Even with solid maintenance, age catches up eventually. How long does artificial turf last before showing wear? Usually a decade or more, but here’s what to watch for.

Fading is often the first thing you’ll notice. Colors wash out over large sections, and no amount of cleaning brings them back. Fibers start matting down and won’t spring back up after brushing. Seams loosen, edges lift and curl, creating spots where someone could trip.

Drainage problems show up, too, with water pooling after rain instead of flowing through. The surface itself can harden in areas where infill has compacted too much, losing that cushioned feel it had when new.

Spot these issues early, and sometimes repairs buy you another 1–2 years. Other times, you are better off starting fresh. Either way, prevention beats replacement.