If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor space with artificial grass, you’ve come to the right place. Artificial grass has become widely popular for homeowners with children and pets, and it’s a great sustainable alternative to the original sod lawns. And, like any good thing, artificial turf requires the proper foundation – aka the sub base.
Installing artificial grass on your property is a great way to reduce maintenance and add aesthetic value. However, to successfully install artificial grass, you need a solid foundation made of sub base material.
Without proper preparation, irregular shifts in temperature can quickly transform your hard work and new synthetic grass lawn into a droopy and uneven surface – which you definitely do not want.
What is a Sub Base and Why is it Important for Artificial Grass Installations
Think of the artificial grass sub base as the foundation of a house. With a robust and solid foundation, the structure will be stable. The same goes for an artificial grass installation.
A sub base is a layer of material, typically made up of either crushed stone or gravel, that goes underneath the turf. Its primary purpose is to provide a stable base for the artificial grass to rest on and adequate drainage and long-term durability.
So, although it may not be that the sub base is the most visible or glamorous part of the artificial turf installation process, it is undoubtedly vital. An adequately installed sub base ensures that the synthetic grass stays in place and lasts for years to come.
Say Goodbye to Your Grass Lawn
Gone are the days when a new lawn or large grass lawn symbolizes success. Nowadays, these hugely manicured green lawns emulate two things: 1) colossal waste of water use and 2) failed opportunities for biodiversity.
Conventional sod lawns contribute to climate change. It’s estimated that every year across the United States, grass lawns consume nearly 3 trillion gallons of water, 200 million gallons of gas (mowing), and 70 million pounds of pesticides.
Additionally, conventional turf grass contributes little to no biodiversity for healthy and diverse ecosystems. Not to mention, rainwater runoff from lawns can carry toxic pesticides into our rivers, lakes and streams.
Is Artificial Turf Sustainable?
Now, while artificial turf also does not provide a habitat for pollinator species, it significantly reduces the chemicals and water used in traditional grass lawns. Therefore, instead of conventional monoculture grass lawns, I recommend native, naturalized landscapes as the more beautiful and environmentally positive alternative.
However, an artificial grass lawn can also provide a much more sustainable and functional option for your space. Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance, does not need to be watered or mowed, and eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, thus reducing the environmental impact of lawns.
But Isn't Artificial Grass Made from Plastic?
Yes, artificial grass is made from plastic. However, many synthetic turf products are made with recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Make sure to look for a supplier whose products are recyclable.
3 Types of Artificial Grass Sub Base
Crushed Miscellaneous Base (CMB)
Crushed Miscellaneous Base (CMB) combines recycled concrete, asphalt, sand and gravel mixture up to ¾” in diameter.
- The leading choice for most home installations
- Good compaction
- Affordable compared to decomposed granite
- Best if on a budget
- Difficult to source
- Takes effort to smooth down
- Non-porous material means slower drainage
- Not best for areas with heavy rainfall or pet waste
Decomposed Granite (DG) / Limestone Chippings
Decomposed Granite (DG)/ Limestone Chippings are weathered pieces of granite or limestone (sometimes both) mixed with gravel, sand, and silt-size clay particles.
- The best option for backyard use
- DG is smoother than CMB
- Better for putting greens
- More porous/ optimal drainage
- Manufacturers produce granite rocks in uniform sizes
- Doesn't compact as well
- More expensive
Class II Road Base
Class II road base is not necessary for residential applications. It is a more expensive version of CMB, usually used in large-scale installations for commercial and sporting applications – think football pitches and putting greens.
- Stringent testing and qualities checks
- Great for commercial large-scale installations
- Expensive
How to Prepare the Ground Before Installing Sub Base
Now that you know what sub-base you need for your application, let’s talk about how to prepare the ground before installation.
Start by clearing the area of any debris – rocks, roots, plants, weeds, etc.
You will typically need a 4″ (100mm) sub base depth. Keeping this in mind, you’ll likely need to remove soil to ensure the final height of the turf is at the desired finished grade.
Once you’ve removed debris and soil, use a compactor to level the ground and create a uniform surface.
Other Materials to Consider in Your Installation
Granite Dust Laying Course
A laying course is applied on the sub-base underneath the artificial grass. A 1″ layer of granite dust provides a smoother, leveled surface for laying artificial grass.
Weed Membrane
A weed membrane can be highly beneficial in artificial lawn installations. Lay artificial grass directly on top of the membrane to prevent weeds from popping through. In addition, it can be used to separate the sub-grade soil and the sub-base preventing any additional sinking.
Final Thoughts
Artificial turf lawns can be a great alternative to traditional sod lawns. However, artificial lawns are best used for small to medium areas and not in place of large front or backyard lawns. Fake grass lawns can be great for children’s play areas, small patios, or pet areas.
Artificial turf could require additional maintenance and become relatively constant for large lawns.
I’d recommend taking a more environmentally friendly approach and planting native species that provide animal habitat value, require low maintenance, and evolve into stunning wild naturalized landscapes.
Final words – know there are several sustainable options when landscaping your home! Artificial turf in small to medium areas is one of them.
