If you’re a home or business owner in Plano, TX looking to replace your natural grass with artificial grass, you’re […]
If you’re a home or business owner in Plano, TX looking to replace your natural grass with artificial grass, you’re likely wondering just how much does artificial grass cost?
For the average home or business owner, installing artificial grass will cost $12 per square foot.
The price will be higher or lower than the average, ranging from $6 to $20 per square foot depending on the quality of materials and labor costs.
A common 500-square-foot lawn will cost between $3,207 and $6,990 to install artificial grass.
That may seem a bit high, but you have to remember that once it is installed, artificial grass maintenance costs are practically $0.
In comparison, the cost to maintain a natural grass lawn is over $1,000 a year or more.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS COST PER 500 SF
National Average Cost — $5,860
Minimum Cost — $3,065
Maximum Cost — $10,350
Average Range — $3,207 to $6,990
The popularity of synthetic grass for residential and commercial applications has exploded in recent years in the US.
Home and business owners save time, money, water, and energy by making the switch from natural grass to artificial grass.
The versatility, aesthetic beauty, and safety of artificial grass make it a popular ground cover for playgrounds, dog runs, pet areas, swimming pool areas, outdoor living spaces, backyard putting greens, and more.
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed artificial grass cost analysis, so you understand exactly what you’d be paying for and why.
Artificial Grass Installation Cost
As mentioned above, the lower-end cost of artificial grass is around $6 per square foot, in which case you’ll get what you pay for in terms of product quality.
Alternatively, name-brand turf products from companies like K9 Grass, Foreverlawn, and SYNLawn will cost around $10 to $15 per square foot to install.
The following are the factors that influence the cost of installing artificial grass.
Artificial Grass Installation Cost Factors
There are several factors that affect the cost of artificial grass, including:
The size of the area to be coveredThe type of turf selectedThe complexity of the installationAdditional materials such as base material, infill, and edgingThe cost of laborWith the cost of artificial grass being so wide-ranging and influenced by so many factors, it may help to see how much you can expect to pay for different size installations.
The table below provides an overview of artificial turf installation costs for projects ranging from 200 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft.
ARTIFICIAL TURF INSTALLATION COST
| Square Feet | Total Cost Installed |
| 200 | $1,226 – $4,140 |
| 500 | $3,065 – $10,350 |
| 1,000 | $6,130 – $20,700 |
| 2,000 | $12,260 – $41,400 |
| 5,000 | $30,650 – $103,500 |
| 8,000 | $49,040 – $165,600 |
| 10,000 | $61,300 – $207,000 |
Home and business owners in Plano, TX are increasingly choosing to replace their natural grass lawns with artificial turf.
The cost of installing artificial grass is more expensive than natural grass installation, but over time the maintenance costs for artificial turf are much lower than those for natural grass.
Artificial turf does not require watering, fertilizing, or mowing, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Now that we’ve looked at the total cost of artificial grass installations for a range of project sizes, let’s drill down into the components that make up the total cost.
Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Foot
If you go to Amazon or other online retailers to look at artificial grass, you’ll find that the turf products available cost around $2 to $8 per square foot.
Purchasing artificial grass directly from the manufacturer or online retailer doesn’t include the most important part, installation.
Installing artificial grass properly requires an experienced and professional crew of turf installers, which costs from $4 to $13 per square foot.
The $2 to $8 cost of artificial grass plus $4 to $13 for labor gives us the $6 to $20 per square foot average mentioned at the beginning of the article.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS COST PER SQUARE FOOT
| Item | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Grass & Materials | $1.80 – $7.50 |
| Labor | $4.33 – $13.20 |
| Total Cost | $6.13 – $20.70 |
When determining the cost per square foot of an artificial grass installation, another factor that’s taken into account is “wastage.”
Wastage is the pieces of turf that are cut away to fit around curves, edges, and obstacles.
The general rule is to add 15% to the total square footage.
Labor Cost to Install Artificial Grass
Installing artificial grass is not easy, and to be done properly requires some specialty equipment as well as experience.
