Ground Preparation & What Goes Under Synthetic Turf
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: What do you put under synthetic turf?
How Do You Prepare Ground for Synthetic Turf?
Ground preparation is the most critical phase of synthetic turf installation.
A proper base typically includes:
- Removal of existing grass and organic soil
- Excavation (usually 3–5 inches deep)
- Weed barrier fabric
- Crushed stone or decomposed granite
- Mechanical compaction
- Fine grading for drainage
Bay Area insight: Our local soils are often clay-heavy, so drainage and compaction are especially important to prevent pooling and shifting.
How to Install Synthetic Turf: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how to install synthetic turf correctly:
- Excavate and grade the area
- Install weed barrier fabric
- Add and compact base material
- Install edging or paver restraints
- Roll out and trim the turf
- Secure turf with nails or adhesive
- Join seams carefully
- Apply infill and brush fibers upright
And this is just an overview of the whole process. Below we shared detailed guideline of synthetic turf installation, and with expert suggestions-
Step 1: Evaluate the Site & Plan Drainage
Before anything is removed, assess how water flows through the area.
What we look for:
- Natural slope of the yard
- Low spots where water pools
- Proximity to the house or structures
Expert tip: Turf should always slope away from buildings, even slightly. Poor drainage is the #1 reason turf fails in Bay Area yards, especially with clay-heavy soil.
Step 2: Remove Existing Grass & Excavate
All grass, roots, and organic material must be removed.
Professional excavation standards:
- Dig 3–5 inches deep (more for high-traffic areas)
- Remove soft soil completely
- Compact exposed subgrade if needed
Leaving organic material underneath turf leads to sinking, odors, and uneven surfaces.
Step 3: Install a Weed Barrier
A commercial-grade weed barrier fabric is laid directly over the soil.
Why this matters:
- Prevents weeds from growing through seams
- Keeps base material from mixing with soil
- Improves long-term stability
Expert tip: Overlap fabric seams by at least 6 inches to prevent weed breakthrough.
Step 4: Build the Base Layer (Critical Step)
This is the foundation of the entire installation.
What goes under synthetic turf:
- Crushed rock or decomposed granite
- Installed in layers
- Mechanically compacted
The base should be:
- Firm (no footprints when stepped on)
- Even, but not perfectly flat
- Slightly sloped for drainage
Expert tip: Never rely on hand tamping alone. A plate compactor is essential for proper synthetic turf installation.
Step 5: Fine Grade & Level the Base
Once compacted, the base is fine-graded.
What we aim for:
- Smooth transitions
- No dips or humps
- Clean edges along hardscape or pavers
This step determines how natural the turf will look once installed.
Step 6: Roll Out, Position & Cut the Turf
Synthetic turf is rolled out over the prepared base and allowed to relax before cutting.
Best practices:
- Always install turf with fibers facing the same direction
- Avoid stretching the turf
- Use sharp utility blades for clean cuts
Expert tip: Grain direction matters. Turf installed inconsistently will look patchy in sunlight.
Step 7: Secure the Turf Properly
Turf is secured using galvanized landscape nails or adhesive (depending on surface).
Key anchoring points:
- Perimeter edges
- Seams
- High-traffic areas
Fasteners should be hidden in the turf fibers, not visible on the surface.
Step 8: Seam Joining (If Needed)
When multiple turf pieces are required, seams must be joined carefully.
Professional seam technique includes:
- Seam tape underneath
- Turf adhesive applied evenly
- Fibers brushed together to hide the seam
Poor seam work is one of the most obvious DIY mistakes.
Step 9: Apply Infill Material
Infill is brushed into the turf to support the fibers and add weight.
Common infill options:
- Silica sand
- Pet-safe infill for dog areas
Infill helps:
- Keep blades upright
- Improve drainage
- Extend turf lifespan
Expert tip: Infill is applied in layers, not all at once, with brushing between passes.
Step 10: Final Brushing & Inspection
The final step is power brushing or hand brushing the turf fibers upright.
At this stage, professionals check:
- Edges and seams
- Drainage flow
- Surface smoothness
- Overall appearance
This final inspection ensures the turf looks natural and performs as intended.
Pro Insight from GLscapes Inc.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, base preparation and drainage matter more than turf brand. A properly installed mid-range turf will outperform a premium turf installed on a poor base every time.
Surface-Specific Synthetic Turf Installation
Installing Synthetic Turf on Dirt
Installing synthetic turf on dirt alone is not recommended. Dirt shifts, drains poorly, and causes uneven surfaces. A compacted base layer is always required for long-term success.
Installing Synthetic Turf on Concrete
Synthetic turf installation on concrete is possible using an adhesive. However, the surface must:
- Be clean and level
- Have adequate slope or drainage holes
- Be fully bonded to prevent lifting
This is common for patios, rooftops, or balconies.
Can I Install Synthetic Turf Myself? (DIY vs Professional)
Many homeowners ask if DIY synthetic turf installation is realistic.
DIY may work for:
- Small, flat areas
- Temporary installations
- Homeowners with proper tools
Professional installation is better for:
- Slopes and uneven terrain
- Dog runs and high-traffic areas
- Turf between pavers
- Large yards or complex drainage needs
Most turf problems we repair stem from DIY base prep mistakes, not the turf itself.
Specialty Synthetic Turf Installations
Synthetic Turf Putting Greens
Putting greens require:
- Ultra-flat grading
- Specialized turf with short pile height
- Precision seaming
These projects benefit greatly from professional installation.
Synthetic Turf vs Artificial Grass: Comparison
Feature | Synthetic Turf | Artificial Grass |
Common Usage | Professional landscaping, pet areas, sports, putting greens | General residential or decorative use |
Material Quality | Higher-grade polyethylene or nylon fibers | Varies widely by brand and price |
Durability | Built for long-term use (15–20 years) | Can range from short-term to long-term |
Drainage System | Engineered backing with consistent drainage holes | Drainage may be basic or limited |
Realism | Designed to closely mimic natural grass | Can look realistic or obviously synthetic |
Traffic Tolerance | Handles heavy foot traffic and pets | Often better for light use |
UV Resistance | Strong UV stabilization (important in the Bay Area sun) | UV protection varies |
Pet-Friendly Options | Yes, with antimicrobial backing and infill | Not always pet-optimized |
Installation Method | Requires proper base, compaction, and infill | May be sold as “roll-and-lay” products |
Typical Cost | Higher upfront, better long-term value | Lower upfront, shorter lifespan |
Best For | Yards, dog runs, slopes, between pavers, putting greens | Balconies, décor, temporary areas |
Maintenance Tips from Turf Installation Experts
One of the biggest benefits of synthetic turf installation is low maintenance, but it’s not zero maintenance.
Expert care tips:
- Rinse occasionally to remove dust or pet residue
- Brush fibers upright in high-traffic areas
- Remove debris to prevent matting
- Check seams and edges annually
With basic care, synthetic turf retains its look and performance for years.
Why Choose GLscapes Inc. for Synthetic Turf Installation
At GLscapes Inc., we install synthetic turf as part of complete outdoor environments, often integrating turf with pavers, patios, walkways, and drainage solutions for a seamless result.
Why Bay Area homeowners choose us:
- Deep knowledge of local soil and drainage
- Precision base preparation
- High-quality turf materials
- Clean, professional installation