If you’re interested in installing the best artificial turf yourself, you’re in good company. Many handy homeowners have successfully DIY-ed their artificial lawn and putting green turf. The most common reason is to save money— labor costs can eat up your budget. But beyond that, it’s also an incredibly fulfilling project. It’s amazing to know that you built your beautiful yard with your own two hands.

There are tons of artificial turf installation guides out there (here’s a free one courtesy of us at Artificial Turf Express!). Just as important as researching how to install synthetic turf, though, is knowing the possible issues you might encounter along the way.

On that note, this article will walk you through some of the most common problems that can happen with synthetic grass. Keep them in mind for DIY turf installation success!

5 Potential Problems with DIY Synthetic Grass Installation

Most issues with the best artificial turf in San Jose begin with incorrect installation. Here are five of the biggest ones:

1. Creases, Wrinkles and Slumps

Wrinkled, slumped and creased artificial turf is likely due to problems under the surface, aka the base. One reason is insufficient levelling. Another is failing to secure the perimeter and seams of the turf. Here are a few ways to avoid this issue:

• Lay the weed membrane completely flat
• Let your synthetic turf acclimatize to your lawn before installing it – unroll the turf and leave it to sit in the sun for at least two hours or for best results, overnight
• Stretch the turf really tight before securing it
• Use the correct amount of infill
• Double check how secure the perimeter is

2. Blisters and Bubbles

A DIY synthetic lawn is impervious to rain, provided you install it correctly. In particular, liquids will simply pass through the porous backing, leading to zero puddles or flooding in the yard.

If you fail to install proper drainage, however, water can build up and create blisters or bubbles on the surface. Some reasons are edging the turf improperly near or on concrete, compacting the base too much or unevenly and not distributing the gravel layer well. Furthermore, using an incorrect base can lead to soggy artificial grass as well.

A few ways to prevent these is:

• Levelling and evening out the surface to prevent divots that can collect water
• Installing drains throughout the artificial grass
• Installing a gravel base or other types of aggregate that will help the water to drain into the soil
• Using tiles or pads to separate the synthetic grass or concrete so the water drains around the edges

3. Weeds

Weeds are unavoidable as long as you have natural grass and it’s one of the reasons why so many are making the switch.

The process of preparing the lawn or putting surface is enough to eliminate existing weeds. Moreover, it makes it difficult for new ones to grow— as long as you remember to install a weed barrier.

A geotextile or weed barrier prevents weeds from spreading and pushing through the turf. Don’t forget to add it to your shopping list of turf accessories!

4. Rips and Tears

High quality synthetic grass is extremely durable. However, installation issues can make the backing and grass blades vulnerable to rips and tears. Contributing factors can include an uneven surface, incorrect infill and base, water build-up and neglect.

To reduce the chance of rips and tears, do the following:

• Use the correct kind of synthetic grass and pile height for your putting green, play area, landscape or dog run
• Level the ground properly
• Secure the seams and perimeter correctly

5. Foul Odors from Dog Urine

These are some of the easiest problems to fix. First, avoid using sand infill under green turf if you have pets. Next, use a special pet odor infill that won’t clump and will neutralize foul odors from poop and urine. Then, install a drainage system to avoid waste and residue from collecting under the surface. Lastly, regularly remove pet waste and rinse out urine spots to keep the area nice and clean.

Artificial Turf Express: Best Artificial Turf for DIY Installation

DIY synthetic turf installation is not difficult as long as you pay attention to the details. Get the initial installation right and you can finally enjoy the best parts of a green lawn without the stress of real grass.

Finally, it all begins with using high-quality materials for your project. Artificial Turf Express is the Bay Area’s top supplier of the best putting greens, landscaping and pet turf and other artificial grass products. Call us today at 408-413-3915 to see how we can help with your project!