Artificial grass can transform a yard, garden, playground, rooftop, or commercial landscape into a clean, green, low-maintenance space. However, most artificial turf complaints are not caused by the turf itself. Most issues come from installation mistakes, especially base preparation, drainage design, seam work, and edge securing.

This guide explains the most common artificial grass installation problems, what causes them, and exactly how to prevent them. Whether you are hiring an installer or doing a DIY project, this article will help you avoid costly repairs and enjoy a long-lasting synthetic lawn.

Why Correct Artificial Grass Installation Matters

Artificial turf is a long-term investment. Many products come with warranties (often 8–15 years, depending on product type and supplier), but warranty coverage usually requires correct installation. Poor installation can shorten turf lifespan, reduce comfort, create safety hazards, and lead to expensive rework.

Professional installation may cost more upfront, but it often saves money long-term by preventing failures like wrinkles, sinking, and seam separation.

Mistake #1: Choosing The Wrong Type Of Artificial Grass

Not all artificial grass is designed for the same purpose. Different products have different pile heights, yarn shapes, densities, textures, and backing structures.

Common turf selection mistakes

• Using landscape turf for high-traffic sports areas

• Installing putting green turf in a residential yard (often too dense and stiff)

• Choosing pet turf without planning drainage and cleaning access

• Using decorative low-density turf for play areas

How to prevent it

Before purchasing, define how the space will be used.

• Will children play on it?

• Will pets use it daily?

• Will it receive heavy foot traffic?

• Is it purely decorative?

Quality manufacturers provide product options for landscaping, sports, pet areas, and putting greens. Always request samples and check softness, recovery, backing strength, drainage holes, and overall density.

Mistake #2: Poor Base Preparation (The #1 Cause Of Turf Failure)

The base is the foundation of your artificial lawn. If the base is wrong, the turf will not perform well regardless of product quality.

Problems caused by poor base work

• Uneven surfaces with bumps, dips, and waves

• Water pooling and drainage failures

• Turf shifting and wrinkling

• Premature wear in high spots

• Sink holes caused by decomposing organic material

What proper base preparation looks like

A stable base requires correct excavation, clean materials, and layered compaction.

Step 1: Remove all organic material

All grass, weeds, roots, and debris must be removed. All stumps and root balls must be ground out completely. Organic material decomposes and creates voids, which leads to sinking and wrinkles later.

Step 2: Install a compacted aggregate base

A common residential standard is 75–100mm of compacted crushed stone or road base. A deeper base may be needed for soft soil, heavy rainfall regions, or commercial use.

Step 3: Add a fine leveling layer

A thin leveling layer such as decomposed granite or fine crushed stone improves smoothness and helps final grading.

Step 4: Compact in layers

Compaction should be done multiple times and in layers. A plate compactor should be used properly, not skipped.

Red flags of poor base work

• Base depth is too thin

• Installer installs turf over soil or existing grass

• No compaction equipment is used

• Base contains organic or unstable materials

• Final surface is flat with no drainage slope

Mistake #3: Poor Drainage Design (Puddles, Blisters, Odor)

Artificial grass does not absorb water like natural grass. Water must drain through the turf and move away through the base and site drainage.

Signs of drainage failure

• Standing water after rain

• Soggy or squishy spots

• Water bubbles or blisters under turf

• Moss, algae, or mildew

• Unpleasant odors from trapped moisture

How to build effective drainage

Build slope into the base

あ 1–2% slope is commonly recommended to guide water away from buildings.

Use clean, permeable base materials

Drainage problems often happen because the base contains clay, too many fines, or unstable materials.

Upgrade drainage in difficult sites

In clay soil or high rainfall areas, additional drainage may be necessary, such as:

• French drains (perforated pipe + gravel)

• Drainage channels or trench drains

• Drainage cell layers

• Geocell reinforcement for weak soil

Special note for concrete installations

Artificial grass can be installed on concrete, but drainage must be planned. Concrete should have slope, and water must have an exit route around edges. A common mistake is gluing turf to flat concrete with no drainage gap, which traps water and causes odor.

Mistake #4: Wrinkles, Ripples, And Turf Movement

Wrinkles usually occur due to uneven base preparation, insufficient fixing, or thermal expansion and contraction of the turf. Common causes include:

• Turf not acclimated before installation

• Turf stretched too tightly

• Base soft spots or low compaction

• Insufficient perimeter fixing

• Weak seam bonding

If you want to learn more about why artificial turf wrinkles and how to fix them, check out our detailed guide on artificial turf wrinkles.

Prevention

Turf should be unrolled and allowed to relax before cutting and fixing. Turf should be secured firmly but not overstretched. Expansion gaps should be left near rigid edges like walls.

Mistake #5: Visible Seams (Color Difference, Lines, Gaps)

Seams are where two turf rolls meet. Poor seams ruin appearance and can create weak points.

Signs of bad seam work

• Visible seam lines

• Different color look on each side

• Gaps between pieces

• Overlaps creating raised ridges

• Seams separating over time

Correct seam installation

• Ensure pile direction matches on both rolls

• Trim manufacturing edges carefully

• Butt edges tightly with minimal backing visible

• Use seaming tape centered under the joint

• Apply correct adhesive and allow proper curing time

• Avoid trapping grass blades in glue

• Use weights during curing for strong bonding

Important tip about “color difference”

Artificial grass often looks lighter or darker depending on fiber direction. If one roll is installed in the opposite direction, it will look like a different turf even when it is the same product.

