Can you just lay artificial grass on dirt?
Can artificial turf be laid directly on soil? It's not recommended. This "shortcut" can result in an uneven surface, with bumps and depressions, which is both unsightly and dangerous. If the base of the turf isn't properly prepared, it can also become loose, shift, and wrinkled. Laying turf directly on compacted soil will hinder the normal drainage of rainwater. Water accumulation will cause puddles on the turf, eventually leading to unpleasant odors and the growth of weeds and bacteria.
If you have a limited budget, or are only installing artificial turf in small areas like corners of your yard or on a balcony, you can follow a simple setup:
1. Basic Cleaning: Remove all natural grass and debris from the surface, digging 2-3cm deep to remove hidden roots.
2. Manual Compaction: If you don't have a professional compactor, use a heavy-duty garden roller or a wheelbarrow filled with soil to compact the soil back and forth 5-6 times until the surface is firm and shows no significant subsidence.
3. Simple Drainage: Create a gentle slope by lowering the soil by 1-2cm per meter, heading towards the garden drain or the edge of the lawn. For small areas, a gravel layer or drainage pipes may not be necessary.
4. Final Leveling: Use a leveling board to check for uneven areas, fill the lower areas with fine sand, and then compact again. This method saves time and money, but it also shortens the lifespan of the artificial turf. Artificial turf installed this way can last 3-5 years, while standard treatment can extend its lifespan to 8-15 years.
Direct Laying vs. Proper Prep
| Comparison Dimensions | Spread directly on the soil | Standard treated soil base |
| Service life | 1-2 years | 8-15 years |
| Maintenance frequency | High, you need to check monthly for mold or unusual odors | Low density, requiring only quarterly brushing of grass fibers and checking of drainage |
| Security risks | The ground is high and uneven, posing a tripping hazard | Low, smooth surface and good drainage |
| Long-term costs | It's tall, and needs to be replaced in a year or two | Low cost, requiring only minimal maintenance in the later stages. |
| Visual effects | Uneven and mottled | Flat and even |
Why is it not recommended to lay directly on the natural grass?
Some people might consider laying artificial turf directly on top of existing natural grass for convenience. However, this is not recommended and is a common but serious mistake that can lead to many problems later. The main reasons are as follows:
Substrate failure, waterlogging and root rot. Natural grass has a loose and impermeable subsoil. After laying artificial turf directly, the natural grass will rot due to the inability to photosynthesize, and the soil will become muddy and severely subside. The drainage system of artificial turf will completely fail, turning the field into a waterlogged, muddy pool that breeds mold and insects.
Severely uneven surface. The rotting and subsidence process will cause the artificial turf surface to become uneven, bulging, and wrinkled, not only resulting in a poor appearance but also greatly increasing the risk of tripping and sprains.
Completely void the warranty, extremely short lifespan. All artificial turf manufacturers and professional installers require a strong, level, and well-drained hard subsoil as a prerequisite. Installing artificial turf directly on natural grass is considered improper construction and will void the product warranty. The entire turf may also be completely damaged within 1-2 years.
The correct procedure is to completely remove the natural grass and topsoil, then lay a compacted base of gravel, asphalt, or concrete according to specifications, ensuring it is solid and well-drained, before installing the artificial turf.
When is the best time to lay artificial turf?
Late spring, early summer, and early autumn are recommended. Late spring, with its stable rising temperatures and dry soil, is ideal for foundation preparation, ensuring a solid foundation for the upcoming peak season.
Early summer offers consistently sunny and dry weather, before the high temperatures arrive, allowing the adhesive to cure optimally and ensuring strong seams and stable material performance.
Early autumn avoids the rainy season and the intense heat; the cool, dry weather is also conducive to construction. After natural settling during autumn and winter, the turf will reach its optimal condition for use the following spring.
FAQ
1. How long can artificial turf be used when laid on soil?
It generally depends on the quality of the substrate treatment: if you have standard treatment and follow the complete steps, it can last 8-15 years; simplified treatment for small areas can last 3-5 years; while untreated direct laying only lasts 1-2 years.
2. Does laying artificial turf on soil require laying geotextile?
It is recommended to lay geotextiles, as they can prevent gravel or sand from settling and seeping into the soil, inhibit weed growth, help the lawn drain quickly, and prevent water accumulation.
3. What are the consequences of omitting the soil compaction step?
Directly laying the lawn without compacting the soil can lead to uneven subsidence in high-traffic areas. Low-lying areas are prone to water accumulation, causing mold and bulging. This method can also cause the lawn edges to curl and lift.
Conclusion
While artificial turf can be laid directly on soil, skipping standard base preparation will drastically reduce its lifespan (to only 1-2 years), and it is also prone to mold, sinking, and safety hazards. To create a durable turf, four key steps are required: remove organic debris, compact the soil, level the ground, and ensure proper drainage.
