artificial grass in california

With the ground prepped, build the foundation that keeps everything level.

Adding a Base Layer for Support

Fill the excavated area with 3–4 inches of crushed stone. Spread evenly with a rake. This mirrors the process for how to install artificial turf on dirt since both need the same solid foundation. Add a thin layer of decomposed granite on top to fill gaps and create a smooth surface.

Compacting the Base for Longevity

Mist the stone with water, then compact it in a grid pattern until it feels solid. If you’ve been unsure about how to lay fake grass without wrinkles, this is the step that matters most. The base should be firm enough that walking on it leaves virtually no footprint. A rock-solid foundation is essential for quality synthetic turf installation.

Laying the Artificial Turf

Now the yard starts looking like a lawn. Knowing how to lay artificial turf on grass properly comes down to one detail: consistent grain direction across all rolls.

Positioning and Aligning Turf Rolls

Unroll the turf and let it sit in the sun for 1–2 hours so the backing relaxes. Point the grass blades toward the primary viewing angle (usually from the house). If using multiple rolls, every piece must face the same direction. To install artificial turf that looks seamless, keep installing turf in the same grain direction throughout.

Cutting Turf to Fit Edges and Obstacles

Cut from the backing side to avoid shearing blades. For curves and trees, make small relief cuts from the edge toward the obstacle so the material wraps smoothly.