Astroturf Maintenance

12 November 2026 · All news

Astroturf (Synthetic Grass) Maintenance Schedule

You should drag-brush an astroturf tennis court once a week, or roughly every 10 hours of play. Regular brushing prevents the sand infill from compacting, keeps the synthetic fibres standing upright, and preserves drainage.

Recommended Schedule

• Before or After Play (As Needed): Clear loose leaves, twigs, pine needles, and court debris using a leaf blower or wide plastic rake. Organic matter left on the surface breaks down into silt, which blocks drainage and encourages moss.
• Weekly / Every ~10 Hours of Play: Drag-brush the court when completely dry using a soft-to-medium synthetic drag brush. Brush in varying directions (lengthways, widthways, and diagonally) to redistribute silica sand evenly and stop the carpet pile from flattening in one direction.
• Monthly: Inspect high-wear zones—especially the baseline and service boxes—for low sand levels. Top up with dry, rounded silica sand as needed so the carpet fibres remain supported.
• Spring & Autumn (2 Times Per Year): Apply a specialist, non-corrosive moss and algae treatment to prevent slippery green growth, particularly in shaded or damp corners.
• Annually: Book a professional deep-clean and decompaction service to extract fine dirt, ball fluff, and compacted sand, then replenish the infill.

Important Rules for Care

• Only brush when dry: Brushing damp or wet sand causes it to clump and stick to the bristles rather than redistributing smoothly.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and power washers: Never use bleach, salt, or high-pressure jet washers, as these can damage the synthetic fibres, degrade the backing glue, and blast the sand infill out of the carpet.
• Enforce proper footwear: Require clean, non-marking tennis shoes to avoid bringing mud, grit, or clay onto the turf.

Resources

• LTA Porous Court Surfaces Guidance Note 2026 (PDF) – Official Lawn Tennis Association guidance on synthetic grass upkeep, moss control, and lifespan planning.
• SAPCA Code of Practice for Maintenance of Synthetic Sports Surfaces – Industry best practices from the Sports and Play Construction Association on brushing, infill care, and deep cleaning.
• Tennis Court Supplies: Artificial Grass Court Maintenance Tips – Practical guidance on drag-brushing directions, silica sand top-ups, and seasonal moss treatments.