If you’re thinking that you’ll save a ton of money by simply purchasing some artificial grass online and installing it yourself, I strongly advise against it.
Going this route often results in having to hire a professional turf installer to remove your installation attempt, and install new turf properly.
With the labor cost of installing artificial grass ranging from $4 to $13 per square foot, homeowners spend $7.50 per square foot on average.
A 1,000 square foot lawn will take a professional and experienced crew of 4 – 5 people 1 – 3 days to complete depending on how much prep work is required.
Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass Cost Comparison
The most common objection to artificial grass is the cost, which we completely understand.
I’d like to emphasize that artificial grass should be thought of as a long-term investment.
Taken on its own, the cost of artificial grass seems unreasonably high, however, when viewed alongside the cost of maintaining a natural grass lawn, the cost seems much more reasonable.
When comparing artificial grass vs. real grass you have to look beyond the upfront cost and take into account the maintenance costs of natural grass.
Installing artificial grass will cost $12 per square foot on average while installing sod is only $1.35 per square foot.
That’s a massive disparity in price, but, if we add the annual maintenance costs of natural grass, artificial grass pays for itself in 6 years or less.
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the annual maintenances costs of artificial grass vs. sod for a 500-square-foot lawn.
ARTIFICIAL TURF VS. REAL GRASS
| Artificial Grass | Sod | |
| Installation | $5,860 @ $11.72 /sqft. | $675 @ $1.35 /sqft. |
| Watering | $0 | $90 /year |
| Fertilizing | $0 | $100 /year |
| Maintenance | $0 | $650 /year |
| First Year Total | $5,860 | $1,515 |
| Annual Costs | $0 | $840 |
| Total Cost After 3 Yrs. | $5,860 | $3,195 |
| Total Cost After 6 Yrs. | $5,860 | $5,715 |
Return on Investment
Using the costs from the table above, you’ll see a return on your investment in artificial grass in 6 years.
Considering that artificial grass lasts 15 – 25+ years when properly installed and cared for, you’ll be able to enjoy the time, money, water, and energy savings for a decade or two!
Artificial Grass Cost By Type
Artificial grass is manufactured using one of three plastics: polyethylene, nylon, or polypropylene.
These materials are used to create the spools of yarn that eventually become individual turf fibers, the turf’s backing, and the thatch fibers.
Polypropylene – This material is the thinnest and softest, although the thinner fibers don’t hold up to high traffic at tall pile heights as well as the other materials do. Like polyethylene, it’s also moisture resistant. It’s also the least expensive material available. A quality polypropylene product will also have UV stabilizers.
Polyethylene – This fiber is the most commonly used and looks and behaves the most like real grass. It does not absorb water and is resistant to pet odors. However, it has a low melting point (248 – 266 F°) and is susceptible to damage from the sun. Look for a product with UV stabilizers to mitigate this problem.
Nylon – This is the springiest, most sun-resistant material available, but it’s also the priciest. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and requires the least maintenance. However, it absorbs more liquid than the other materials, making it prone to staining and odors from pet urine. It can also cause “turf burn” injuries because it’s stiffer than other materials.
The table below shows the range of pricing per square foot of each of the three materials.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS COST BY TYPE
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Polypropylene | $1.80 – $7.50 |
| Polyethylene | $2.60 – $3.70 |
| Nylon | $5.09 – $5.66 |
How Much Artificial Grass Do I Need?
How much artificial grass your project will require, depends on the size of the area you want in install it in.
You’ll have to determine the square footage of the space.
We recently published a detailed guide on how to measure for artificial grass and calculate square footage.
If the space you want to measure has curves or obstacles, it helps to divide the space into squares or rectangles.
Multiply the length and width of each square or rectangle to determine the square feet.
Then take the square footage of each square or rectangle and simply add them together to get your total square footage.
Remember to add 15% for wastage to your square footage total.
It’s better to over-estimate the square footage, as you’ll be pleasantly surprised when the final cost is less than you anticipated.
Artificial Grass Cost For Materials
Installing artificial grass requires more than just the rolls of turf.
With the materials cost of artificial grass ranging from $2 to $8 per square foot, the majority of homeowners spend $4.26 per square foot for just the grass.
