What Are They Doing to My Yard?

Artificial turf should normally sit on an engineered base rather than loose organic soil. Removing the existing material creates room for a stable base, correct finished elevation and drainage. How much is removed depends on the site and the installation design.

It is the structural base beneath the turf. Depending on the design, this may be crushed aggregate, decomposed granite or another engineered aggregate. Proper base construction is critical to stability and drainage. For typical residential installations, multiple sources describe roughly a 3–4-inch compacted aggregate base as common, adjusted for soil, drainage and use — actual depth varies by site and design.

Because loose aggregate settles. Compaction locks the particles together and creates the stable foundation that helps prevent low spots, soft sections and movement.

Base is better installed and compacted in lifts rather than dumping one deep loose layer and only compacting the top. Proper lift compaction helps achieve consistent density through the entire base.

Usually geotextile or weed-control fabric. Its exact purpose and placement depend on the installation design, but it can help separate native soil from base material and reduce weed intrusion.

Because holes in turf don't magically fix bad property drainage. Water still has to go somewhere after passing through the turf. Houston's clay soils, flat lots and intense rainfall make underlying grading and drainage especially important. Turf drains. Your property still has to drain.

Because it isn't ordinary dirt. Infill is distributed between the fibers to add ballast and stability, support the fibers, protect the backing and help the turf perform correctly. Infill helps blades stand upright and helps resist wrinkles, buckles and ripples. The exact type and amount vary by product and design.

Rolled turf needs to relax and acclimate after transportation. Final grooming and infill also change how the fibers stand.

Artificial turf has a pile or grain direction. Looking into the fibers versus looking with the fibers can make the exact same turf appear lighter or darker. Proper panel orientation is therefore important.

To keep the finished surface visually consistent. Opposing grain directions can make adjoining pieces appear to be different colors even when they are the same product.

A material positioned beneath adjoining turf panels that works with the selected adhesive system to create the joint.

Properly constructed seams join separate rolls or panels into one continuous-looking surface.

During installation, seams may be more obvious before final trimming, adhesive curing, infill distribution and grooming. A persistent wide gap, overlap or misaligned grain after completion is different and should be corrected.

Fastening systems vary by application. Perimeter anchoring, seam construction and glue-down systems each serve different purposes. Nails through the main field are not automatically a substitute for proper seam construction. For SynTurf installations, seams are built with seam tape and adhesive rather than relying on field nails.

An edge restraint installed around applicable turf perimeters that helps contain the base and provides a secure edge detail for the finished installation.

The contractor is building the finished surface to its designed elevation. Final height needs to coordinate with patios, drains, curbs, doors and landscape transitions.

Minor temporary surface movement during installation can change as panels are positioned, secured, infilled and groomed. Significant persistent wrinkles or soft bowls are different.

Power brushing works infill down between the fibers and stands the pile up so the surface finishes evenly.

Artificial turf comes in manufactured roll widths. Irregular shapes, grain direction and seam placement create material waste. Using every scrap regardless of grain direction can produce an ugly finished installation.

Once natural lawn is removed, some irrigation zones may no longer be needed. Proper handling depends on the final landscape and drainage design; lines should not simply be abandoned in a way that creates future leaks beneath the turf.

Artificial turf greatly reduces weed pressure, but it does not make weeds biologically impossible. Seeds can germinate in organic debris above the surface, or weeds can appear at edges and penetrations.

Moisture can help certain aggregate materials compact properly. The exact moisture content depends on the material being installed.