What a weed barrier does in an artificial turf system
A proper nonwoven geotextile weed barrier separates soil from your base and turf. It blocks aggressive growth from below, reduces fines migrating into your infill, and keeps the system cleaner over time. Because it is permeable, water still flows through the turf, infill, and base without pooling.
- Prevents most subgrade weed intrusion
- Maintains drainage by using a high permeability nonwoven fabric
- Improves cleanliness by limiting soil contamination in the base and infill
Correct placement in the build
Install the weed barrier above the compacted aggregate base and below the turf. This placement blocks growth from the soil while preserving flow through the turf and base.
Recommended layer order
- Excavated and graded subgrade, organic material removed
- Compacted crushed rock base, graded with proper slope
- Nonwoven, permeable weed barrier
- Seam tape and adhesive where needed
- Artificial turf
- Infill and final grooming
When it is essential vs optional
- Essential: Ground installs over soil, areas with known weed pressure, warm or wet climates, sites near planters or tree lawns, long term landscapes where cleanliness matters.
- Optional: Installs over concrete or asphalt, rooftop decks with solid substrates, fully indoor applications.
Choosing the right fabric
- Type: Nonwoven needle punched geotextile, UV stable, high permeability.
- Weight: Common residential installs use approximately 3 to 5 oz per square yard. Heavier grades can be used where growth pressure is high.
- Avoid: Slippery woven weed cloth that frays easily, plastic sheeting, or any film that restricts water flow.
Installation best practices
- Grade for drainage. Maintain a positive slope away from structures and toward drains.
- Compact the base thoroughly. Target a firm, even surface with no soft spots.
- Lay fabric flat and taut. Overlap seams 6 to 8 inches and stagger joints.
- Secure with landscape staples or nails every 12 to 18 inches around perimeters and at overlaps.
- Trim cleanly around drain inlets so water flows freely.
- Do not glue the barrier to the base. Adhesives are for turf seams, not for the fabric.
Weed prevention expectations
The barrier stops the vast majority of subgrade growth. Occasional sprouts on top of the turf can occur from wind blown seeds landing in infill. These are easily pulled or spot treated and do not indicate failure below the turf.
Cost and value
Quality nonwoven weed barrier typically adds about $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot installed. That small investment protects drainage, reduces maintenance, and helps the system look clean longer.
Common confusions
- Gopher or rodent mesh: Metal mesh controls burrowing pests and is a separate layer, usually placed under the base if needed. It is not a weed barrier.
- Geogrid: A structural grid for base reinforcement on weak soils. It does not replace the weed barrier.
