardboard to guide you as you carefully cut out the damaged section. Make sure you cut deep enough – all the way through the backing instead of only the fibres. 

Pro tip: people tend to detect straight lines and linear patterns at a glance. If you fit in a rectangular or square piece of new artificial grass, the seams will remain visible. Curved shapes, however, flow naturally and disappear in their surroundings. If done properly, no one will be able to tell that you’ve replaced a piece of your artificial lawn.

Step 2: prepare the replacement piece of grass

Now, use the lid or cardboard piece as a template to cut the same shape out of the leftover or new artificial grass.

Step 3: place the seaming tape 

Take a piece of synthetic turf seaming tape and place it under the backing through the hole where you have cut out the damaged artificial grass. If you couldn’t find self-adhesive tape, regular turf seaming tape works fine too. In that case, spread out artificial grass adhesive on the seaming tape and beneath the backing. Be careful not to spill it on the rest of the grass! 

Step 4: fit the replacement piece  

Gently fit the artificial grass replacement piece in the right place. Press down to ensure a strong bond. 

Pro tip: mind the direction of the tufted yarns in the backing when installing the replacement piece. Make sure these rows and the piles face the same way as the rest of your artificial lawn.

Step 5: let it dry

Avoid walking on your freshly repaired artificial grass for a couple of hours to let the adhesives do their work. After that, all that’s left for you to do is admire your work!