Published on August 14, 2020 | Last Updated on December 1, 2021

One of my most asked questions on Instagram is about the turf in our backyard. It was definitely an investment but it’s beyond worth it in our opinion! We spend so much time outside, we decided to wait on remodeling any of the bathrooms when we moved in and fixed up the backyard instead!

What’s The Backyard Turf Installation Process?

• Remove sod, as necessary
• Install weed barrier
• Cover area with crushed granite base, graded to existing landscape & drainage flow
• Compact base
• Install artificial turf with metal spikes
• Install sand on top of turf

Are you glad you went with turf?

YES! Piper has sensitive skin and the turf has decreased the amount of bugs in the backyard. Plus it drains super fast so we’re able to play outside after the rain without getting muddy. Our puppy can go potty in the rain without tracking mud into the house, too!

When we first moved in the grass was super patchy and not well maintained and then after have our contractors use the backyard as a workspace for six weeks, it was total a mess. We were going to have to pull up the sod and redo it anyways so we chose to go with the low maintenance option!

What does the maintenance for your backyard turf look like?

We have a lawn crew blow it off when they mow the front yard once a week. During fall months when a lot of leaves are falling, we use a leaf blower to clear leaves and branches off the turf. We have a big oak tree in our backyard and the amount of acorns it drops is crazy. We have a leaf blower/vacuum combo that works wonders on picking up acorns!

You’re supposed to spray down your lawn each week with a hose to remove dust, dirt, or pollen. Occasionally watering your turf lawn also helps prevent the base layer from settling unevenly.

We asked the crew to cut around our sprinkler heads so we’re still able to run the sprinkler system which is super helpful with the puppy and summer heat!

What does pet clean up look like on your backyard turf?

Cleaning up dog poop is just as easy as on real grass. We use plastic bags and pooper scooper! Following pickup, hose down the target area to make sure all the residue is gone. We do this every couple days just to make sure

Running the sprinkler or washing off weekly with a hose will help your lawn smell fresh and odor free.

artificial grass is stain resistant and most spills can be washed away with a
bit of water. For those tougher using a mild soap with lukewarm water or use equal parts vinegar and water to scrub it out. The faster you tend to a spill or stain the better.

How much was the turf in your backyard?

We paid $12,600 for 1,680 square feet which comes to $7.50/sq foot. It’s an investment upfront but you don’t have to pay anything to maintain and it lasts forever!

Is Backyard Turf soft?

Yes! It’s very soft! Houston Fake Grass installed our turf and we went with the Brock turf. It feels really nice on our feet and was their most affordable option.

How does Backyard Turf hold up in the Houston heat?

It does get hot when the sun is shining on the turf for extended periods of time. We spray it down with the hose and it cools off pretty fast!

If you have any other questions about turf let me know! I highly recommend Chad and his team at Houston Fake Grass. They currently service Houston and DFW.

Turf Grass Lawns: Drawbacks and Advantages

Is Backyard Turf Better for your backyard? That depends on what you’re looking for in your lawn, but lawn turf provides many benefits that may make it worthwhile. What are the advantages of turfgrass lawns vs natural backyards?

Turf Grass Lawns Advantages

• Turfgrass lawns are easy to maintain. The weekly upkeep is far less intensive than that of natural backyards!
• This low maintenance comes with an eco-friendly benefit too: turf grass lawns use significantly less water than natural backyards, helping to conserve resources.
• Turfgrass lawns are more durable in inclement weather.  Winters in colder climates can be unpredictable, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. A turfgrass lawn is better able to withstand these harsh conditions while a backyard of plants may suffer some damage or even death.
• Turfgrass lawns are comfortable to walk on, even when wet.  They are easier to traverse than natural backyards, which can become muddy and slippery in damp weather.   
• Turfgrass lawns have fewer disease or pest problems than natural backyards.   

Turf Grass Lawns Disadvantages

• Turfgrass lawns are less resistant to weeds.  There are often more weed seeds in turfgrass seed mixes than you would find in a natural backyard that contains no turf grasses, and it can be challenging to weed your lawn.
• Turfgrass lawns are artificial.  Many homeowners grow attached to the personality of their backyard and prefer it to remain as natural as possible, without turf grass or other landscaping features that are not native to the immediate environment. 
• Turfgrass lawn are more expensive than natural backyards.  Lawn grass seed is not cheap, and specialty lawn mowers are often needed to keep the look of your grass even.