How to Install Artificial Turf
- Briana Johnson
- Dec 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Artificial turf has become a dependable solution for landscapes that see heavy use, require year-round consistency, or simply need to reduce water demand without sacrificing appearance. When thoughtfully installed, it offers a clean, finished look that settles naturally into the surrounding landscape and holds up beautifully through the seasons.
Today’s turf systems are engineered for longevity and performance. They drain efficiently, stay even underfoot, and blend into high-end environments with ease. But the results depend on how the system is built. Artificial turf installation is a true construction process, one that requires careful grading, layered base preparation, and skilled finishing to achieve a stable, natural-looking surface.
Table of Contents
Understanding Artificial Turf Installation
Artificial turf isn’t simply rolled out on top of existing soil. Beneath the surface is a carefully engineered foundation that determines how the turf drains, how it feels underfoot, and whether it maintains its structure over time.
A licensed landscape contractor evaluates slope, grades the soil, resolves drainage patterns, and installs compacted base layers that support the finished surface. Each step contributes to long-term performance. When these elements work together, the turf settles into the landscape with the level, polished appearance expected of a professional installation.
How to Install Artificial Turf on Your Property
Step 1 – Evaluate the Site
A thorough site evaluation shapes the entire project. Contractors assess soil composition—particularly important in Sonoma County, where clay soils can influence drainage—and identify compaction levels, elevation changes, and water flow patterns. Access points for equipment and material hauling are confirmed early, allowing construction to proceed smoothly.
This is also the stage where irrigation lines, utilities, tree roots, and intended use (play surface, gathering area, courtyard, pathway, pet zone) are considered. A clear understanding of the site ensures the finished turf supports daily use while fitting naturally into the broader landscape.
Step 2 – Remove Existing Materials and Grade
Once planning is complete, crews remove existing vegetation, roots, topsoil, and debris. The area is excavated to a depth of 3–4 inches to accommodate the structural base layers. Even excavation is essential. Any inconsistencies can lead to uneven settling later.
The exposed soil is then rough-graded to direct water away from structures and prevent pooling. Early corrections made during this stage contribute significantly to the reliability and comfort of the final surface.
Step 3 – Install and Compact the Base Layers
The base is the structural heart of the installation. Class II road base or similar material is placed in thin lifts, with each layer compacted for stability. This prevents future sinking or shifting and establishes the smooth, supportive feel of the finished turf.
Fine grading refines the slope and surface contour, allowing water to move naturally through or across the system. A weed barrier may be added depending on site conditions. This meticulous preparation is what allows artificial turf to remain level, resilient, and visually consistent through changing seasons.
Step 4 – Lay, Trim, and Secure the Turf
Turf rolls are laid out and allowed to relax, helping the fibers settle into position. All rolls are aligned to follow the same grain direction, creating a uniform, natural appearance. Edges are shaped carefully around curves, borders, and hardscape features.
Seams are joined using professional-grade tape and adhesive, making them virtually invisible. The perimeter is anchored securely to protect against lifting. These fine details play a significant role in how seamless and refined the final install appears.
Step 5 – Add Infill and Brush the Turf
Infill is spread across the turf to support the blades, improve cushioning, and help control heat. The type of infill is selected based on the climate, expected foot traffic, and whether pets will be allowed to use the area. A power broom lifts the fibers upright and ensures the infill settles evenly across the surface. This process may be repeated until the turf feels balanced and the blades stand naturally.
Step 6 – Final Grooming and Quality Check
A final inspection confirms consistency in appearance, secure edges, smooth transitions, and proper drainage performance. This final step is what elevates the surface from “installed” to “finished,” giving it the polished, cohesive look expected in a thoughtfully built landscape.
What to Expect From a Professional Installation
Professionally installed artificial turf offers advantages that extend far beyond its appearance. Licensed landscape contractors bring structure to the process through a clear project plan and timeline, ensuring that each phase, from excavation to infill, is completed with accuracy. This level of oversight helps prevent common problems such as wrinkling, poor drainage, seam separation, or uneven settling.
Expert crews also provide access to higher-quality materials, long-lasting turf systems, and specialized equipment necessary for grading, hauling, compacting, and fine finishing work. The result is a surface that feels steady underfoot and integrates naturally with patios, pathways, planting beds, and lighting.
A professional installation should include:
Detailed site planning that accounts for soil structure, slope, water flow, and nearby hardscape features.
Precise grading and drainage improvements to help water move naturally away from structures and activity zones.
Professional base construction using compacted layers built for stability and long-term performance.
Seam and edge detailing that creates a smooth, natural appearance without visible transitions.
Integration with surrounding elements such as walkways, patios, planting beds, and lighting systems for a cohesive final look.
Quality control at every stage, ensuring the installation meets landscape construction standards and aligns with the broader landscape plan.
Because turf installation is one part of the broader outdoor environment, an experienced contractor ensures the finished surface supports the property’s long-term function and visual balance.
Why Choose Gardenworks Inc. for Artificial Turf Installation
Gardenworks has decades of experience designing and constructing outdoor environments throughout Sonoma and northern Napa counties. Our team understands the region’s unique soil conditions, grading needs, and seasonal pressures, and we bring that insight to every artificial turf project.
With in-house crews trained in construction-focused installation methods, we manage each step, from evaluation to final grooming, with clarity, care, and craftsmanship. The result is a surface that feels at home in the landscape and continues to perform reliably year after year.
Call Gardenworks Inc. at (707) 857-2050 to request an estimate.
