Call us at 855-464-8873 or Email us at info@progreen.com
Call us at 855-464-8873 or Email us at info@progreen.com
When we’re installing artificial turf, many of us focus on the turf itself and neglect the importance of the foundation beneath it.
However, a great base is crucial for a successful artificial turf installation. The base stabilizes the turf, prevents issues like turf upheaval, and gives a smooth and straight surface. Without a base like this, artificial grass can settle unevenly, not drain properly, or lose its good looks over time.
If the base is badly made, you can experience issues like pooling water, sinking turf, or even weed growth. On the other hand, a properly constructed base with a solid foundation makes sure the turf stays in place, even under heavy use, and keeps a natural and beautiful appearance every year.
Understanding the essential components of the base will be essential for creating artificial lawns that look great, perform reliably, and require minimal maintenance for homeowners and businesses.When we’re installing artificial turf, many of us focus on the turf itself and neglect the importance of the foundation beneath it. However, a great base is crucial for a successful artificial turf installation. The base stabilizes the turf, prevents issues like turf upheaval, and gives a smooth and straight surface. Without a base like this, artificial grass can settle unevenly, not drain properly, or lose its good looks over time. If the base is badly made, you can experience issues like pooling water, sinking turf, or even weed growth. On the other hand, a properly constructed base with a solid foundation makes sure the turf stays in place, even under heavy use, and keeps a natural and beautiful appearance every year.
Understanding the essential components of the base will be essential for creating artificial lawns that look great, perform reliably, and require minimal maintenance for homeowners and businesses.
The best artificial turf is designed to look and feel like natural grass, but the secret to its effectiveness is what lies beneath the surface.
A great sub-base will ensure proper drainage, prevent shifting, and extend the turf’s lifespan. We must understand that this hidden layer is the most critical part of a well-installed turf system, so let’s find out how it works!
The sub-base is like the foundation layer and is essential for artificial turf. It’s a solid stone layer designed to create a stable and level surface and ensure proper water drainage. The sub-base is key in preventing shifting or sagging, which can occur when the foundation is not adequate.
One of the main functions of the artificial grass sub-base is to provide a good foundation that supports both the turf and the weight placed on it. Whether it’s people walking, pets, or sports activities, the sub-base ensures the artificial turf remains stable and durable. It also prevents erosions by stabilizing the ground beneath the turf.
The subbase significantly impacts the drainage system as well. If it’s not installed properly, as designed, water may pool beneath it and damage the surface. A great subbase with the correct drainage slope will allow water to flow freely beneath the turf and into designated drainage systems.
As we said, the foundation beneath artificial turf is as important as the turf itself, and maybe even more so.
If we choose the right materials for the base, we won’t face any drainage issues and have fantastic support and durability. We’ll give you a short list of top materials to create a strong and reliable turf base.
Crushed stone and gravel are two of the most popular materials for artificial turf bases. Crushed stone is known for its durability and ability to lock together, creating a solid foundation. Larger crushed rocks are used to create a base layer that can resist shifting and always stays stable.
Crushed stone also provides excellent drainage. Water passes through the stone and easily flows away from the turf, reducing the likelihood of pooling or waterlogging. If you combine it with gravel, the crushed stone base can distribute water evenly and prevent erosion beneath the turf, so keep that in mind.
Also, mixing gravel with crushed stone will definitely enhance the base without compromising the quality of the turf, which is a winning combination.
Decomposed granite is another great material used for artificial turf sub-bases. It’s a special type of crushed rock that forms a solid but permeable surface.
Decomposed granite allows water to drain even quicker, which is super crucial in preventing pooling under the turf. Its fine texture makes it very easy to compact, creating a smooth and stable surface.
Decomposed granite is often used as an alternative to heavier base materials in areas where weight distribution is crucial or drainage is a priority. It allows water to flow through the base without compromising the stability of the turf, making it perfect for places with heavy rainfall.
People often combine fine aggregates, such as silica sand, with larger materials like gravel and decomposed granite to create a smooth and flat surface for the turf. Fine aggregates fill all the gaps between larger materials, so there aren’t any voids in the base that could cause the turf to settle unevenly.
Silica sand, in particular, is well known for its smooth texture and ability to compact without becoming too dense, which is often a very big deal.
Fine aggregates also contribute to the base’s permeability, which means they allow water to pass through without flooding. By filling in the gaps, fine aggregates ensure that the base layer remains compacted and stable while also preventing annoying air pockets or any other issues that can affect the turf’s performance and appearance.
Before you start the installation, be sure to clear the area of any existing grass or rocks. This first step will create a clean workspace and allow the sub-base materials to settle nicely and evenly. Also, remove natural grass and weeds entirely to prevent their growth in the future, as this could disrupt the turf or cause unevenness over time.
A clean surface is essential if you plan to place everything properly and keep it that way for years to come.
Once you have cleaned the area, the next step is to level the ground. This will create a flat and smooth surface, and you will need to fill in all of the low spots.
Leveling is also a key factor in proper drainage. The ground should be graded very slightly so water can flow away from the turf. This will prevent erosion or waterlogging.
Spread the sub-base materials evenly across your desired surface, making sure the material is compacted properly to form a stable foundation. Then, evenly distribute the sub-base, and you’ll quickly have a solid surface.
Compaction is the biggest part of this step because it prevents the base from shifting or changing over time. Many people love using a mechanical compactor to compact the sub-base efficiently and ensure the foundation is stable and secure.
The last step in base preparation is adding good drainage systems. The base must allow water to flow freely through the pipes, away from the turf. Without proper drainage, water can pool underneath the turf and cause unnecessary stress, so pay attention to this crucial step.
By installing a high-quality drainage system in the base, you’ll prevent water accumulation, and your family will be able to enjoy the turf’s excellent condition throughout the season.
A strong base will keep the turf stable, functional, fresh, and beautiful for a long time. Here are some key benefits!
When you start preparing the base, you should avoid these mistakes!
Constructing a solid base is the key to a successful artificial turf installation. Selecting the right materials and preparing everything properly will ensure a long-lasting, durable, and visually appealing artificial lawn that you will be proud of.
Investing in the foundation will allow you to enjoy fantastic turf for a long time with minimal maintenance.
Contact ProGreen today to restore your lawn to perfection after the storm.
Amanda Shope is an experienced Digital Marketing Manager specializing in content creation and strategy for the artificial turf industry. With years in the field, Amanda excels at crafting compelling content that drives engagement and fosters growth. When she’s not strategizing the next big campaign, she’s exploring the latest digital marketing trend.
