So, you’re thinking about putting artificial grass in your yard.
Choosing the right installer is… Well, it’s something you’ll want to take seriously. The turf itself matters, of course, but even good-quality artificial turf can cause problems if it isn’t installed properly.
And if you’ve been searching what is fake grass made of, you’re already on the right track. After all, you’re learning what goes into the product before even making a decision.
You don’t need to become an artificial grass expert, though. A few simple questions help. You’ll be able to figure out whether an installer knows what they’re doing, as well as if they’re a good fit for your yard.
Keep reading on to learn the three questions you should ask before signing anything.
Can I see a portfolio of your recent local projects?
Don’t be shy about asking this one.
A good installer should be able to show you examples of yard they’ve worked on recently. Take a look at their photos and ask whether they have any nearby projects you can see in person – if possible.
When you’re looking at their work, don’t just focus on how green the grass looks. That’s a rookie error. Instead, check the edges, seams, borders, and overall finish. Does everything look neat? Does the turf look natural? Is the surface nice and even?
It’s also worth asking how old the installations are. A brand-new lawn will almost always look great. Seeing projects that are a few years old gives you a far better idea of how their work holds up over time.
What materials will you use for my yard’s artificial turf?
This is where it pays to ask a few extra questions.
Artificial grass comes in different styles and qualities, you’ll want to find out exactly what the installer is recommending for your yard. Ask about the turf fibers, pile heights, backing, and durability.
Then think about your own situation. Your lifestyle. Your family. Maybe you have a couple of dogs running around. Or maybe your kids enjoy playing outside. Or perhaps your backyard gets used constantly. In these situations, you’ll probably have different needs than someone who just wants a small decorative lawn.
And don’t forget about what goes underneath the turf. The base and ground preparation are a huge part of the installation. If those steps aren’t done properly, you could end up with an uneven lawn or other issues down the road.
A good installer shouldn’t have a problem explaining what they use and why.
How will you handle heavy rainfall and surface drainage to prevent pooling?
This is a biggie – particularly if your yard tends to collect water.
Ask the installer how they plan to handle drainage. They should be able to explain what they’ll do to prevent water from pooling on the surface. Artificial grass needs a properly prepared base so rainwater has somewhere to go.
If you already have a spot in the yard that turns into a mini swimming pool after a storm, mention it! Don’t assume the problem will magically disappear once the artificial grass goes down.
The installer should be able to explain how they’ll deal with existing drainage issues and how water will move away from the finished lawn.
To conclude, there’s more to choosing an artificial grass installer than cost. You need to do your research beforehand. The questions in this post will help you do just that.