What to Expect When You Hire Professionals to Install Artificial Turf

Artificial turf has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, businesses, and sports facilities looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen solution. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn’t require watering, mowing, or fertilizing, making it a practical and visually appealing option year-round. However, the installation process is more complex than simply rolling out synthetic grass. Hiring professionals ensures the job is done correctly, but many property owners aren’t sure what to expect once they make that decision.

This guide will walk you through the professional artificial turf installation process, from the initial consultation to the finishing touches, so you’ll know exactly what happens at each stage.

Why Hire Professionals for Artificial Turf Installation?

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why professional installation matters. While DIY kits exist, artificial turf installation requires specific skills, tools, and experience to ensure long-term durability. A poorly installed turf can lead to drainage issues, wrinkles, uneven surfaces, and premature wear.

Professional installers provide:

• Expert site preparation to avoid unevenness and drainage problems.

• Proper seam and edge finishing for a seamless, natural look.

• Specialized equipment that ensures precision and efficiency.

• Warranty coverage for materials and installation.

When you hire experts, you’re not just paying for labor—you’re investing in quality, longevity, and peace of mind.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

The process begins with a consultation. Professional installers will visit your property to evaluate the area where artificial turf will be installed.

What to Expect During This Stage:

• Discussion of your needs: Do you want turf for a backyard, a pet area, a playground, or a sports field? Each use case requires different turf types and infill materials.

• Measurements and evaluation: Installers will measure the space, check soil type, assess drainage, and identify obstacles such as tree roots, concrete, or slopes.

• Recommendations: Based on your budget and goals, they’ll recommend the best artificial turf type and installation method.

This stage ensures that both you and the installer are aligned on expectations before work begins.

Step 2: Pre-Installation Preparation

Once the plan is set, the pre-installation work begins. Preparation is often the most labor-intensive stage, but it lays the foundation for a flawless result.

Key Tasks Include:

1. Clearing the area: Existing grass, weeds, rocks, or debris are removed to create a clean slate.

2. Excavation: Typically, 3–4 inches of soil are excavated to allow space for the base materials.

3. Grading and drainage setup: Installers ensure the area has a slight slope for proper water runoff. In some cases, drainage pipes or additional layers may be added to prevent water buildup.

4. Weed barrier installation: A geotextile fabric is laid down to prevent weed growth from damaging the turf later.

At the end of this stage, the ground will be level, stable, and ready for the artificial turf.

Step 3: Base Installation

The base is crucial to the performance and longevity of artificial turf.

What Professionals Do:

• Adding crushed stone or gravel: A 2–3 inch layer of compacted crushed stone is spread evenly across the area.

• Compaction: Using plate compactors, professionals ensure the base is tightly packed, stable, and smooth.

• Final grading: Minor adjustments are made to create a level surface while maintaining proper drainage.

This step ensures the turf won’t shift, sag, or form puddles over time.

Step 4: Laying the Artificial Turf

With the foundation in place, the actual artificial turf installation begins.

Process:

1. Rolling out the turf: Large rolls of artificial turf are laid across the prepared surface. Installers take care to align the grain of the grass in the same direction for a natural look.

2. Cutting to size: Turf is trimmed to fit around edges, corners, and obstacles. Precision cutting is key to avoid visible seams or gaps.

3. Joining seams: Where two rolls meet, professional seam tape and adhesive are used to bond them seamlessly. Poor seam work is one of the most noticeable signs of amateur installation, so this step is critical.

4. Securing edges: The turf edges are anchored with landscape spikes or nails, then tucked under borders to prevent movement.

Once laid, the turf already resembles a natural lawn, but a few finishing touches are still needed.

Step 5: Infill Application

Infill is a granular material (such as silica sand, crumb rubber, or organic alternatives) that is spread across the surface of the turf.

Benefits of Infill:

• Keeps blades standing upright for a realistic look.

• Provides cushioning for comfort and safety.

• Improves durability and prevents matting.

• Enhances drainage.

Installers use specialized equipment to evenly distribute the infill and brush it into the turf fibers. The type and amount of infill used depend on your turf’s purpose (pets, sports, or landscaping).

Step 6: Final Grooming and Inspection

After the infill is applied, installers give the turf a final grooming. Power brooms or stiff brushes are used to lift the blades and ensure the infill settles properly.

Final Checks Include:

• Examining seams to make sure they’re invisible.

• Confirming edges are secure.

• Checking drainage performance.

• Ensuring the turf surface is smooth, even, and visually appealing.

This is also the stage where the installation crew will walk you through turf maintenance basics.

Step 7: Post-Installation Care and Maintenance Guidance

While artificial turf is low-maintenance, it’s not zero-maintenance. Professional installers will explain how to care for your new lawn.

Maintenance Tips You’ll Learn:

• Regular brushing to keep fibers upright.

• Occasional rinsing to remove dust, pollen, and pet waste.

• Prompt removal of debris such as leaves or twigs.

• Infill top-ups every few years if needed.

By following these guidelines, your artificial turf can stay lush and vibrant for 15–20 years.

How Long Does Installation Take?

The timeline varies depending on the size and complexity of the project:

• Small backyard or patio: 1–3 days

• Medium-sized yard or playground: 3–5 days

• Sports field or commercial project: Several weeks

Factors like weather, ground conditions, and customization (e.g., putting greens or logos) can extend the timeline.

How Much Does Professional Artificial Turf Installation Cost?

Costs depend on the size of the area, type of turf, and installation requirements. On average:

• Residential lawns: $8–$15 per square foot

• Pet-friendly turf: $10–$18 per square foot

• Sports fields: $500,000+ for large installations

While the upfront investment may seem high, artificial turf saves thousands over the years by eliminating lawn care costs such as watering, mowing, and fertilizing.

Common Misconceptions About Professional Turf Installation

• “It’s just like laying a carpet.”False—artificial turf requires proper grading, drainage, and base preparation.

• “I can save money with DIY.”While DIY is possible, mistakes often cost more to fix than hiring professionals from the start.

• “Artificial turf looks fake.”Modern turf is designed to mimic natural grass with varied blade lengths, colors, and textures.

Benefits of Choosing Professional Artificial Turf Installation

When done by experts, artificial turf offers long-lasting beauty and performance. Key benefits include:

• Perfectly even and seamless appearance.

• Proper drainage, avoiding puddles and odors.

• Durability to withstand heavy use.

• Peace of mind from warranties and professional service.

Essentially, you’re not just buying a product—you’re buying craftsmanship and expertise.

Hiring professionals to install artificial turf is the best way to guarantee a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance lawn. From the initial consultation to the final grooming, every step in the process is designed to ensure the turf looks natural, performs well, and lasts for years.

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a green, hassle-free oasis, professional artificial turf installation is a smart investment. Not only will it save you time and money in the long run, but it will also provide the peace of mind that your turf is installed correctly from day one.