Artificial grass has become a preferred landscaping solution for a wide range of residential, commercial, and public applications. Whether you're designing a vibrant front yard, a rooftop garden, or a durable pet play area, the visual appeal and practicality of artificial turf are undeniable. But beyond the lush green surface lies a hidden yet critical component: the sub-base. A poorly installed base can lead to uneven surfaces, drainage issues, and premature wear. At Qingdao XiHY Artificial Grass Company, we provide not only premium artificial turf products but also guidance on best practices for long-lasting results. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what goes under artificial grass and why a proper sub-base matters.
Why Is a Sub-Base Essential?
Installing artificial grass without a sub-base is like building a house without a foundation. The base supports the turf, maintains its shape, and ensures it functions well in various conditions.
Structural Stability
The sub-base acts as the backbone of your artificial grass installation. It distributes weight evenly, supports foot traffic, and prevents the formation of lumps or dips over time. This is especially important in public or commercial environments where high traffic is expected.
Effective Drainage and Moisture Control
Artificial turf doesn’t absorb water like natural grass, so water needs a place to go. The sub-base materials allow rainwater to flow through and away from the surface. Without it, puddling and soggy spots may occur, affecting both aesthetics and functionality.
Weed Control and Longevity
A good sub-base, combined with proper weed barrier fabric, deters weed growth from below. This not only maintains the neat look of your artificial lawn but also minimizes maintenance work.
XiHY’s artificial grass—known for being UV-resistant, pet-friendly, and highly durable—is designed to be installed on strong foundations, ensuring performance in varied climates and across different use cases, including residential lawns, urban rooftops, and public sports fields.
What Materials Can Be Used as Sub-Base?
Selecting the right sub-base material is one of the most important decisions in the installation process. Each material has its own set of benefits that cater to different types of landscapes and usage needs.
Crushed Stone or Gravel
This is the most common and reliable material for creating a solid, permeable base. Crushed stone compacts well and allows excellent water drainage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like playgrounds and commercial spaces. A layer of 2–4 inches of compacted gravel creates a stable surface that won’t shift under pressure.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Decomposed granite is finer and more compactable than gravel, making it suitable for light-use areas or decorative settings. It offers a firm surface that supports artificial turf well, although it may need more attention to compaction to prevent shifting.
Washed Sand (Used Sparingly)
Sand is often used as a final leveling layer on top of gravel or DG, rather than as the primary sub-base. It helps create a smoother surface but should be properly compacted to avoid sinking or washout over time.
Combination Base Layers
In some cases, a combination of materials is used to maximize performance. For example, a deeper crushed stone base topped with a fine decomposed granite layer provides both drainage and a smooth surface.
Whether you're laying down natural-looking artificial landscape grass or designing a pet play zone, using high-quality sub-base materials ensures the final result is not only visually appealing but also functionally superior.
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Why Use Weed Barriers and Drainage Fabrics?
While base materials help with structure and drainage, additional layers like geotextiles and weed barrier fabrics take your installation a step further, helping prevent future issues.
Preventing Weed Growth
One of the biggest advantages of artificial turf is reduced maintenance. However, without a weed barrier, weeds can grow from the soil below and disrupt the surface. A professional-grade geotextile fabric suppresses weed development and prolongs the clean, manicured look of your lawn.
Drainage Enhancement
In addition to preventing weeds, these fabrics help with water dispersion. They allow water to pass through while preventing soil movement that could destabilize the base. Especially in areas prone to heavy rain, a drainage fabric ensures that your artificial grass dries quickly and remains usable.
Proper Placement Techniques
It’s essential to lay the fabric flat and overlap the edges by a few inches to avoid any exposed soil or gaps where weeds could grow. Secure the fabric with landscape staples to keep it in place throughout the turf’s lifespan.
At XiHY, we recommend using our landscape grass with a professional weed barrier system to ensure a low-maintenance solution that stays lush and clean with minimal effort.
Key Installation Steps for a Strong Foundation
Proper artificial grass installation follows a step-by-step process that ensures the turf will look and perform its best for years. Let’s break down the installation stages with a focus on the sub-base.
1. Excavation
Begin by removing the topsoil and existing vegetation to a depth of 3–6 inches depending on site conditions and usage. This step clears the area for the sub-base materials and helps eliminate organic matter that may decompose over time.
2. Grading and Leveling
Grade the area to ensure water runoff away from buildings or low-lying spots. Slope should ideally be around 1–2% for optimal drainage.
3. Adding and Compacting the Sub-Base
Layer the sub-base material in increments, compacting each layer with a vibratory plate compactor. Compaction is key to avoid future settlement, especially in high-use areas such as public parks or sports grounds.
4. Installing the Weed Barrier Fabric
Once the base is compacted and smooth, roll out the weed barrier. Ensure full coverage with no gaps or overlaps that could allow weeds or soil to rise through.
5. Final Surface Prep
For a polished finish, apply a thin leveling layer (such as sand or fine granite) to smooth out the surface before rolling out the artificial grass.
6. Installing the Turf
Once the base is complete, you’re ready to install XiHY’s artificial turf products. Our turf rolls out smoothly over compacted sub-base and stays flat and stable, delivering a high-performance landscape year-round.
Conclusion
A flawless artificial grass surface starts with thoughtful preparation below the turf. From selecting the correct sub-base material to installing weed barriers and compacting thoroughly, every step contributes to the longevity and performance of your artificial lawn. At Qingdao XiHY Artificial Grass Company, we provide high-quality artificial turf solutions that shine when installed on a solid, well-drained base. Whether you’re building a pet-friendly yard, a serene rooftop garden, or a commercial green space, a proper foundation will make your investment worthwhile.
To discover which of our artificial lawn landscaping products best suits your next project, contact us today for more information or a personalized quote.
