Artificial Grass Tennis Court Cleaning & Maintenance Blog
Expert tips and advice are here to help you extend the life of your surface and improve playing conditions
Annual Professional Assessment
Schedule an annual inspection with a sports surface specialist. They can test pile depth, infill levels, drainage, and overall condition — helping you budget for any upcoming works.
Maintenance & Cleaning Log
Maintain a cleaning log to keep track of work done on your artificial grass courts, treatments applied, and any problem areas. This is especially useful if multiple people are responsible for court care.
Long-Term Artificial Grass Care
Think of your artificial court like any other facility investment. With good maintenance, you can expect a surface life of 10–15 years. Proper care reduces costly repairs, and delays full resurfacing.
Routine Maintenance: Your First Line of Defence
Ongoing, routine maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs. Here’s what you should include in your weekly and monthly maintenance schedule:
Brushing and Debris Removal
Brushing helps to redistribute infill, lift the pile, and prevent matting. Use a drag brush or mechanical brush to sweep the surface in different directions. Remove leaves and organic matter with a blower or plastic rake to prevent decomposition and moss formation.
Edge Cleaning and Drainage Checks
Don’t neglect the edges of the court. These areas are prone to weed and moss growth. Inspect and clean the perimeter regularly. Also, check drainage channels and make sure they are free of blockages.
Regular Surface Inspections
Walk the court and look for signs of fibre wear, compaction, bald spots, or infill migration. Addressing minor issues early can prevent larger, more expensive repairs.
Deep Cleaning: What It Involves
Even with a solid routine, all artificial grass courts will benefit from periodic deep cleaning. This involves specialist equipment and methods to remove contaminants that brushing alone can’t fix:
Power Brushing
Power brushing uses motorised rotary brushes to lift the pile, agitate infill, and extract embedded dirt and debris. This process refreshes the surface and restores playability.
Infill Top-Ups
Over time, infill (usually sand) is lost due to rain, wind, and usage. Replacing it is vital for maintaining shock absorption and drainage performance. Use clean, kiln-dried silica sand for best results.
Moss & Algae Treatment
If your court is in a shaded or damp area, you may need to treat it with a moss and algae biocide. Apply a specialist, sports-surface-safe treatment in dry weather and allow it to fully penetrate before brushing in.
Water Extraction and Vacuuming
Some contractors offer wet-vacuum cleaning services, which extract organic matter from the base layers of the turf, especially if poor drainage is a recurring issue.
Seasonal Cleaning Advice
Each season brings unique challenges for artificial tennis court maintenance. Adapting your approach throughout the year will keep your surface in peak condition:
Spring
Clear away winter debris, check for drainage damage, and apply pre-emptive moss treatments. This is a good time for deep cleaning.
Summer
During periods of heavy use, increase brushing frequency and inspect high-traffic areas more often. Sweep after storms or high winds.
Autumn
Clear falling leaves daily. Organic build-up can quickly lead to compaction and weed growth. It’s also the ideal time for infill top-ups before winter weather arrives.
Winter
Avoid using the court when frozen. Remove snow carefully using a plastic shovel, and never use salt or chemical deicers as they can damage the fibres and sub-layer.