Can Moss Really Grow on Synthetic Grass Tennis Courts?

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If you chose to use synthetic grass on your tennis court, you probably wanted to cut down on court maintenance. After all, artificial grass doesn't need a lot of work as it doesn't grow, and, unlike real grass, it'll continue to look good for years with little effort on your part. Synthetic grass may not be real, and your tennis court may be easy to maintain. However, it's worth remembering that artificial grass can suffer from some of the same problems as the real stuff. For example, you may well look at your court one day and notice that it has developed moss growth. How can fake grass even grow moss and what can you do about it?

Moss Doesn't Care if Grass Isn't Real

You may think that moss can't grow around synthetic grass because the grass it needs to latch onto isn't real. Truth is, moss spores don't need to work with a living host—when they blow on to your tennis court, they can just as easily latch on to your fake grass as the real stuff. This isn't so surprising. After all, it's common for moss to grow on concrete or stone given the right conditions.

In tennis court terms, you may notice a particular problem if you laid your synthetic court on a sand base which gives the moss something to latch on to. Alternatively, you may find that patches spring up in wet, shady or peripheral court areas where the moss spores are given ideal conditions and the time and space to flourish. Moss can also become a problem if you allow leaves and dirt to build up on the court, making it easier for it to grow.

How to Clear Moss From Your Synthetic Tennis Court

Moss on a tennis court isn't just unsightly; it can affect your quality of play. Mossy areas can make your court bumpy and uneven affecting the natural bounce of the ball and they are likely to get bigger over time. So, you do need to get rid of any moss that turns up your court.

Dealing with moss on artificial grass isn't much different to dealing with moss on natural grass. For example, you can use over-the-counter moss-killing sprays and solutions that work just like regular weed killers do on grass.

Tip: Make sure to only use moss-killing products that are suitable for use on synthetic grass courts. Products that aren't designed for artificial grass may damage your surface. If you aren't sure what to use, it's worth talking to the company that installed the grass and asking for recommendations.

How to Avoid Future Moss Problems

Although synthetic grass tennis courts don't need as much maintenance as a natural grass court, a little regular care can help prevent moss returning in the future. Typically, this could be as simple as following the tips you got when your grass was laid such as brushing or raking the grass regularly and keeping it clean and debris-free.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to have the hassle of maintaining your court, you can arrange for local synthetic grass specialists to come in and service your grass periodically. These companies may also offer a moss-cleaning service if you prefer to have your moss problem dealt with professionally.


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