Why professionals remove the grass first

Artificial grass looks and performs best on a stable, compacted base. Live soil and thatch shift as they dry and decompose, which creates bumps, soft spots, and inconsistent drainage. Building a proper base locks in grade, resists rutting, and keeps seams and edges tight.

Top performance gains with a built base

  • Consistent drainage and faster dry times
  • Smoother, safer surface for play and pets
  • Cleaner seams and tighter edges
  • Longer system life with fewer callbacks or repairs

What can happen if you install over a live lawn

  • Surface movement as roots and thatch break down
  • Poor drainage in low spots, leading to odors and sediment buildup
  • Weed intrusion from existing seed bank
  • Pest activity under the surface layer
  • Hard-to-hide mower ruts and prior grade issues telegraphing through

Best practice installation, step by step

  1. Mark utilities and irrigation. Cap or re-route as needed.
  2. Remove sod and soil to the design depth, typically 3 to 4 inches.
  3. Stabilize subgrade where necessary. Use a geotextile over expansive clay or soft soils.
  4. Install 2 to 3 inches of well draining crushed stone base, such as Class II road base, 3/4 inch minus. Compact to 90 to 95 percent.
  5. Top with 0.5 to 1 inch of 3/8 inch minus or decomposed granite for a smooth finish. Compact again.
  6. Grade at 1 to 2 percent slope away from structures. Check with a level and screed board.
  7. Install a nonwoven weed barrier above the compacted base, not on native soil.
  8. Set perimeter edging for clean lines and stable anchoring. Options include bender board, treated timber, or concrete curbing.
  9. Lay turf, align grain, and trim. Seam with turf seam tape and adhesive or approved seaming system.
  10. Secure edges with nails or staples as specified. Avoid overdriving.
  11. Apply infill, such as rounded silica sand or zeolite for pets. Power broom to work infill into the thatch.
  12. Final groom and rinse. Inspect seams, edges, and transitions.

Temporary or low impact overlays that can work

Short term uses can succeed with the right prep. Examples include events, pop up play areas, or staging.

  • Mow grass very low and remove debris.
  • Lay a breathable geotextile or foam pad to protect the lawn and smooth minor irregularities.
  • Use breathable, perforated turf and secure edges so panels do not creep.
  • Lift and dry the surface if heavy rain is forecast. Remove promptly after use.

For multi week or high traffic setups, step up to interlocking shock pads for better stability and comfort.

Drainage and slope guidelines

  • Target 1 to 2 percent fall away from structures.
  • Use permeable, compacted aggregate that allows vertical drainage.
  • In clay or flat sites, add French drains or channel drains as needed.
  • Choose turf with perforated backing and pair with appropriate infill for fast flow.

Tools and materials checklist

  • Sod cutter, shovel, wheelbarrow
  • Plate compactor, hand tamper, screed board, level
  • Crushed stone base and DG or 3/8 minus cap
  • Nonwoven weed barrier and optional subgrade geotextile
  • Perimeter edging, spikes, nails, or staples
  • Turf seam tape and adhesive, utility knife, stretch tools
  • Infill material and power broom

Cost and timeline

  • Pro install, typical residential: about 8 to 18 dollars per square foot nationally, depending on access, base depth, and product choice.
  • DIY materials: often 3 to 8 dollars per square foot for turf and infill, plus 1 to 4 dollars per square foot for base rock and edging.
  • Time: a 500 square foot area usually takes a skilled DIY crew 2 to 3 days including base work.

Local conditions, disposal fees, and base depth drive variance. Request a site specific estimate for accuracy.

Pets, safety, and maintenance

  • Pick permeable backings and draining base for quick cleanup.
  • Use antimicrobial or zeolite infill to reduce odors.
  • Rinse and enzyme treat pet zones as needed.
  • Brush fibers periodically to keep the surface upright and even.

DIY or pro install

Choose DIY if you are comfortable with excavation, grading, and compaction. Bring in a pro for slopes, drainage challenges, tight curves, or large seams. The right base is the difference between good and great.

Before you dig

Call 811 to locate utilities. Identify irrigation lines, valve boxes, and low voltage. Plan your edges, transitions, and any drains before excavation.

Next step

Want a reality check on your site and budget? Get a fast, local assessment from FusionTurf. Request your site review and lock in the right plan.