Artificial grass has become a go-to choice for homeowners, businesses, and sports facilities seeking a lush, green, and low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns. It looks great year-round, saves water, and eliminates mowing and fertilizing hassles. However, achieving that perfect, professional finish requires careful planning and correct installation techniques.

Unfortunately, many people underestimate the process and end up making costly mistakes that affect the turf’s appearance, longevity, and functionality. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid common errors and enjoy flawless results.

Here are five common mistakes people make when installing artificial grass — and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Ground Preparation

The foundation is the most critical step in any artificial grass installation. Many people rush this stage or skip key steps, which can lead to uneven surfaces, drainage issues, and a bumpy-looking lawn.

Common Errors:

• Failing to remove the existing grass, roots, and debris properly.
• Not excavating deep enough to create a stable base.
• Skipping the compaction step, leading to soft or uneven areas later.

Why It Matters:
Without proper groundwork, the surface may settle unevenly over time, causing dips and bumps. This not only looks unattractive but also creates potential trip hazards and drainage problems during rainfall.

How to Fix It:

• Remove the top 3–4 inches of soil, including grass and roots.
• Compact the ground using a plate compactor to create a firm base.
• Add a crushed stone or decomposed granite layer for stability and drainage.
• Compact again before adding a thin layer of sharp sand to level the surface.

Pro Tip: The base should be firm yet permeable to allow proper drainage. Investing time in this step will ensure your turf stays smooth and durable for years.

2. Ignoring Drainage Requirements

Another major mistake people make is not planning for adequate drainage. Artificial turf needs proper drainage just like natural lawns. When water doesn’t drain effectively, it can lead to puddles, foul odors, and even turf damage.

Common Errors:

• Installing turf directly over compacted soil without a proper base.
• Not adding a drainage layer or leaving uneven surfaces that trap water.
• Forgetting to check slope or grading before installation.

Why It Matters:
Poor drainage can cause water to pool on the surface or underneath the turf, leading to bacterial growth, odors, and shorter turf life. It also makes the area slippery and unsafe.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure the base material (crushed stone or gravel) allows water to pass through easily.
• Create a slight slope (about 1–2%) away from buildings or patios for natural runoff.
• Consider installing a sub-drainage system for larger areas or regions with heavy rainfall.

Pro Tip: Always use a weed membrane that allows water to pass through rather than one that blocks it. This helps maintain proper drainage while preventing weed growth.

3. Incorrect Seaming and Joining

One of the most visible mistakes in artificial grass installation is poor seam alignment or joining. Even a beautifully prepared base can look unprofessional if the seams are visible or uneven.

Common Errors:

• Placing turf pieces with pile directions facing different ways.
• Overlapping edges or leaving gaps between rolls.
• Using too much or too little adhesive on the joining tape.

Why It Matters:
Misaligned seams can ruin the uniform appearance of your lawn, making it obvious that the surface isn’t natural. Weakly bonded seams can also separate over time, creating trip hazards and requiring expensive repairs.

How to Fix It:

• Always lay the turf rolls in the same direction to ensure a consistent look.
• Place the seams close together — without overlapping or leaving gaps.
• Use high-quality joining tape and adhesive, applying it evenly for a strong bond.
• Allow the adhesive to cure before walking on the area.

Pro Tip: Brush the fibers over the seam after installation to blend the edges and hide the joint. This will give your lawn a seamless, natural appearance.

4. Skipping the Infill Material

Many first-time installers underestimate the importance of infill — the material (usually silica sand or rubber granules) spread across the turf to support the blades and improve performance. Some even skip this step entirely, thinking it’s optional.

Common Errors:

• Not using enough infill or choosing the wrong type for the turf.
• Applying infill unevenly across the surface.
• Forgetting to brush the turf after infill application.

Why It Matters:
Infill plays several critical roles: it keeps the turf blades standing upright, adds weight to prevent shifting, cushions impact, and enhances drainage. Without infill, the turf may flatten quickly, feel hard underfoot, and wear out faster.

How to Fix It:

• Use silica sand or rubber granules recommended by the turf manufacturer.
• Distribute the infill evenly using a drop spreader or broom.
• Brush the turf after application to ensure the infill settles deep within the fibers.

Pro Tip: For sports surfaces or pet-friendly areas, rubber or specialized infill may provide better cushioning and odor control.

5. Neglecting Edge Securing and Finishing Touches

The final step in artificial turf installation — securing the edges — is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for long-term durability. Poorly fixed edges can lead to turf lifting, fraying, and tripping hazards.

Common Errors:

• Not securing the turf properly along perimeters and seams.
• Using too few nails or staples to hold the turf in place.
• Leaving visible or uneven edges near pathways or patios.

Why It Matters:
Loose edges can make your lawn look unfinished and increase the risk of damage, especially in high-traffic areas or during extreme weather. Over time, the turf may peel back, creating an eyesore and requiring costly rework.

How to Fix It:

• Secure the edges with galvanized nails or landscape staples every 6–8 inches.
• Use strong adhesive for border areas and seams.
• Trim any excess turf for a neat, clean finish.
• Add a border or edging material (like timber, metal, or concrete curbing) to hold the turf securely in place and enhance aesthetics.

Pro Tip: If installing turf near walkways or driveways, slightly tuck the edges under to create a smooth, natural transition between surfaces.

Bonus: Not Allowing Turf to Settle Before Installation

Here’s another mistake many people make — unrolling and installing the turf immediately after delivery. Artificial grass often arrives tightly rolled, which causes wrinkles or creases.

Solution:
Lay the turf flat in the sun for a few hours before installation. The heat helps relax the fibers and backing, making it easier to handle and fit smoothly.

Conclusion

Installing artificial grass is a rewarding project that transforms outdoor spaces into beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes. However, achieving professional results depends on avoiding the most common mistakes — such as skipping base preparation, neglecting drainage, misaligning seams, skipping infill, and failing to secure edges.

By taking the time to plan properly, using quality materials, and paying attention to detail, you can create a durable and realistic artificial lawn that enhances your space for years.

Remember: success is all in the preparation and precision. A little extra care during installation can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Verdigrass proudly serves San Jose, San Mateo, Los Altos, and Oakland, providing high-quality artificial grass products and professional installation services — helping you achieve a flawless, long-lasting lawn with zero hassle.