That cost varies depending on the type of turf product you’d like to install, and that price is for the rolls of turf only.
Installations will require some or all of the following materials.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS COST FOR MATERIALS
| Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
| Artificial Grass Material | $4.26 |
| Class II Road Base | $0.40 |
| Infill Material | $0.56 |
| Edging or Bender Board | $0.15 |
| Seam Tape, Nails, Stakes, Adhesives | $0.35 |
| Weed Barrier | $0.09 |
Adhesives or Fasteners
Turf must be fixed to the ground to keep it in place since there is no root system.
The cost for the adhesive is $0.06 per square foot.
Each gallon container is $13.90 and covers 25 square yards (225 square feet).
Seam Sealer is $48 for one gallon, which will cover 800 LF.
If using rolls 15 feet wide, one gallon will cover up to 18,000 square feet.
Edging / Bender Board
Bender board is used to create a clean and solid edge around the installation area against which the base will be compacted and secured.
Edging kits can be purchased for $21 to $148, or about $0.15 per square foot depending on the size and shape of your yard.
Weed Barrier
Weed barrier fabric prevents any weeds from growing through your new synthetic lawn.
One roll of fabric typically covers 1,500 square feet and costs around $90.
Infill Material
The infill material is usually silica sand that’s evenly distributed over the turf to act as a ballast and weigh it down.
The infill also provided protection to the turf backing from the sun and keeps the turf fibers standing upright.
Sand is relatively inexpensive at $5 per 50 lb. bag.
The recommended amount to use is 1.5 – 4.5 lbs. per square foot.
The price for enough sand to do an average-size yard can run from $1,207 – $3,622.
Seam Tape
Seam tape will run you about $48 for the average-sized yard.
Class II Road Base
Class II road base is composed of crushed rocks which are installed as a base surface.
The base provides a solid and even surface for the artificial grass and is porous enough to allow water and pet urine to drain efficiently.
The least expensive option costs $0.40 per square foot.
Foam Padding / Underlayment
A foam padding can be installed underneath the artificial grass to provide additional protection from falls.
Most homeowners find this to be overkill and usually opt out of installing the foam padding.
The foam padding underlayment costs $2.75 per square foot.
Preparing for Turf Installation
The most labor-intensive part of an artificial grass installation is the pre-installation site prep.
You can’t just throw some artificial grass on top of any surface.
Prior to installing artificial grass, the area will need to be properly prepared to ensure that your turf will look and perform its best for years to come.
As a turf installer, we handle this as part of the installation process and it’s included in the “Labor Costs” covered above.
Pre-installation site prep involves the following:
Remove all rocks, stumps, leaves, and sticks.Cap or relocate sprinkler headsRemove existing grass using a sod cutter or bobcatExcavate and remove 2 – 4 inches of soilAdd Class II Road Base and spread evenlyCompact base using a plate compactor
Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass Maintenance Costs
The cost structures for fake grass versus real grass are quite different.
Most of the costs of artificial grass are upfront with the installation.
To maintain a synthetic lawn, you’ll need to fluff or power brush it once or twice a month and rake up the leaves/debris as needed.
You may also need to reapply infill once a year.
If you have pets that use the lawn, you should also hose the turf down once a week to get rid of any residual urine.
All told, the cost in time and money for maintaining an artificial lawn is quite low.
Natural grass, on the other hand, is much cheaper to install but is costly to keep — in both time and money.
The average American homeowner spends 70 hours per year on lawn maintenance.
That’s almost 9 workdays!
Some of us don’t even get that many vacation days!
In addition to spending long, hot weekend hours caring for your lawn, you get to pay for the privilege.
Here’s a breakdown of the annual equipment, fuel, and chemical costs to maintain a 1,000 square-foot artificial lawn versus a natural grass lawn over a 25-year period.
