Why artificial grass starts to smell
Artificial grass doesn’t break things down the way real turf does. When pets use it regularly, urine can sink into the pile and settle into areas where fine debris builds up. Over time, bacteria can develop in that build-up, and that’s usually what creates the lingering smell.
It often gets worse in warmer weather, after heavy rain (which can “reactivate” old residues), or when the lawn has had a lot of pet use over a short period. If the smell is strongest in certain spots, that’s a good clue that the issue is concentrated and needs targeted attention.