Artificial Turf Installation Guide

Why Southern California Homeowners Love Artificial Turf

Water restrictions, drought conditions, and the high cost of maintaining a natural lawn have made artificial turf increasingly popular throughout Southern California. But water savings is just one reason homeowners are making the switch. Modern synthetic turf looks remarkably realistic, stays green year-round, and eliminates the weekend chore of mowing.

If you're considering artificial turf for your property, this guide covers what you need to know—from choosing the right product to understanding installation and long-term care.

1. Types of Turf: Pet-Friendly, Sports, and Landscape

Not all artificial turf is created equal. Different products are designed for different purposes.

Landscape Turf

The most common choice for residential yards. Modern landscape turf features varied blade heights, multiple shades of green, and even brown thatch fibers to mimic natural grass. Quality landscape turf looks real enough that visitors often can't tell the difference until they touch it.

Pet-Friendly Turf

Designed specifically for homes with dogs. These products feature enhanced drainage (often 100+ inches per hour), antimicrobial infill options to reduce odors, and durable fibers that stand up to heavy use. The backing allows liquids to drain through rather than pooling on the surface.

Sports Turf

Engineered for athletic performance with specific characteristics for soccer, football, or golf putting greens. Sports turf typically has shorter, denser pile and specialized infill for appropriate ball roll and player safety.

Play Area Turf

Softer products designed for playgrounds and play areas. These often have additional padding underneath for fall protection and are made with child safety in mind.

2. What's Under the Surface: Base Preparation

The secret to a great artificial turf installation isn't the turf itself—it's what's underneath. Proper base preparation determines how well your turf drains, how flat it stays, and how long it lasts.

Excavation

The existing lawn and several inches of soil are removed—typically 3-4 inches. This makes room for the base material and turf while keeping the finished surface at the appropriate grade.

Base Material

Crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) or decomposed granite is spread over the excavated area. This material compacts well, drains freely, and provides a stable foundation. In some cases, particularly for pet areas, additional layers may be added for enhanced drainage.

Compaction

The base is compacted using a plate compactor or roller to create a firm, stable surface. Proper compaction prevents settling and ensures the turf maintains a smooth appearance over time.

Weed Barrier

A permeable weed barrier fabric is installed over the compacted base. This prevents weeds from growing up through the turf while still allowing water to drain.

Edging

Bender board, concrete borders, or other edging materials define the perimeter and provide a clean edge for the turf installation. This prevents the edges from lifting or shifting.

3. Installation Process Step-by-Step

Professional installation follows a methodical process to achieve the best results.

Turf Layout

Large rolls of turf are unrolled and positioned, allowing the material to relax and acclimate to the temperature. Seams are planned to be as invisible as possible, typically running perpendicular to the main viewing angle.

Cutting and Fitting

The turf is carefully cut to fit the space, including around obstacles like trees, planters, and pathways. Precision here determines how natural the final result looks.

Seaming

Where multiple pieces of turf meet, seams are joined using seaming tape and adhesive. When done properly, seams become virtually invisible. Poor seaming is one of the most common issues with subpar installations.

Securing

The turf perimeter is secured with landscape staples or nails driven through the edging. The turf is stretched taut before securing to prevent waves or wrinkles.

Infill Application

Infill—typically silica sand, crumb rubber, or organic materials like cork—is spread across the turf and brushed into the fibers. Infill weighs down the turf, helps blades stand upright, and provides cushioning. The amount and type of infill varies based on the application.

Brushing

A power broom or stiff push broom is used to work the infill into the turf and brush the blades upright. This final step gives the turf its natural appearance.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

One of artificial turf's biggest selling points is minimal maintenance, but it's not quite zero maintenance.

Regular Brushing

Occasional brushing keeps fibers standing upright and prevents matting in high-traffic areas. A stiff bristle broom or power broom works well.

Debris Removal

Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris regularly. A leaf blower makes quick work of this task. Organic debris left on the turf can inhibit drainage and promote bacterial growth.

Pet Waste

Remove solid waste promptly. For urine, the turf's drainage handles liquid, but periodic rinsing with water helps prevent odor buildup. Enzyme-based cleaners designed for artificial turf can address stubborn odors.

Periodic Rinsing

Hose down the turf occasionally to rinse away dust and pollen. In areas without regular rainfall, monthly rinsing keeps the turf looking fresh.

Infill Replenishment

Over time, some infill may compact or wash away. Topping up infill every few years maintains proper fiber support.

5. Cost vs. Natural Grass Over Time

Artificial turf has a higher upfront cost than planting natural grass, but the long-term economics often favor synthetic.

Installation Costs

Professional artificial turf installation typically ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on the product quality and site conditions. A 1,000-square-foot lawn might cost $8,000 to $15,000 installed.

Water Savings

The average Southern California lawn uses about 40 gallons of water per square foot annually. For a 1,000-square-foot lawn, that's 40,000 gallons per year. At current water rates, you might save $400-600 annually on water alone.

Maintenance Savings

No more lawn service, fertilizer, pesticides, or mower fuel. These costs easily run $100-200 per month for a maintained natural lawn—that's $1,200-2,400 annually.

Break-Even Analysis

Most homeowners recover their artificial turf investment within 3-5 years through water and maintenance savings. After that, the ongoing savings are essentially profit.

Lifespan

Quality artificial turf lasts 15-25 years with proper care. During that time, you'd likely need to resod a natural lawn at least once.

6. Environmental Considerations

The environmental picture for artificial turf is nuanced.

Water Conservation

In drought-prone Southern California, eliminating lawn irrigation is a significant benefit. Water saved can be substantial over the turf's lifespan.

Chemical Reduction

No fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are needed, reducing chemical runoff into storm drains and groundwater.

Carbon Footprint

Artificial turf is made from petroleum-based products, which has environmental costs. However, eliminating gas-powered mowing offsets some of this impact.

Heat Considerations

Artificial turf can get hot in direct summer sun—sometimes significantly hotter than natural grass. This is a factor for play areas and bare feet. Lighter-colored turfs and cooling infills can help mitigate heat retention.

End of Life

When artificial turf reaches the end of its lifespan, disposal is a consideration. Some turf can be recycled, but options vary. The industry is developing better recycling solutions.

7. The Buildda Touch

At Buildda, we work with experienced artificial turf installers who understand that a great installation starts with proper base preparation and attention to detail. Our network includes specialists who can handle everything from small pet areas to complete front and back yard transformations.

We help you choose the right product for your specific needs—whether that's a putting green, a pet-friendly backyard, or a front yard that stays green year-round with zero irrigation. Our contractors focus on the details that matter: proper drainage, invisible seams, and finishes that look natural.

Ready to eliminate lawn maintenance while keeping a green, inviting outdoor space? Let Buildda connect you with professionals who do artificial turf right.