Grass Installation: How to Get Artificial Grass Right the First Time
When you install grass installation, the process of laying synthetic turf over a prepared base to create a low-maintenance lawn. Also known as artificial grass installation, it’s not just about unrolling a roll of turf. Done right, it lasts over 15 years, looks real, and feels solid underfoot. Done wrong? You’ll see bumps, drainage issues, and grass that mats down after a few months. This isn’t a DIY job you can wing with a hammer and some nails. It’s a layered system — base, edge restraints, infill, and proper tension — and every layer matters.
Most people think artificial grass, a synthetic alternative to natural lawn made from polyethylene or polypropylene fibers. Also known as synthetic turf, it’s used in homes, playgrounds, and even sports fields is just grass-shaped plastic. But the real difference shows up in the details. The base underneath needs to be compacted gravel or crushed stone, sloped slightly to drain water away from your house. Edge restraints keep the turf from shifting over time — no one wants their lawn creeping into the flower bed. And the infill, usually sand or rubber granules, isn’t optional. It adds weight, helps the blades stand up, and protects the backing from UV damage. Skip any of these, and you’re not saving money — you’re just delaying a costly fix.
Think about where you’re putting it. If you’ve got kids or pets, you need a denser pile and better drainage. If you’re in a shady corner, you’ll want a turf with UV protection that won’t fade fast. And if you’re replacing a patchy real lawn, you don’t just pull up the old grass — you remove the topsoil, level the ground, and start fresh. That’s the key most guides leave out. You’re not laying turf on dirt. You’re building a foundation. That’s why some installations look perfect for a year, then start sinking or pooling water. It’s not the grass. It’s the base.
That’s why the posts here cover everything from fixing too much sand on your turf to understanding how soil prep affects your final result. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there — not marketing fluff. Whether you’re wondering if you can install it yourself, how to handle slopes, or why your edges keep lifting, the answers are in the collection below. No guesswork. Just what works.