For your ProGrass surface to wear properly, a minimum amount of care and regular maintenance is required. Here are the various categories of concern:

1. Break-In Period
2. Sweeping and Removal of Debris
3. Grooming the field
4. Cleaning the Surface
5. Snow Removal

1. Break-In Period
   
   1. The ProGrass field will take a few weeks to “mat” down. This means that the fibers will fold over a certain amount, and this will trap the infill in place. This is favorable, and you need not try to fluff up the fibers.
   2. A certain settling of the infill will also take place. This means that the infill will become slightly firmer underfoot, and will then be settled.
   3. The infill will also be flushed clean from rainfall. This will improve the evacuation of water from the surface over time.
2. Sweeping and Removal of Debris
   
   1. Sweep as necessary with a field tractor using the sweeper as an attachment. Sweep only the areas of the field that require debris to be removed. Sweep only the areas of the field the require debris to be removed. The sweeper will pick up most debris; for example, candy, wrappers, paper scraps, leaves and loose fiber.
   2. Hand removal may be required for other debris, such as, tape, gum, string, stones, and larger items.
   3. The sweeper on this unit is adjustable (see manufacturer’s instructions). Adjust the broom so that is makes minimum contact with the turf. If it is lowered too much, it will remove excessive amounts of infill, and the broom will not rotate properly.
   
   * Note: It is normal for a small quantity of the rubber and sand infill to be swept up with the debris.
3. Grooming the Field
   
   1. Grooming the field in both directions, alternating directions each time, is good if only done occasionally. Even though the brush unit has relatively soft bristles, it is not necessary to groom your ProGrass surface often. We recommend grooming every 4 to 12 weeks, or less often depending upon the amount of play the field has had.
   2. Occasional grooming of the surface is important to redistribute the infill only when substantial play has occurred on your ProGrass surface.
   3. When transporting the groomer behind the tractor, lower the two large wheels so that the rake and brush clear the ground sufficiently. Proceed slowly, and be careful when transporting that you do not go over rough terrain or curbs that exceed 1” in height.
   4. Adjusting the height of the brush/rake attachment is simple, however, very important. With the brush/rake attached to the tractor, raise the large transport wheels up until the small outrigger wheels just contact the turf.
   5. Should any infill be displaced enough to warrant moving it back into place; you would use a medium stiff brush to adequately stir up the fibers, brush the surface to move the infill back to where it is missing.
   6. Brushing the surface in both directions can help to re-level the infill if it has been displaced. This will only work when the grass and infill are dry. Such as situation might occur only if there was a substantial amount of play over a long period of time on a concentrated area.
   
   * Note: NEVER back up the tractor when the brush/rake attachment is in contact with the turf. This equipment is designed to operate in forward direction ONLY!
4. Cleaning the Surface
   
   1. Various debris can fall on your ProGrass surface that can temporarily stain it. It is very hard to have a permanent stain occur on the fibers. The remedy to such temporary stains is to use a non-film forming detergent (neutral) and cold water. Adequately soak the affected area, and either sponge off and use a rag or soft brush and scrub gently. Most stains will disappear using this method, but dry-cleaning solvents can also be used. Freon spray can be used to remove chewing gum spots.
   2. Removal of vomit, blood, or other bodily fluids can be accomplished with germicidal spray and wipe. We recommend using Instant Wipe and Clean by Pioneer.
   3. If spill material should penetrate the infill, then the infill can be removed with a standard shopvac and either cleaned or replaced.
   4. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse any cleaning attempt prior to customers playing on the surface to avoid slippery areas that could cause injury.
5. Snow Removal
   
   1. The most safe and effective method is the use of plastic snow shovels to uncover the lines of play. Never dig in to the turf with anything
   2. Plows can be used with extreme care but must be equipped with a rubber squeegee blade fixed to the bottom of the metal blade. At no time should the metal blade directly contact the synthetic turf.
   3. If using a snowplow adjust the blade mechanism so that a very light contact is made with synthetic surface.
   4. Plowing should be done from the center out. Plowing up to 6 inches deep is relatively effective. Never use a tractor with chains
   5. Removal of snow at temperatures above freezing will leave temporary tire marks, and it will cause some of the rubber granules to cling to the snow. If a substantial amount of rubber is removed, it would have to be replaced properly.
   6. When plowing in frozen conditions, special attention must be made to determine if the snow / ice is frozen to the turf. Any attempt to remove snow that is stuck to the turf could result in serious damage to the field.
   7. A snow blower can be used but direct contact with turf by the tines or paddles of the snow blower must be avoided.

   * To summarize the snow removal process, care should be taken as it would for any artificial surface. Different methods may be used, and Pro Grass LLC would be pleased to discuss the various methods you may have prior to your attempts at snow removal.