Artificial Grass Costs for Maintenance
Power brushing: $175
Spraying w/ hose: $6 a month (0.25 inches bi-weekly) = $72 annually
Infill replenishing: $100 minimum (annually)
Total Annual Costs: $281
Total 25-Year Costs: $7,025
Natural Grass Costs for Maintenance
Mowing/edging: $780 annually ($30 per week for 6 months)
Spring/fall cleanup: $100
Fertilizing: $80
Aeration: $70
Weed abatement: $35
Sprinkler repair: $180
Leaf cleanup: $190
Watering: $567 (assuming watering for 6 months)
Total Annual Costs: $2,002
Total 25-Year Costs: $50,050
Artificial Grass Pros and Cons
So far we’ve just looked at the cost of artificial grass as well as the material and labor costs of an artificial grass installation.
We also compared the annual maintenance costs of artificial grass vs. real grass, which showed an ROI at about 6 years.
While the maintenance cost savings are impressive, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of artificial grass compared to natural grass lawns.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS PROS AND CONS
| PROS | CONS |
| Nearly maintenance-free | High installation cost |
| Bug, Pest & Critter-Free | Can absorb heat in high summer temperatures |
| No watering, mowing, or lawn maintenance | Difficult to install |
| Increased home value | Low-quality imported products |
| Durable & long-lasting |
Artificial Grass Pros: The Advantages of Synthetic Turf
Installing artificial grass is a big decision for both residential and commercial property owners.
Thanks to advances in technology and manufacturing techniques, the last decade has seen an explosion in the popularity artificial grass.
Below we’ll explore just a few of the advantages of synthetic turf.
Quality & Durability
Modern turf products are incredibly realistic and are built to last for decades.
One of the biggest benefits of artificial grass is its longevity and durability.
When properly installed by professional turf installers, you no longer need to worry about annoying upkeep for your artificial lawn.
Artificial grass is manufactured using materials that are extremely durable.
The strength of these materials means that fake grass can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it like heavy foot traffic, dogs digging, extreme weather, children playing, etc.
When properly maintained, you can expect artificial grass to last upwards of 15—25 years.
Save Time & Money
Maintaining a natural grass lawn is time-consuming and expensive requiring constant mowing, trimming, watering, seeding, weeding, and fertilizing.
Even with all that effort, here in Texas, the summer sun is relentless, turning most natural grass lawns brown by mid-June.
With artificial grass, the summer sun can do its worst and droughts can drag on for weeks, but your faux grass lawn will remain lush and green.
Eco-Friendly & Water-Saving
The eco-friendliness of artificial grass is a major benefit, as the carbon emissions of gas-powered equipment is incredibly high.
A gas-powered mower emits the same amount of carbon dioxide in 1 hour as 11 cars.
Imagine never having to mow your lawn or use a weed whacker to trim the edges again.
You can sell or give away your gas-powered lawn care equipment, which has the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint.
The environmental benefits continue with the elimination of chemicals like fertilizer and pesticides.
These chemicals can seep into groundwater or be washed away, eventually draining into streams and rivers.
Speaking of water, your water bill will be drastically reduced when you no longer have to water your lawn twice a day.
The average home saves over 50 gallons of water per year for every square foot of synthetic grass installed.
Low-Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of artificial grass is its minimal maintenance requirements.
Artificial turf maintenance consists of occasionally spraying your turf with a hose to remove any dust, pollen, or small debris.
Larger debris like leaves or sticks can be removed by hand or using a leaf blower.
High-traffic areas can experience matting, in which case you should fluff the turf with a stiff bristle push broom.
Push against the direction of the fibers to help return them to the upright position.
Pest & Critter-Free
Natural grass lawns are teeming with bugs, pests and critters that you won’t find taking up residence on artificial grass.
A synthetic lawn doesn’t have the organic matter that these bugs and pests rely on for food.
Dog and pet owners can rest easy knowing that their furry friend won’t catch flees or be bitten by ticks while playing on an artificial grass lawn.
Safe for Pets & Kids
For home and business owners looking to provide a safe and clean environment for kids or pets to play, artificial grass is the perfect solution.
The durability of modern turf products means that they can withstand as much foot or paw traffic as you can throw at it.
You won’t have to worry about curious children or pets being exposed to the potentially harmful chemicals used on natural grass.
