The work does not quite end when the last piece is brushed. The first month after an artificial grass installation is when the lawn settles in, and a little attention now sets it up to look great for years. This guide covers post-installation care for the first 30 days, from letting the base settle to brushing, infill top-ups, and gentle early cleaning.
Why the First Month Matters
A freshly installed lawn is still bedding in. The infill continues to settle into the pile, the base finishes consolidating under normal use, and the fibers relax into their final position. What you do, and avoid doing, during this window helps everything settle evenly rather than into ruts and low spots.
Week 1: Let It Settle and Watch
- Keep heavy traffic light for the first several days so the lawn settles evenly.
- Watch for any low spots, lifting edges, or infill that has not settled, and note them.
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture or equipment across the new surface, which can gouge or displace infill early on.
- If you see a seam or edge starting to lift, address it now while it is easy, rather than letting it worsen.
Week 2: First Brush-Up
After the initial settling, the first proper brush stands the pile up and evens out the infill.
- Use a stiff broom or a power brush and work against the pile direction to lift the fibers.
- Brush the whole lawn, paying attention to any areas that were walked on most.
- Redistribute infill from any heavy spots into thinner ones as you brush.
This first brush makes a noticeable difference, transforming a slightly flat new lawn into a full, upright one.
Weeks 2 to 4: Top Up Infill as Needed
It is normal for infill to settle and reveal spots that need a little more, especially in high-traffic lanes.
- Check whether the infill still sits at the base of the pile supporting the blades.
- Add a light top-up of the same infill to any areas that look thin, then brush it in.
- Do this on a dry day so the infill flows and settles properly.
Confirm the target infill level against your turf manufacturer's installation spec so you top up to the right amount.
Gentle Early Cleaning
Keeping the new lawn clean from the start builds good habits and keeps it looking fresh.
- Debris: remove leaves and cuttings with a leaf blower, a plastic rake, or a stiff brush.
- Dust and pollen: a light rinse with a hose freshens the surface.
- Spills: blot and rinse promptly with water; most everyday messes come up easily.
- Pet areas: pick up solid waste and rinse regularly, letting the drainage do its job.
Safety note: if you use any cleaning product, choose a turf-safe, pet-safe option and avoid harsh solvents or bleach, which can damage fibers and backing. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Habits That Protect Your Lawn Long-Term
- Brush high-traffic areas periodically to keep the pile upright.
- Keep barbecues, fire pits, and anything that reflects intense heat away from the turf, since synthetic fibers can be damaged by high heat.
- Avoid sharp or heavy point loads that could tear the backing.
- Clear leaves and organic debris before they break down and host surface weeds.
- Rinse occasionally to keep the surface and infill fresh.
What Is Normal, and What Is Not
- Normal: some infill settling, a slightly flat look before the first brush, and needing a top-up in busy areas.
- Worth addressing: lifting edges, opening seams, standing water, or persistent low spots. Catch these early while they are simple to fix.
Set a Simple Maintenance Schedule
Once the first month is behind you, a light recurring schedule keeps an artificial grass installation looking its best with very little effort.
- Weekly: clear leaves and debris and pick up after pets.
- Monthly: brush high-traffic areas and give the lawn a quick rinse.
- Seasonally: check infill levels, inspect edges and seams, and clear drains.
That is genuinely most of what an artificial grass installation asks of you, which is a large part of the appeal. Compared with mowing, watering, and feeding a natural lawn, this routine is minimal, and following it from the start keeps your artificial grass installation looking new for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I walk on my new lawn?
Light foot traffic is generally fine soon after installation, but keep it gentle for the first several days so the lawn settles evenly. If seams were glued, give the adhesive its full cure time before heavy use, following the product guidance.
Why does my lawn look a little flat at first?
A new lawn often looks slightly flat until the pile is brushed up and the infill settles. The first proper brush-up, working against the pile direction, stands the fibers upright and gives the lawn its full, natural look.
Do I need to add more infill after installation?
Sometimes. Infill settles in the first weeks, and high-traffic lanes may need a light top-up brushed in. Check that infill still supports the blades, and add a little of the same material where it looks thin.
We Are Here After the Install, Too
A great lawn is a long-term relationship, and we are glad to help you keep yours looking its best. If you have questions about care or want a maintenance check, see our services or get a free quote. Call 877-692-5349 anytime for friendly, no-pressure advice.