Blog

Fall is around the corner—and if you manage artificial turf for commercial, municipal, or institutional use, it’s time to prep your surfaces for the seasonal shift. From school fields and stadiums to recreational facilities and multi-use complexes, artificial turf needs proactive care before winter hits. This guide covers seven essential fall turf maintenance tips, from infill inspection to drainage checks. You’ll also learn how GKB machines, proudly distributed by Clean Turf Canada, can support larger-scale maintenance efforts —especially on golf courses where natural turf prep is key. No matter your role–turf manager, athletic director, or facility supervisor–this fall checklist will help you keep your artificial turf clean and safe through fall and into winter. Let’s dig in.

1. Clear Debris Before It Becomes a Problem

As autumn sets in, leaves and other organic debris start to accumulate–and on artificial turf, that’s more than just an eyesore. Left unattended, materials like leaves, twigs, and grass clippings can quickly compromise field performance by blocking drainage encouraging microbial growth, and degrading the infill layer over time. These issues not only affect turf aesthetics but also performance and safety. Wet leaves, for example, can become slippery, increasing injury risk during games or practices.

Pro Tip: Routine sweeping, power brooming, and leaf-blowing will help preserve your artificial turf’s cleanliness and longevity. For large-scale surfaces, mechanical turf sweepers or rotary brush systems, like those offered by GKB, offer faster, more consistent results. Scheduling weekly cleanups during peak leaf fall can significantly reduce long-term turf maintenance costs.

2. Schedule a Deep Turf Cleaning

While artificial turf doesn’t require mowing like natural grass, it still demands thorough seasonal cleaning–particularly after a summer of heavy foot traffic. A fall deep clean removes built-up debris, improves hygiene, restores surface appearance, and prepares the turf system for the harsher conditions of winter. Without deep cleaning, contaminants like sweat, bodily fluids, spilled beverages, or pet waste can linger and lead to odour, bacteria buildup, or even surface discolouration.

Did You Know? Bacteria can survive on artificial turf for extended periods, especially in cooler, shaded areas. Fall is a great time to disinfect high-traffic zones to promote health and safety into the off-season. At Clean Turf Canada, we offer custom artificial turf maintenance packages tailored to your facility’s use and traffic patterns. Our team uses specialized equipment to clean, lift, and restore your artificial turf system–without damaging the fibres or affecting drainage. Learn more about our artificial turf maintenance packages.

3. Inspect and Top Up Infill

Infill is the unsung hero of artificial turf systems. It provides critical cushioning, helps keep turf fibres upright, and supports proper drainage. But over time, infill levels naturally decline due to:

• Foot traffic
• Wind displacement
• Water runoff
• Equipment use

Fall is an ideal time to assess and restore infill levels before the ground freezes. Compacted infill not only reduces comfort underfoot but can also harden the surface, leading to increased risk of injury.

When inspecting infill, look for:

• Bald patches or visible backing
• Hard, uneven spots that don’t bounce back under pressure
• Poor fibre resilience or flattened blades

Bonus Tip: Different sports have different infill performance needs. A fall top-up is a great opportunity to ensure your field meets the right standard for safety and playability.

Clean Turf Canada uses state-of-the-art GKB equipment to top up and redistribute infill evenly, lifting the pile and restoring optimal playing conditions.

4. Check Drainage Systems

As fall rains intensify and the first freeze looms, drainage becomes one of the most important aspects of artificial turf maintenance. Artificial turf is designed with subsurface drainage layers to handle water quickly and efficiently, but blockages can cause water pooling, frozen patches, or turf lifting. Your fall inspection should include:

• Visual assessments of field slope and runoff
• Clearing out drainage grates, trenches, and outlets
• Identifying any areas with slow drainage or persistent pooling

Ignoring drainage issues now can result in bigger problems later, including ice buildup, mould growth, or costly resurfacing needs.

5. Groom the Turf Fibres

After a summer of sports, camps, and public use, artificial turf fibres tend to lay flat–especially in high-use zones like midfields, goalmouths, and sidelines. Matted turf not only looks worn but can affect performance, ball roll and traction. Grooming turf in the fall helps to:

• Re-lift flattened fibres
• Redistribute infill evenly
• Reduce static buildup and odour
• Improve the field’s overall appearance

We recommend using mechanical grooming equipment such as power brooms or drag brushes from GKB, which lift the turf and shake loose compacted materials.