Artificial grass provides a soft ground cover that absorbs the impact of falls and doesn’t have hidden dangers like rocks or holes.
Artificial Grass Cons: The Disadvantages of Synthetic Turf
As numerous as the “Pros” of artificial grass are, this article wouldn’t be very balanced without exploring the “Cons.”
Below we’ll explore some of the disadvantages of synthetic turf.
High Installation Cost
Compared to natural grass, the initial cost of an artificial grass installation is high.
This is the biggest disadvantage of artificial grass.
Gets Hot During Summer
Summers here in Texas are hot, very hot, and the sun is relentless during these months.
Natural grass has water running through it, which keeps it cool.
Artificial grass lacks this natural cooling system, so it does heat up in direct sunlight.
A quick fix for turf that’s too hot for children or pets to walk or play on is to give it a quick spray with a hose.
A more permanent solution is to use an infill material like T°Cool Infill, which lowers the surface temperature by 30° – 50° F through the process of evaporative cooling.
Difficult to Install
Regardless of what you might have heard, installing artificial grass is not easy.
The installation process is relatively simple and straightforward but requires the use of special equipment and techniques primarily learned through years of experience.
We’ve performed at least a dozen installations that began with us having to remove a failed DIY artificial grass installation.
By trying to save money on the installation, these homeowners ended up spending 1.5 – 2x’s what they would have if they’d hired a professional turf installer to begin with.
Low-Quality Imported Products
With the rapid rise in the popularity of artificial grass, the industry has been flooded with turf manufacturers.
The cheap turf products sold online by some retailers are often imported from countries like China.
While the products may look good in the pictures, they’re more often than not low-quality and prone to fading and falling apart in a few years.
Imported turf products aren’t manufactured to the same standards as products manufactured here in the US.
Keep this in mind when looking at turf products online and don’t be enticed by the low prices.
The Most Common Residential Turf Applications
Artificial grass is becoming a more popular option for homeowners looking to replace their natural grass lawn with an eco-friendly alternative.
There are many reasons why artificial turf is a great choice, including the fact that it can be used in arid climates and doesn’t require sunlight to grow.
The versatility of artificial grass means that it can be used just about anywhere you can image in and around your home.
Below are some examples of residential artificial grass applications.
Fake Grass for Lawns & Landscaping
One of the most popular applications for artificial grass is for lawns and landscapes.
Homeowners that are tired of the never-ending struggle to maintain a natural grass lawn choose to replace it with an easy-to-maintain, evergreen ground cover.
Artificial turf has become so advanced that most people won’t even be able to tell the difference in your front yard, side yard, or backyard.
Unlike natural grass, you won’t have a die-off in the heat of summer or have to endure a seasonal change in color or lushness as it heads towards fall and winter.
Artificial grass lawns remain green and full year after year, regardless of the season.
Artificial Grass for Dogs
The most popular residential turf application is artificial grass for dogs.
Many homeowners love their dogs but become frustrated by the brown dog urine spots that are so common on natural grass.
Digging holes, rolling around in dirt and mud, and bringing pests into the house is easily solved with artificial grass for dogs.
Pet-friendly turf products are designed with dogs in mind and often feature a more efficient drainage system that allows urine and water to pass right through the turf and into the sub-base.
The best pet turf products are infused with antimicrobial additives during the manufacturing process.
Antimicrobial additives help to combat the odors and bacteria that can build up from urine.
Artificial Grass Around Swimming Pools
The area around a swimming pool is often a slippery and potentially dangerous area, especially if you have children that are prone to running.
Artificial grass around swimming pools is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your yard while also making it safer.
The materials used to manufacture artificial grass are able to withstand splashes from chlorinated or saltwater.
Pool chemicals have no effect on artificial grass, and the water drains through the turf and back into the pool.
Installing artificial grass around your pool or on your pool deck provides a safe, non-slip ground cover for every member of your family.
Artificial Turf Backyard Putting Greens
An increasingly popular addition to many Plano, TX homes is an artificial turf backyard putting green.
Whether you’re looking to work on your short game or want to provide a unique feature for when you entertain guests, a home golf green is a perfect addition to any backyard landscape.
