If you’re wondering what to put under artificial grass, you’re in the right place. Laying down synthetic turf can transform your outdoor space into a lush, low-maintenance paradise—provided you do it correctly. While artificial grass is known for its durability and ease of care, skipping crucial steps during the installation process can lead to issues down the road. You deserve a neat, long-lasting surface that won’t succumb to wrinkles, poor drainage, or weed infiltration. By learning about common pitfalls and how to avoid them, you set yourself up for an outdoor space that stays green and clean year-round.
Below, you’ll explore essential tips for installing your artificial turf. These insights will help you avoid major installation mistakes, from choosing the right foundation materials to giving proper attention to seams and edges. You’ll come away prepared to tackle your project confidently and ensure the final result matches your vision.
1. Ignoring the Right Foundation: What to Put Under Artificial Grass
The single biggest mistake you can make is overlooking the correct base material. Artificial grass needs a firm yet permeable foundation, typically composed of crushed rock or gravel. Skimping on this step can create weak spots, bumps, or poor drainage.
Crushed Aggregate Base: You’ll want a layer of crushed stone (like decomposed granite or Class II road base) several inches thick. This base provides stability and allows water to drain effectively.
Leveling and Compacting: A stable base doesn’t just happen; you have to use a plate compactor or roller to level it. If you leave pockets of air or loose dirt, those areas can sink over time, leading to dips in your new turf.
Why It Matters: When your turf sits on a solid, well-compacted foundation, it’s more likely to remain wrinkle-free and drain water without puddling. You won’t have to worry about sagging patches or an uneven playing surface that diminishes the visual appeal.
2. Overlooking Proper Drainage
Even if you live in a drier climate, drainage can make or break your artificial grass installation. Water that collects under your turf can lead to odor buildup, mold, or even cause the turf to lift in certain areas.
Permeable Base Material: Ensure you use a base that allows water to filter through. A combination of drainage stone and sand can work wonders for preventing standing water.
Slope Awareness: You may need a slight slope (around 1-2%) away from any buildings or structures so that water can flow off effectively.
Why It Matters: By preventing water from pooling, you reduce the risk of mold, unpleasant smells, or damage to your sub-base. This helps your turf maintain its integrity over the long term.
3. Neglecting a Weed Barrier
Weeds can find their way through small gaps, no matter how careful you are. One of the most common oversights is failing to install a quality weed barrier beneath your turf.
Geotextile or Landscaping Fabric: Laying a durable layer of weed-blocking fabric can keep pesky plants from growing under your synthetic grass.
Cut and Secure: Be sure to cut the barrier to fit the shape of your yard. Overlap seams by a few inches and secure it in place so it doesn’t shift when you add the base materials.
Why It Matters: No one wants to see weeds or grass sprouting up along the edges or in the middle of a brand-new artificial lawn. A weed barrier saves you the headache of constant maintenance.
4. Failing to Compact and Level Properly
You might be tempted to skip thorough compaction because you’re in a hurry or see the ground as “close enough.” However, failing to compact the base to about 90% density (or more) creates future trouble.
Use the Right Tools: A heavy-duty plate compactor is your best bet. Walk it across the entire area multiple times, adding water if necessary to help the base settle.
Level With Care: Even slight unevenness can become glaringly obvious once the turf is installed. Take the time to identify and fill any dips or bumps.
Why It Matters: Properly compacted and leveled ground ensures stability and uniformity. You avoid that wavy look and feel that can make synthetic turf appear cheap or poorly installed.
5. Choosing the Wrong Infill (or Skipping It Entirely)
Infill plays a significant role in how your artificial grass looks, feels, and performs. Yet many do-it-yourself installers either skip infill altogether or select a cheap option without considering their climate or usage needs.
Types of Infill: Options include silica sand, crumb rubber, or other specialized blends. Your choice can impact drainage, foot feel, and how quickly the turf heats up under sunlight.
Proper Distribution: Evenly spread infill across the turf. Then, use a stiff bristle broom or power brush to work it down into the fibers.
Why It Matters: Infill helps the grass blades stand upright, improves traction, and can even enhance drainage. Neglect it, and you’ll end up with flat, lifeless turf that wears out faster in high-traffic areas.