Added Bonus: Properly groomed artificial turf drains better and dries faster, reducing the chance of slippery conditions as the temperatures dip.

6. Plan Preventative Maintenance

Fall is an ideal time for long-term planning–not just reactive repairs. Preventative maintenance identifies small problems before they turn into large, costly issues. Your fall preventative checklist should include:

• Seam and edge inspections to prevent separation
• Minor patching or fibre repair for high-wear zones
• G-MAX testing to assess shock absorbency (important for sports fields)
• Optional antimicrobial treatments to suppress bacterial and control odours

At Clean Turf Canada, we help our clients schedule seasonal upkeep around their field usage. Our fall maintenance solutions are designed to minimize downtime and maximize field readiness. Fall is also a good time to review your annual maintenance log. Are certain areas always problematic? Are there recurring drainage or wear patterns? Use this data to plan smarter improvements in the year ahead.

7. Prepare for Winter: The Off-Season Strategy

Snow and ice are a given in many Canadian regions–but your turf doesn’t have to suffer because of it. While artificial turf is built to withstand the elements, cold weather and freeze-thaw cycles can still cause:

• Infill compaction
• Turf fibre brittleness
• Drainage system blockages
• Surface separation if water penetrates seams

Before winter arrives:

• Finish all turf cleaning, grooming, and infill adjustments
• Monitor early snow accumulation and clear it regularly
• Avoid harsh de-icers or salts (they can degrade the turf backing)
• Use only turf-safe snow removal tools–no metal blades or rigid plows

Reminder: If your site requires routine winter access, create a winterization plan with your maintenance provider. Include emergency snow clearing strategies and a checklist for post-storm inspections.

Supporting Golf Courses in all Seasons with GKB Equipment

While Clean Turf specializes in maintaining artificial surfaces, we’re also the Canadian distributor of GKB Machines—trusted by golf course superintendents across the country for natural turf maintenance. Golf courses, in particular, require intensive fall preparation to protect fairways and greens through the dormant season. That’s where GKB machines shine. For example, the GKB SandFiller aerates and topdresses natural turf in one pass—reducing labour and ensuring uniform coverage. The GKB TopDrop offers precise application of sand or compost, helping to level uneven surfaces and improve drainage. And GKB’s Deep Tine Aerator loosens compacted soil, improving root growth and moisture retention before winter. These tools are ideal for golf course maintenance but also benefit soccer pitches, school grounds, or high-performance natural turf fields that demand year-round consistency. If you’re looking to upgrade your golf courses equipment this season, GKB’s innovative lineup delivers the precision and durability needed for professional level results. Browse their complete line of premium golf course maintenance equipment.

Why Fall Turf Maintenance Matters

It’s tempting to wind down field operations once the busy season ends, but skipping fall turf maintenance is a gamble that rarely pays off. Without cleanup, grooming, and inspection, fields can become matted, unsafe, and prone to water damage. Drainage issues go unnoticed until spring. Infill compacts, fibres flatten, and surfaces lose their playability. The good news? A few key fall services can dramatically reduce springtime headaches. By investing in fall artificial turf maintenance now, your field will dry faster, perform better, and be less likely to need major repairs come spring. It’s also a smart move from a liability perspective—players, coaches, and parents all expect safe, professional playing environments year-round.

Ready to Tackle Fall Turf Maintenance? We Can Help.

Clean Turf Canada is your trusted partner for professional artificial turf maintenance services across Ontario. We work with commercial properties, schools, municipalities, and sports facilities to deliver tailored fall maintenance solutions for every site. Whether you need a thorough turf cleaning, infill redistribution, or seasonal grooming, we’ll help you wrap up the season with confidence. Managing a golf course or natural turf facility? As the Canadian distributor of GKB machines, we can help you transition your fairways, tee boxes, and greens smoothly into dormancy. Let’s talk turf–contact us today to schedule your fall service or request a quote. With the right plan and equipment, you can protect your investment and keep every field or facility clean, safe, and ready for spring.