Overfilling Artificial Turf: What Happens and How to Avoid It
When you install overfilling artificial turf, the mistake of adding too much infill material like sand or rubber granules beneath synthetic grass. It’s not just about quantity—it’s about balance. Too much infill turns your lawn into a stiff, uneven surface that doesn’t bounce back, traps heat, and hides the grass blades instead of supporting them. Many people think more infill means better durability, but that’s a myth. In fact, artificial grass infill, the material spread between the blades to help them stand up and cushion your steps is meant to be a light, even layer—not a packed bed. The right amount lets the grass move naturally underfoot, drains properly, and stays cool in summer.
Think of infill like pillow stuffing. Too little and the grass lies flat. Too much and it becomes a hard, bouncy mess. The sweet spot? Usually 1 to 2 pounds per square foot, depending on the turf type. Overfilling also blocks drainage, leading to water pooling and mold growth underneath. It can even make your lawn unsafe for kids or pets—imagine stepping on a patch that feels like walking on a packed sandbag. And if you’ve ever tried brushing out matted grass only to find it’s buried under a thick layer of sand, you know how frustrating it is.
synthetic turf maintenance, the simple routines that keep your artificial lawn looking real and lasting years doesn’t mean heavy-handed fixes. A quick brush with a stiff broom every few months, occasional rinsing, and checking for debris are all you need. turf sand infill, a common material used to weigh down synthetic grass and improve stability is fine when used correctly, but it’s not a cure-all. Overdoing it won’t fix poor installation or cheap turf—it’ll just make things worse.
Most of the posts below come from real gardeners and DIYers who’ve made this mistake—and learned the hard way. You’ll find guides on how to fix overfilled lawns, what infill works best for UK weather, how to measure the right amount without guessing, and why some products claim to need "extra" infill but actually don’t. Whether you’re fixing an old lawn or installing a new one, avoiding overfilling saves time, money, and frustration. The goal isn’t to pack it in—it’s to let your artificial grass breathe, move, and look like the real thing.