In addition to providing family-friendly entertainment, a backyard putting green will improve the aesthetics of your yard and increase the value of your home.
Artificial turf backyard putting greens have become so popular because they can be customized to your specifications and are maintenance-free once installed.
Artificial Grass Deck, Patio or Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor living spaces like rooftops, decks, patios, and balconies are often difficult if not impossible to landscape.
Choosing to use artificial grass for your patio, porch, or other hard surface areas comes with many benefits and advantages over traditional lawn solutions.
The main reason most people decide to use artificial grass on their porch is for aesthetics and feel.
It’s no big secret that adding a little natural-looking grass to your otherwise drab concrete makes everything more inviting for friends, family, and other guests.
Besides, resting your feet on clean lush grass beats concrete any day!
Artificial grass can transform a drab space into a lush, green oasis that’s both pet and kid-friendly.
Artificial Grass Children’s Play Areas
The safety of their children is a common concern of homeowners looking for an alternative ground cover for play areas.
Artificial grass for play areas provides a lush, soft ground cover that can absorb the impact of falls.
For added protection, you can also include a foam pad under the turf.
In our experience, most homeowners choose not to have the extra padding installed.
They generally find the artificial grass to offer more than enough protection from falls for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
This article has covered the cost of artificial grass pretty thoroughly, but we’re not quite done yet.
You may have questions about artificial grass or the installation process, so to save you time, we’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers below.
What Is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass is a layer of synthetic fibers made to imitate the look, feel, and practical function of natural grass.
Turf products consist of fibers made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon that are tufted or quilted into the turf’s backing.
After the synthetic filaments are punched through the backing, they are secured with a flexible adhesive that keeps them in place.
The turf is laid on a surface of compacted gravel, which provides a solid and level foundation while also being porous enough to allow liquids to percolate through it.
Once laid and trimmed the turf is secured around the edges.
The final step of installing artificial grass is to apply an infill material that keeps the turf fibers upright and acts as a ballast to weigh down the turf and prevent any shifting.
What Is Artificial Grass Installed On?
For most artificial grass installations, the turf is laid on a layer of Class II Road Base or gravel that is compacted using a plate compactor.
When properly compacted, it provides a solid foundation for the turf installation that’s also permeable.
The permeability of the “Base” is essential to allow water and pet urine to pass through the turf and percolate through the base layer and into the soil below.
For solid surfaces like concrete, rooftops, balconies, etc. the installation process is much easier.
The artificial grass can be installed directly on those surfaces and will just need to be secured around the edges.
We recommend using a drainage membrane that elevates the turf slightly to allow water to drain and prevent puddles or flooding.
How Long Does It Take to Install Artificial Grass?
This will vary depending on the installer and the experience of the installation crew.
The biggest factor is the amount of pre-installation site prep that’s required.
If the crew has to cap or move sprinklers or remove a stump it will add a bit of time to the project.
To give you an idea, installing artificial grass on a 1,000-square foot lawn takes 1 to 3 days for a crew of 4 or 5 experienced and professional installers.
Does Artificial Grass Look Real?
In short, Yes.
Modern artificial grass products are incredibly realistic and are indistinguishable from their natural grass counterpart.
Not all turf products are manufactured to the same high-quality standards that you’ll find on products made here in the USA.
Low-quality turf products will often have odd coloring and look plastic.
One of the features that make synthetic grass look so realistic is the “Thatch” layer.
The thatch fibers are curly fibers that are usually brown, green, tan, or a mix of the three that are woven in with the turf fibers.
Thatch fibers mimic the layer of dead grass that is found in natural grass, giving it a more realistic look.
The turf fibers have uneven tips that mimic the look of fresh-cut natural grass.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
If properly cared for and maintained, an artificial grass installation should last 15 – 25+ years.
The actual longevity of artificial grass will also depend largely on the quality of the product.
Cheap turf products that are manufactured in countries like China will not stand the test of time.
The lower manufacturing standards result in products made from low-quality or tainted materials that quickly degrade and fall apart.
How Do I Clean Artificial Grass?
