skip to main content

Landscape Design Design Dilemma

Artificial turf question

2 years ago

Hello all, we are installing artificial turf in our backyard and I have two companies I am choosing between. For those who know - is a weed barrier necessary? One company is telling me it isn't; the other company says it is. My thought is that it won't hurt but maybe that's wrong.

A second question is about our current irrigation system. Our thought was to keep in the sprinklers in the corners to "rinse" the turf every now and again. I totally understand the theory that a sprinkler could break and that would cost a lot to fix the turf. But in reality, how often does that happen? For those who have turf, how often are you finding yourself spraying it down?

This isn't a post on the pluses and minuses of installing turf - it is a done deal, but I would like some professional thoughts on the above questions. Thank you in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
We thought about it for our dog run but of course a totally different use I think the irrigation is a bit overkil for fake grass I would however think about the weed barrier . Can you post pics of the space you are working with since if you hav eother stuff planted that needs water that will make a difference .
itsourcasa
2 years ago
Where do you live? We're in FL so we have tons of sprinklers and they are always breaking or needing adjusting lol. We're going to do an area of turf in our yard and we are relocating the sprinklers so they don't hit the turf at all. They run off well water so I wouldn't want that sitting water on the turf. DEFINITELY weed barrier!!
Related Discussions
Anyone ever use K9 artificial turf for Dogs?
Q
Comments (118)
Yikes! I can see where that is a problem. I had a 14 year old who could not make the 4 stairs to the ward so I placed a piece of the turf on the porch. She used it all the time, but it did get rank! My yard install took a full week with new drainage and lots of underlaying stone and sand. So I am sure that is why it still works for me.
...See More
Artificial Turf and Gophers
Q
Comments (3)
I'm actually not sure if the gophers will decamp or not. I mean, if I were a self-respecting gopher, I would. Since gophers eat plant matter and root systems, I think they'll go away if the turf is no longer there and nothing grows.
...See More
Artificial Turf considerations
Q
Comments (5)
1. Costs will vary depending on the quality of the artificial turf and whether or not it has any special characteristics. I've seen prices as low as $2/square foot to as high as $20+/square foot. And then there are installation costs involved as well. 2. Weeds will not grow through artificial turf of reasonable quality. But unless cleaned or hosed off regularly, dirt and debris can blow in and get caught in the turf blades and become a growing medium for weed seeds. Regular maintenance and cleaning will prevent this. 3. I have no answer for this. 4. Artificial turf can become very hot when exposed to the sun....perhaps too hot for kids to run barefoot or play comfortably.
...See More
Backyard basketball court with artificial turf
Q
Comments (12)
Whole family plays basketball, for a long time, to quite high levels. We have a hoop in the driveway and they still use it, and balls can sometimes go in the street (though it's not too busy of a street). The retractable net or a permanent sliding gate is the way to go. Artificial turf? Um. No. My kids used to sometimes play at the local middle school on carpet (not kidding). It wasn't good, and artificial turf would be way worse. It needs a hard surface. Anything that isn't hardwood is going to be a second-rate compromise. You can't use an indoor ball on concrete or asphalt, and there's different balls for outdoor use. But no one plays on grass or artificial turf. Also, my understanding of artificial turf is that there is indeed maintenance for it, and it wouldn't be cheap to install, either. The ground would have to be flattened and at that point, you might as well put in concrete. And I have no idea how concrete would hold up in cold environments. Also, he's only going to be without a car for a few years, most likely. My kids always drove to the gym to shoot once they had access to a car. In fact, we have neighbors who installed a full, lighted basketball court (Sport Court) in their backyard. It doesn't get much use, because their kids go to the gym to play, where everyone else is.
...See More
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
Eventually, weeds popped through my turf and they are a pain to deal with. Took 5 years before they made it through. I never rinse off my turf but I'm in Florida and we get plenty of rain.
bichonbabe
2 years ago
Our artificial turf has weeds so I would install a weed barrier as they are a real pain to remove. I like to think the weeds make it look more real. LOL

We hose our turf down a few times a month to remove odors from our dogs. I would not do a sprinkler system on it because the cleaning needs more water pressure than you can get with a sprinkler. About once a year we use a cleaning product to super clean it. Cleanng would be unnecssary if we didn't have dogs.
PRO
JSL Landscape Design Build
2 years ago
We install turf quite often. Weed barrier is typically not a requirement, but it couldn't hurt as you state. If used, I would put it down on the excavated soil below the imported gravel base.

If you are replacing a natural grass lawn with synthetic turf and want to keep the sprinklers, I would cap off the heads that are inside the turf area and only have heads just beyond the edge of the turf. We only keep existing sprinkler systems that are dedicated to a lawn as a way to cool down the turf during hot weather as synthetic turf does get hot in full sun and hot weather.
PRO
Revitalyze Landskapes
last year
Cap the sprinklers. Install the weed barrier.

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Ways to Use Artificial Turf Where It Actually Looks Good

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Fake grass is not for everyone, but it can be a problem-solver on balconies, on driveway strips and in urban courtyards

DECORATING GUIDES Go for the Green: Artificial Grass Surprises, Inside and Out

By Jess McBride

Synthetic turf springs up on patios, living rooms, furniture and walls. Basement golf, anyone?

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Quaking Aspen for 3-Season Beauty — on Its Own Turf

It offers bright fall foliage, snowy winter bark and lush green leaves in summer. Just don't try to plant quaking aspen away from its home

EXTERIORS Curb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider

By Becky Harris

Color, scale, proportion, trim ... 14 things to think about if your exterior is bugging you

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pros Field Your Questions About Outdoor Lighting

By Amanda Pollard

Find out what to consider when illuminating your landscape for safety and ambiance

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Questions to Ask Before Laying Stepping Stones

By Joanna Tovia

These broken-up pathways invite you to put a spring in your step — while adding functionality to the garden

KITCHEN DESIGN 7 Tricky Questions to Ask When Planning Your New Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Addressing these details will ensure a smoother project with personalized style

ARCHITECTURE 5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to an Open Floor Plan

By Becky Harris

Wide-open spaces are wonderful, but there are important functional issues to consider before taking down the walls

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask Before You Plan Your New Kitchen

To get your dream kitchen, start with a strong mission and wish list, and consider where you’re willing to compromise

Sponsored

More Discussions

What happened to my oakleaf hydrangea?

8

Landscaping Around a Red Lace Weeping Maple on the Corner of the House

17

Landscaping the side of the deck skirt

19

Advice for Plants around Patio & Deck?

9

Front porch help needed, please!

0