Artificial grass is well known for its layering and the extreme drainage properties it has, so whenever it gets wet it really doesn’t get very slippery. It’s designed to keep moisture away and improve traction, but it isn’t invulnerable. Whenever it gets cold and wet is another story. The blades of grass tend to freeze and that can cause slipping issues for people.
Thankfully there are ways to counter this, so you can walk safely on your artificial grass without worrying about falling over!
Does Artificial Grass Become Slippery When Wet?
The best quality artificial grass doesn’t become slippery when wet, because even the heaviest rain storms have nothing on properly installed artificial grass. You won’t need to worry about the grass becoming slippery at all, even with the heaviest storms!
Does a Heavy Rainfall Cause Any Issues to Artificial Grass?
No, properly installed artificial turf drains the moisture quickly, before it can even become a problem for the artificial grass. The water slides through the fibers and water simply goes through the holes in the permeable grass and then into the soil. There’s also no mud on the turf and the grass is constantly being air dried to prevent any slipping.
Why Proper Drainage is Important for Artificial Grass
Of course, all of this is only done through the proper drainage of your artificial grass, which can even be better than the draining of natural grass. Artificial grass has a backing that is designed to be very permeable towards water and extremely porous, not even allowing time for the water to slip through and start to pool.
The artificial grass won’t hold onto or absorb any water, but you need to make sure that the grass is installed properly with good backing and also has a strong sub-base. The water needs to go somewhere, and if it isn’t going in your lawn you need to make sure it is going somewhere safe. Having a base of well draining soil can help handle the water, but if you don’t have good soil, try a sub-base of granite or stone.
What Happens if You Have Artificial Turf Drainage Problems?
Drainage problems won’t just cause a massive buildup of water that can cause damage and also can cause holes to appear if you have a weak sub-base. The stagnant water can also lead to insects that can breed and become a nuisance or even a danger to people and pets.
It won’t cause too much trouble, but in heavier storms without adequate drainage, the water can easily run off your lawn and get into the areas around your home.
What is Artificial Grass Infill and Why is it Important?
Artificial grass infill are the products placed in between the grass blades to help them stand up and give them the support that natural grass blades already have. Infill also makes the yard and the grass feel natural, so you can run and move on it without any issues. Plus, it is one of the things that aids in drainage and helps your artificial turf last much longer.
What are the Different Types of Artificial Turf Infill?
Crumb Rubber Infill 
If you have ever been on an artificial turf in a sports setting, chances are you were touching crumb rubber. This infill is made from recycled tires that are ground up into very small granules, and the ‘bounce’ it gives is very popular with athletes. The only problem with this infill is that it can trap heat and become uncomfortably hot.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is made from eroded quartz, and the small sand-like granules are what is left behind. It does the job of keeping the blades of grass up and does it well, and it is also one of the least expensive infill materials. However, it can harbor moisture rather than letting it pass through, which could lead to bacteria and mold.
Acrylic Coated Sand
Acrylic coated sand is a dustless infill that has a rounded shape, so it’s very easy to walk on. It also doesn’t compact over time, which not only expands it’s lifetime but also allows for even better drainage. The best part is it is reusable, so it can be removed and used again someplace else.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Take to Dry After Rain?
Even though the artificial grass doesn’t get muddy or slippery, it can still show the effects of a rainfall. Particularly after heavy rain, it can take some time for the grass to dry, but around 1-2 days of waiting will have the grass dried up. Of course, this timeline can change depending on the current weather and the temperature outside.
Still, you won’t need to wait too long to be out on the artificial grass again, even after a large rainstorm.
Does Artificial Grass Need Any Maintenance After Rain?
The only maintenance that the grass will need after rain depends on the length of the storm. A long period of very heavy rain might knock the strands down, and you might need to take a brush and very gently push or pull the strands affected by the rain back into place. By fixing the grass, you will prevent the turf from getting matted and make sure it continues to look good.
Sometimes during storms, soggy items such as leaves and trash can blow onto your lawn and get stuck. In order to keep your lawn looking nice, you should remove these items after the rain and dispose of them properly. Most of the time they can be easily removed, but if the subject in question happens to be an adhesive, you could have some trouble removing it without breaking the strands of turf.
You can use mixes of soap and water or soap and vinegar to loosen adhesive substances, and then dispose of them properly. Don’t try to cut them out, because those strands won’t grow back!
Can Artificial Grass Become Icy and Slippery?
Yes, it can. While artificial grass won’t become slippery when it rains, whenever it becomes icy the bristles freeze up and then the entire field becomes slippery. Make sure to be careful if you need to use your lawn while ice and snow have covered it, and the best way to remove snow is to take away the top layer of snow with a shovel. Then you can brush away the rest on the bottom.
Otherwise, wait for the ice and snow to melt. Once they do, you can trust that the drainage properties of the artificial turf will cause all the excess water to be removed just like it would after a rainfall.
The Verdict – Should You Cover Artificial Turf from the Rain?
No, you shouldn’t cover your artificial turf from the rain because there is no reason to. The artificial turf has superior draining properties that will allow it to weather the toughest storms. You just need to make sure that the turf has been installed correctly and you have the correct infill system. Otherwise, you won’t need to worry about the rain or about slipping and falling whenever you go out to your lawn post rainstorm.
Read our related artificial grass articles:
- How Long Does Artificial Grass Last? (All You Need to Know)
- 5 Best Artificial Grass Options for Your Backyard
- 19 Cheap No-Grass Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.