What Kind of Drainage Can I Expect from Artificial Grass?

May 4, 2023

When it comes to artificial grass, the functional benefits often outweigh the benefits of natural grass. Despite this, homeowners in the past have hesitated to install turf because they were concerned it wouldn’t be as aesthetically pleasing as a natural lawn. However, with advancing technology and installation methods, residential artificial grass is not only a thing of beauty but also creates a highly functional outdoor area for your home. One of the biggest benefits of installing turf in your backyard is the excellent drainage quality of synthetic grass. Let’s take a closer look!

What lies beneath

While artificial grass itself is designed for optimal drainage (the blades of grass are attached to a strong yet permeable backing that allows water to pass through into the ground), it can be hindered by an improper base or poor installation techniques. One of the most important steps in installing residential artificial grass is preparing an adequate base beneath to allow for proper and efficient drainage in rainy weather. If you’re considering installing synthetic grass, first consider how well your existing exterior space drains. Does your lawn often get muddy? Do you have areas that are prone to pooling water? If you already have drainage issues, simply installing turf on top won’t fix things. Installing turf on a poorly draining base is a recipe for disaster as your synthetic grass will then be prone to mold and mildew. Clay-like soil bases can benefit from some basic mitigation such as digging down and removing enough of the existing soil to allow for the backfill of aggregate underneath your synthetic turf. Crushed rock is an ideal base for residential artificial grass.

Non-soil surfaces

If you’ve decided to install artificial grass, but the area you’re working with is not soil then there are a couple of different options to ensure adequate drainage. If you’re working with a concrete surface, the most obvious solution would be to remove the existing concrete and fill the space with an aggregate base. However, this can be time-consuming and laborious. An alternate option is to drill a sufficient number of holes into the cement and fill them with pea gravel to give rain a pathway through the base and into the water table. Some areas benefit greatly from the installation of a French ditch. This is a simple system wherein a perimeter of crush is installed under the turf’s surface to allow for excellent drainage.

Messy mistakes

Drainage problems are some of the most common issues with synthetic turf, and yet they are completely avoidable with the right amount of preparation before installation. If you’re not sure what to look out for when installing your turf, it’s wise to use a professional installer with an eye for potential problems. The main cause of drainage issues is almost always a poorly draining base layer beneath your turf. Other issues with pooling water can come from an uneven base layer with potholes. Your aggregate layer must be even and compact enough to provide a smooth and level surface area for your synthetic turf, while still allowing for adequate drainage.

If you are planning to install residential artificial grass, it’s best to consult an expert in the field to come up with a plan. They would have the experience necessary to assess your yard, its slope, drainage system, and which turf is best for you. Working with the professional artificial grass installers crew at Turf Suppliers Canada, will keep you from draining your time and money with costly mistakes.