Fake Grass Installation Mistakes in Naperville (and Ways to Avoid Them)

Synthetic grass has become a go-to landscaping option for Naperville homeowners seeking a beautiful, easy-care lawn. Whether you're putting in artificial turf for dogs, designing a backyard putting green, or simply replacing your traditional lawn with hard-wearing lawn turf grass, the finished product can be impressive. But only if the installation is done correctly.

Many homeowners make critical errors during fake grass installation that can lead to water flow issues, obvious seam lines, early wear, and an unnatural appearance. The upside? Nearly all of these problems are entirely avoidable when you know what to watch for.

Mistake #1: Insufficient Base Prep

The groundwork of any high-quality synthetic grass installation is what lies beneath the surface. Some DIY installers cut corners on or completely skip adequate base work, which causes problems down the road.

The Problem: Without a well-compacted base, your artificial grass can develop depressions, irregular surfaces, and drainage issues. This is particularly troublesome for artificial grass for pets, where proper drainage is essential for odor management and sanitation.

How We Avoid It: When building the foundation for bigger pet areas, we use non-compacted stone for enhanced drainage. We dig out the soil and add a crushed stone base. Proper grading with a subtle slope ensures water drains away from buildings and doesn't pool on your lawn. This critical step requires precision equipment and know-how to execute properly.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Drainage Requirements

Inadequate drainage is one of the frequent issues about artificial turf installations, yet it's entirely avoidable with proper planning and experience.

The Problem: When water can’t drain properly through and away from your synthetic grass, you'll end up with standing water, soft spots, and potential mold or mildew growth. For Naperville property owners with artificial turf for dogs, drainage failure can also create unsanitary conditions and persistent odors.

How We Avoid It: Our professional installers evaluate your property’s drainage needs before work starts. Professional installation includes drainage channels in areas prone to water accumulation and always preserves adequate slope away from foundations. This professional knowledge prevents expensive drainage issues that can affect non-professional projects.

Mistake #3: Visible or Poorly Executed Seams

Few things ruin the look of synthetic grass faster than noticeable seams that cut through the surface, a obvious sign of lack of experience.

The Problem: Incorrect seam placement, misaligned grain direction, or inadequate seaming techniques lead to obvious lines that make your artificial lawn look artificial and badly done.

How We Avoid It: Our team carefully plans seam positions, keeping clear of busy areas and positioning them where they'll be hardest to see. They verify the grain of adjacent turf pieces runs in the same direction and use seam tape with quality outdoor adhesive engineered for artificial grass. For specialty areas like a backyard putting green, we deliver virtually invisible seams that maintain the finished look of your installation.

Mistake #4: Selecting the Wrong Turf for Your Application

Not all artificial grass is created equal, and selecting the wrong turf for your application can lead to disappointment.

The Problem: Using turf that doesn’t match your usage requirements results in disappointment down the road. Selecting putting green turf for a pet area or choosing turf with inadequate pile height for your climate are frequent errors. Different uses require different turf features.

How We Avoid It: We assist you in choosing the correct turf for your specific needs. First, confirming you have the ideal choices for your geographic area is best practice. For artificial grass for pets, you need turf engineered with improved drainage and strong fibers that resist staining. Artificial turf for dogs features heavier face weights that can handle constant traffic. When installing a backyard putting green, we choose turf with the proper stimp rating and performance for your experience level. SWG manufactures premium synthetic turf with specific characteristics in mind, which influences qualities like pile height, ounce weight, and ideal match for you and your family, helping avoid subpar results and long-term dissatisfaction.

Mistake #5: Insufficient or Incorrect Infill Application

Infill material serves several functions in fake grass installation: it adds weight, keeps blades upright, adds cushioning, and supports drainage. Doing this properly requires knowledge and precision.

The Problem: Skipping infill, choosing the wrong infill, or applying insufficient amounts leads to flattened fibers, poor drainage, and a lawn that doesn’t look or feel natural. Too much infill can also lead to complications by making the surface too firm and causing excess heat retention.

How We Avoid It: Infill options include silica sand or antimicrobial sand for pet areas like K9 sand. We distribute infill evenly using specialized equipment. We then mechanically brush the turf after the infill process to work it down to the fiber and allow blades to stand upright, achieving that perfect authentic appearance. If you want your turf to remain cooler in the peak summer sun, you should also consider HydroChill®, which has an protective antimicrobial.

Mistake #6: Skipping Weed Barrier Installation

Certain installers skip the weed barrier to speed up installation, but this shortcut almost always leads to issues and results in ongoing problems.

The Problem: Without a proper weed barrier, you'll battle weeds pushing through your synthetic grass, which are hard to eliminate without damaging the turf.

How We Avoid It: We always install a high-quality, water-permeable weed fabric under the compacted base before laying turf. Weed barrier helps keep the base in place. It is strongly advised in cooler climates where weeds can thrive. Weeds typically won’t grow up through the base and the turf, as no light can penetrate the ground. But they can grow in the sand infill, which can be managed naturally by routine professional maintenance once a year.

Mistake #7: Underestimating the Work Involved

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is misjudging what professional synthetic grass installation requires. What seems easy often demands complex technical challenges.

The Problem: Artificial grass installation involves specialized know-how of grading, drainage, subsurface conditions, climate factors, and product specifications. Installations with elevation changes, detailed designs like tee lines, or custom features like backyard putting greens require professional expertise. DIY projects often cost more in the long run when issues happen, and the installation must be replaced by trained installers.

How We Avoid It: Our experienced installers bring extensive experience, professional-grade equipment, and proven techniques to every installation. They account for soil composition, proper drainage engineering, and how different products perform in different environments. Expert installation saves you time, avoids costly mistakes, and comes with warranties that protect your investment.

The Bottom Line

A high-quality, long-lasting fake grass installation requires professional skill, attention to detail, quality materials, and proven techniques. While the investment in expert installation may seem significant upfront, it's much more affordable than repairing mistakes that come from a bad install.