How to Get Turf to Stand Up Tall When They’re Flat

There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort of a well-landscaped synthetic turf yard. With minimal upkeep and unparalleled cleanliness, it’s an investment that increases the curb appeal, livability, and enjoyment of your home.

Few problems come with well-designed residential artificial grass landscapes, but one of the most common pitfalls of well-used turf is its tendency to become “flat.” Over time, turf fibers lay horizontally and lose their ability to be upright. So, if your turf is very flat, how do you get it to stand up again?

Low or Inconsistent Infill Depths are the Main Contributor to Flat Artificial Grass

The main reason turf fibers flatten and lose the ability to “stand” vertically like natural grass is low turf infill depth. Often, installers do not add enough infill to brand new systems. This can leave your artificial turf looking flat from the beginning and after years of use, turf fibers eventually flatten in every artificial grass landscape, even in systems installed with the recommended amount of infill. Infill levels naturally settle, and material can be displaced over time, especially in highly trafficked areas of your yard, mainly if you live in a region with four seasons and lots of precipitation. Starting off with a low-maintenance, durable infill and the proper amount of infill will keep your artificial turf lawn in better shape over time.

That’s why it’s important to monitor and replenish or top off the infill levels of your artificial grass, especially in high-traffic areas. Maintain adequate infill depth to support your turf fibers and keep them standing tall. Check out these infill depth recommendations before installing a turf system in your home.

If you wait too long to replace infill and you don’t sweep your turf with a stiff broom as needed, your artificial grass will look matted, worn down, or damaged. If the condition of your turf has declined to this point, unfortunately, you can’t get it back 100% to how it should be. Preventative maintenance, including monitoring and restoring infill levels, is the best way to avoid this situation and protect the longevity of your lawn.

To better understand this scenario, read up on the importance of infill. Consider having a couple of bags of your selected turf infill stored in your shed or garage at all times to replenish levels as needed.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Get Your Turf to Stand Tall Again

Revive your artificial grass with this easy, yearly care protocol:

1. Brush Your Lawn 

Use a broom, stiff brush, or power broom (depending upon what tools you have) across your artificial turf surface to get the turf fiber standing tall. If additional infill needs to be added, this will help “open” the surface so that the infill granules have an easier entry in between the fibers. If your turf carpet is only flat in a small area, use the wire brush in that area and then jump to step 3. 

2. Check Infill Depths 

Check your infill depth with an infill gauge. Watch this video to learn how to do it. When using the infill depth gauge, make sure that you review infill depth guidelines to know how much infill you should have in your system. If your infill is extremely low throughout the entire system, download these installation guidelines, and follow the steps to add a consistent layer across your entire turf system.

3. Top Off Your Infill 

If you only have a few low infill areas, start by adding handfuls of infill into specific spots with lower levels.

4. Work Additional Infill Into the Turf Fibers

After more infill is added, use your broom and/or a small wire brush to work it into the turf.

5. Check That Your Turf Blades are Now Vertical 

Once completed, the grass blades should appear vertical (maybe a slight angle) and consistent across the surface. If some areas appear flat or matted, more infill may be needed.

6. Finish With a Quick Infill Depth Check 

Finally, use the infill measuring device again to confirm the proper recommended depth and repeat if necessary.

Does Laying Heavy Objects Like Lawn Furniture Make My Artificial Grass Flat?

Most heavy items, like lawn chairs, are commonly placed on synthetic turf yards; however, furniture with sharp edges will puncture the turf. If you leave bulky or heavy objects in the same place over extended periods, it will cause the turf to lay flat, and the objects will leave imprints. The best practice is to move objects on the turf frequently to keep flattening from happening and fill your infill to the top of the turf fibers in areas where the furniture will be placed. If you find a flat spot in your turf from furniture, equipment, etc., watch this short video below to learn how to revitalize the flat section.

Get the Best Turf Infill for Yard and Home Landscaping

Envirofill and Safeshell are two of the most popular turf infills in residential artificial grass applications.

Got pets? Get Envirofill. It’s the cleanest choice for families with children and pets. Help combat stains, smells, and bacterial growth with Envirofill, an innovative turf infill infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection. The type of turf grass you choose for your yard and home landscaping is just as important as your turf infill. Discover the best artificial turf for your dog here.

If you’re committed to creating an artificial grass yard with the most negligible environmental impact, Safeshell is the gold standard. It’s an organic, nontoxic infill made from a proprietary blend of ground walnut shells (but don’t worry –it’s allergen-free). Domestically sourced, Safeshell offers high-quality, low-maintenance turf landscaping that’s long-lasting and earth-friendly.

Questions about your home’s artificial grass? Ask our infill experts!