6. Poor Seam Alignment
Seams are where two pieces of turf meet, and they can be a dead giveaway if done poorly. In a rush, you might align the grass in opposite directions, or neglect to secure the seams properly.
Blade Direction: Pay attention to the grain of the turf fibers. They should face the same direction where the pieces meet.
Seam Tape and Adhesive: Use high-quality seam tape and adhesive, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Press the two edges together carefully to avoid gaps.
Invisible Joins: After joining, brush the fibers so they blend together. If the seam is still visible, consider adding more infill or adjusting the fibers to disguise the line.
Why It Matters: A seamless appearance is critical to achieving a natural look. Visible seams reduce the overall visual quality and can lead to edge fraying over time.
7. Overlooking Edge Restraints
Edges that aren’t properly secured can curl, shift, or unravel. If you don’t anchor the turf around its perimeter, you risk a messy, uneven boundary.
Bender Board or Other Retainers: Installing a firm, rot-resistant border (like plastic bender board or metal edging) helps keep the base in place and provides a clean edge.
Secure the Turf: Use landscaping spikes or turf nails to anchor the grass along the edges. Space them frequently enough to avoid gaps where the turf could lift.
Why It Matters: Well-secured edges not only look neater, but they also extend the life of your installation. You won’t have to go back and constantly readjust or tuck the turf in later.
8. Rushing the Installation
A common theme among all these mistakes is rushing. The allure of enjoying your new synthetic lawn can make you cut corners. Each phase—clearing the site, laying the base, compacting, and trimming the turf—demands patience.
Take It Step by Step: Break down your project into manageable tasks. Don’t try to finish everything in one day, especially if you’re new to installing artificial turf.
Allow for Settling Time: After compacting the base, let it settle if you can. This ensures that any minor shifts happen before you lay the turf.
Why It Matters: A hasty approach often leads to headaches later, such as uneven surfaces, visible seams, or ongoing maintenance issues. Time invested now pays off in a lawn that remains beautiful and sturdy.
9. Skipping Maintenance After Installation
Artificial turf may be low-maintenance, but it’s not maintenance-free. You might think once it’s laid, your job is done forever.
Brushing and Grooming: Occasionally brushing the turf keeps its fibers upright and looking fresh.
Debris Removal: Clear away leaves, twigs, or other debris that can accumulate on the surface.
Rinse and Refresh: Rain generally helps, but in drier climates, a quick rinse with a hose can wash away dust and maintain cleanliness.
Why It Matters: Regular minor upkeep ensures the surface stays resilient, hygienic, and visually appealing. Neglecting these small tasks can shorten the life of your turf and lead to more significant issues over time.
10. Underestimating the Importance of Planning
Finally, even if you know how to install artificial grass, failing to plan each step can sink your project. Planning involves measuring your space accurately, ordering enough turf and infill, and mapping out any unique challenges like slopes or tree roots.
Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old adage applies here. Double-check your measurements before cutting any turf sections.
Have Extra Materials on Hand: Turf typically needs to be ordered in specific roll widths. Make sure you have slightly more than your calculated surface area to account for errors or trimming.
Why It Matters: A well-thought-out plan keeps surprises to a minimum. You won’t run out of materials midway or discover you’ve overlooked a drainage slope. Proper planning saves time, money, and frustration.
Your Path to a Flawless Turf
You now have a clear roadmap to avoid the most common pitfalls in artificial grass installation. By prioritizing a solid, permeable base, ensuring proper drainage, and giving careful attention to seams and edges, you set yourself up for success. This not only boosts your lawn’s appearance but also extends its lifespan. You can enjoy the look and feel of real grass without worrying about muddy patches, weed outbreaks, or constant upkeep.
Your outdoor transformation starts with knowing exactly what to put under artificial grass—along with a commitment to each layer of installation. When you address the potential mistakes covered here, you’ll end up with an artificial lawn that looks and functions at its best. Take your time, use the right materials, and stay consistent with minor maintenance. By doing so, you’ll create an inviting, reliable turf space that you can enjoy season after season.