Cleaning artificial grass is a simple and straightforward process that will only require a few minutes of your time each month.
Removing solid debris such as leaves or sticks can be done by hand, or using a leaf blower.
To remove dust and pollen from your turf, the occasional spraying with a hose is all that’s necessary.
For pet-friendly turf installations, you may also need to apply an odor remover occasionally to prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria.
You can also use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar to combat pet odors.
One preventative measure that you can take is to choose a turf product that’s been infused with antimicrobial additives.
These additives are incorporated during the manufacturing process and provide antimicrobial protection for the lifetime of the turf.
You should also pay attention to where your dog urinates and rinse the area with a hose regularly to help wash away any residue left behind.
Where to Buy Fake Grass?
Artificial grass can be purchased at local home-improvements stores like Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, and local turf suppliers.
You can also buy fake grass online, but it’s difficult to know the quality of the product you’ll receive.
We strongly recommend hiring a professional artificial grass company that has the experience and knowledge to ensure your turf is properly installed.
Most turf companies offer an installation warranty, so if anything does go wrong, they’ll fix, repair, or replace whatever’s needed.
Is Artificial Grass Worth The Money?
In our expert opinion, artificial grass is a smart investment that’s worth the money every time.
In the long run, a synthetic lawn will cost less money and time than a natural grass lawn.
It can stand up to wear and tear from pets, foot traffic, and kids and will look gorgeous for years to come.
Should I DIY Install Artificial Grass or Hire a Professional Turf Installer?
For small artificial grass installations that don’t require a sub-base to be added, you should be fine installing it yourself.
Larger installations that will have seems that need to be properly glued in order to remain hidden should be done by a professional.
Also, installations that require excavating the existing grass and soil involve specialized equipment that’s not readily available.
We’ve seen our share of DIY attempts that we had to correct and complete, so go the DIY route at your own risk.
Below, we’ve outlined the basic steps involved in the artificial grass installation process.
How to Install Artificial Grass
The artificial grass installation process is pretty labor-intensive.
We’ve outlined the basic steps of the process below, in case you’d like to install your own turf.
Step #1: Pre-Installation & Site Prep
You’ll first need to clear the area where you’re planning to install the artificial grass and remove the top layer of grass along with 3? – 4? of soil using a “Sod Cutter” or a Bobcat.
The native soil that is excavated will be replaced with the sub-base.
This is an important step in the installation process, as it uncovers irrigation systems, pipes, electrical wiring, etc.
Any sprinkler that will not be used should be relocated or capped at this point to avoid leakage in the future.
Step #2: Install Edging & Weed Barrier
The base material will need to be secured to edging like sidewalks, curbs, patios, etc.
If a straight and clean edge isn’t already present, you’ll need to install “Bender Board.”
You may also want to add a weed barrier to help prevent weeds from growing up through your artificial grass.
Weeds growing through artificial grass is not a major concern, but this is an inexpensive and simple preventative measure.
Step #3: Add Base Material (Sub-Base)
The native soil in your yard naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which is why it needs to be replaced with a solid base.
The base ensures a clean and smooth surface and helps to prevent the buckling or wrinkling of your artificial grass.
The sub-base consists of porous materials that will allow water and pet urine to percolate through to the soil below.
We prefer to use 3 – 4” of a class II road base for regular turf installations like artificial grass lawns.
For pet turf installations that will require maximum drainage, decomposed granite is our preferred base material.
Bring the base material to the installation site using wheelbarrows and spread it evenly using a rake.
Step #4: Compact the Base Material
After evenly distributing the base material, spray it with water until the entire area is damp, as this will allow the base to properly settle.
Using a plate compactor start at the outside of the installation area and work inwards in a spiraling motion to compact the base and create a smooth surface.
To help facilitate drainage the area should have at least a 2% slope away from your house.
It’s recommended that the surface be compacted to 90%.
Achieving the correct amount of “Compaction” establishes a solid base that you’ll be able to drive nails into when securing the turf.
Any corrections in leveling or grading should be done at this time.
Step #5: Cutting, Fitting & Seaming
To make the