Top 7 Artificial Turf Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Artificial turf has become popular for many good reasons. It looks like real grass but doesn’t need much care. You don’t have to water it, mow it, or use weed killer. That means you save time, water, and money.

Artificial grass stays green all year, even in hot or dry weather. It works well in residential yards, commercial properties, play areas, and sports fields. Because of its low maintenance costs, many people choose synthetic turf instead of natural grass.

But here’s the problem: a lot of people make mistakes when installing or taking care of it. These mistakes can cause fake turf to look bad, wear out fast, or even stop draining properly. That means more repairs and a shorter lifespan.

In this article, you’ll learn about the top 7 artificial turf mistakes. We’ll explain what they are, how they happen, and—most importantly—how to avoid them. You’ll also get simple tips that can help your turf last longer and look better.

Mistake 1: Poor Ground Preparation

If the ground under your artificial turf isn’t flat and firm, your lawn won’t look right. Uneven surfaces can cause bumps and dips. Over time, these spots may sink or rise. Water can also collect in low areas, leading to puddles or turf damage.

Without strong support underneath, even the best artificial grass will wear out faster. That means more work later and higher maintenance costs.

Start by digging down about 3 to 4 inches across the whole area. This removes soft topsoil and gives space for your new base. Next, add a mix of crushed stone and sand. Spread it evenly and use a roller or plate compactor to press it down. This makes the base firm and smooth.

Use a level to check for flatness, but don’t make it completely flat. It should have a slight slope—just enough to help water run off instead of staying in place. This is called grading and it helps with drainage.

With proper ground prep, your synthetic grass will last longer, feel better to walk on, and drain well when it rains.

Mistake 2: Skipping a Weed Barrier

Weeds are tough. Even if you install artificial turf, they can still sneak through. Weeds can grow up between turf seams or through small drainage holes. Once they appear, they’re hard to remove and can damage the turf base.

Weeds also make your lawn look messy. No one wants that on their fake grass.

Always install a weed barrier fabric before laying the turf. This is a thin but strong sheet that stops weeds from growing up into your synthetic grass.

Make sure to cover the whole area, including the edges. If you need more than one roll of fabric, overlap the seams so there are no open gaps. Use landscape staples or pins to hold the barrier in place.

A weed barrier may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference. It keeps your turf looking clean and lowers your maintenance costs over time.

Mistake 3: Not Accounting for Proper Drainage

Water needs somewhere to go. If it gets trapped under your artificial turf, it will pool on the surface. Over time, this can damage the turf and lead to bad smells, mould, or turf lifting.

Poor drainage also means the area stays wet longer after rain, making it slippery and unsafe—especially in play areas or sports fields.

Use a permeable sub-base—like crushed stone—that lets water pass through. This helps water flow down into the ground instead of sitting on top.

The surface should also have a slight grade. That means it should be just a little higher on one side, so water moves in one direction and doesn’t stay in one place.

In places that get a lot of rain, you can add extra help. Drainage mats or channels can go under the turf to move water away faster.

A good drainage plan will protect your turf, reduce wear, and prevent water problems down the road. Always plan for water, even if you live in a dry area.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Infill

Infill is the material added between the blades of artificial grass. It keeps the blades standing tall, helps with drainage, and adds cushioning. Some types also help with odour control and cooling.

If you use the wrong type of infill, the turf can get too hot, smell bad, or feel hard underfoot. Worse, it may not last as long.

Pick the right infill based on how you’ll use the turf.

• For pet areas, choose odor-control infills like zeolite or coated silica sand. These absorb urine smells and help keep the surface clean.
• For sports fields, use crumb rubber or coated sand. These give better bounce and protect players from injuries.
• For home lawns, go with silica sand or other soft, natural infills. These are safe, stay cool, and feel good for kids and bare feet.

Don’t just choose the cheapest option. Each type of turf and location needs the right match. Using the right infill keeps your turf looking good and working well for years.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Blade Direction and Seaming

When laying artificial turf, the blades (the fake grass fibers) all lean in one direction. If you don’t line them up the same way on every piece, the seams will look patchy or obvious. Your lawn may have dark and light spots or just look uneven. This can ruin the clean, natural look you want.

Bad seaming also makes the lines between turf pieces stand out. It looks messy and very much like fake grass, which defeats the purpose of getting it in the first place.

Before installation, check the blade direction of every turf roll. All pieces should face the same way. This keeps the look smooth and even.

When joining pieces, use turf seam tape or strong turf adhesive. Lay the edges close together but not overlapping. Press firmly to create a tight bond.

After seaming, use a stiff brush to fluff up the blades and blend the line. This hides the seam and helps the turf look more like natural grass.

Lining up blades correctly and seaming properly takes a little extra time—but it makes a big difference. Your turf will look cleaner, more natural, and more professional.

Mistake 6: Choosing the Wrong Turf Type

Not all artificial grass is the same. Some turf is made for sports fields, while others are for backyards or pet zones. Picking the wrong one can lead to faster wear, poor drainage, or a surface that just doesn’t feel right.

If you choose the wrong turf type, it may fade in the sun, feel too rough, or not hold up well in high-traffic spots. It also might not look like real grass, especially if the colour or blade style is off.

Think about how you’ll use the turf. For kids or pets, go for soft blades and good drainage. For sunny spots, choose turf with UV protection so it doesn’t fade. For gardens, look for a more natural green colour and medium pile height.

Also think about how much traffic the area gets. Heavier traffic needs tougher turf.

We recommend LITA Grass because it offers many options that look and feel real. It works well in residential yards, play areas, and even commercial properties.

Mistake 7: Neglecting Ongoing Maintenance

Many people think synthetic grass needs no care. But while artificial turf is much easier than natural grass, it’s not 100% care-free. If you ignore it, the blades can flatten, dirt can build up, and it might start to smell—especially if pets use the area.

Good turf care keeps it looking fresh, clean, and safe.

Here’s what you should do:

• Rinse the turf monthly with a hose to wash away dust, pollen, and small debris.
• Pick up leaves, twigs, or trash regularly to stop them from piling up.
• Brush the turf once a month to help the blades stand up straight again. This keeps it looking like real grass.
• Clean up pet waste right away. Rinse the spot and use enzyme spray if needed.
• Check infill levels every few months. If it looks low, add more to keep blades upright and cushioned.

How the Right Turf Makes a Big Difference

Many turf installation problems begin with picking the wrong type of artificial grass. Things like blade height, colour variation, drainage, and backing strength all affect how well the turf holds up over time.

If you're unsure what to choose, look for turf that’s built for your specific needs—whether that’s for pets, sports, or home landscaping. It should also come from a supplier that offers guidance on proper use and installation.

Brands like LITA Grass focus on realistic-looking, durable turf options and offer helpful advice to match you with the right product. Starting with the right turf can prevent costly fixes later.

Conclusion 

Installing artificial turf is a great way to get a clean, green space that’s easy to care for. But skipping steps or choosing the wrong products can cause big problems later.

Mistakes like bad drainage, poor seams, or the wrong turf type are common—but you can avoid them. If you plan ahead and do things right, your turf will last longer, look better, and save you more money over time.
Need expert advice on choosing the right turf or avoiding costly mistakes? Contact LITA Grass today and get a custom solution for your space.