Mistake #6: Inadequate Perimeter Securing (Lifted Edges, Trip Hazards)

Edges must be secured to prevent lifting, shifting, and safety hazards.

Problems caused by poor edge work

• Curling edges

• Turf movement underfoot

• Gaps at borders

• Weed intrusion from edges

• Trip hazards

Best practice

Fasteners are commonly installed every 100–300mm around the perimeter. Corners, curves, and high-traffic zones require tighter spacing. Galvanized fasteners should be used to reduce rusting.

Edges should be secured to:

• Timber fixing strips

• Concrete or pavers

• Subsurface stakes in soft landscapes

• Proper edging restraints

Mistake #7: Skipping Or Misplacing The Weed Barrier

A weed barrier is not just “extra.” It helps prevent weeds from edges and reduces maintenance.

Why weeds still grow in turf

Weeds can enter from perimeter areas or from wind-blown seeds settling into infill.

Correct method

A quality geotextile weed barrier (often around 100–125gsm) should be installed properly.

Pet area placement note

Weed barrier should be placed lower in the system for pet areas to reduce moisture and odor trapping near the turf surface.

Mistake #8: Incorrect Or Insufficient Infill

Infill supports the turf system and affects performance.

What infill does

• Keeps fibers upright

• Adds weight and stability

• Improves comfort and resilience

• Helps reduce wrinkles and movement

• Improves drainage behavior

Common infill mistakes

• Too little infill (turf mats quickly)

• Uneven infill (hard and soft spots)

• Using sand in pet areas (odor risk)

• Not brushing infill down to the backing

Recommended infill types

• Silica sand or rounded sand for landscaping

• Antimicrobial infill

• Zeolite for pet odor control

• Sports infill systems for sports turf

Mistake #9: Ignoring Expansion And Contraction

Artificial grass expands in heat and contracts in cold.

What happens when movement is ignored

• Buckling in hot weather

• Pulling away from edges in cold weather

• Seam stress and separation

• Wrinkles and ripples

Prevention

Turf should be acclimated before installation. Small expansion gaps should be left near fixed structures. Turf should be secured firmly without excessive tension.

Mistake #10: Installing Without Proper Tools And Equipment

Shortcuts cause failures. Artificial grass installation requires specific tools.

Essential tools

• Plate compactor

• Turf cutter or sharp utility knife

• Seaming tape and adhesive tools

• Measuring and marking tools

• Infill spreader

• Power brush or stiff broom

DIY installers can rent tools, but skipping them usually leads to visible and long-term problems.

Red Flags When Hiring An Artificial Grass Installer

An installer may be cutting corners if they:

• Offer “basic vs premium” installation options

• Avoid discussing base depth and base materials

• Quote far below market average

• Skip drainage planning

• Have no recent project photos or references

• Use unstable or contaminated base materials

• Rush seams and ignore pile direction

A professional installer should clearly explain excavation depth, base design, drainage plan, seam method, and infill choice.

Artificial Grass Installation Checklist (Quick Summary)

A reliable installation requires:

1. Correct turf selection for the application

2. Full excavation with no organic material left behind

3. Stable compacted base (often 75–100mm or more as needed)

4. Proper slope (commonly 1–2%)

5. Correct weed barrier placement

6. Clean seam alignment with correct tape and adhesive

7. Strong perimeter securing every 100–300mm

8. Turf acclimation before fixing

9. Proper infill selection and even brushing

FAQ: Artificial Grass Installation Problems And Mistakes

1) What Is The Most Common Artificial Grass Installation Mistake?

Poor base preparation is the most common mistake. A thin, uneven, or poorly compacted base causes sinking, bumps, wrinkles, and drainage issues. Base quality is more important than turf price.

2) How Can I Tell If The Problem Is Installation Or Turf Quality?

Installation problems usually change the shape of the lawn, such as ripples, sinking, seam separation, or pooling water. Turf quality issues usually show as fiber splitting, abnormal shedding, UV fading, or backing cracks. If the problem is unevenness or movement, installation is usually the cause.

3) Why Does My Artificial Grass Look Like Different Colors In Different Areas?

Pile direction is the most common reason. Artificial turf reflects light differently depending on fiber direction. If rolls are installed in different directions, the lawn can look patchy even when the turf is identical.

4) How Long Should Turf Sit Before Installation?

Turf should be unrolled and allowed to relax before cutting and fixing. Several hours is often enough in warm weather, while cold weather may require overnight acclimation. This reduces shipping creases and improves seam quality.

5) Can Artificial Grass Be Installed Directly Over Soil Or Existing Natural Grass?

Direct installation over soil or grass is not recommended. Soil shifts with moisture and causes unevenness. Existing grass decomposes and creates voids. A compacted base is required for long-term performance.

6) Why Do I Have Puddles On Artificial Grass After Rain?

Puddles happen when the base is uneven, the site has no slope, or water has no exit route. Clay soil and flat concrete installations are common causes. Drainage must be designed as a complete system, not only relying on turf drainage holes.

7) Should I Install A Weed Barrier Under Artificial Grass?

A weed barrier is recommended to reduce weed growth and maintenance. It should be installed properly to avoid drainage issues. In pet areas, placing it directly under turf can trap moisture and increase odor risk.

8) Why Are My Seams Visible Even When The Turf Is New?

Visible seams are usually caused by pile direction mismatch, poor trimming, gaps, overlaps, or trapped fibers in adhesive. Seams require precision cutting, correct direction alignment, and proper bonding.

9) What Causes Seams To Separate Over Time?

Seams fail due to weak adhesive bonding, incorrect curing time, moisture during curing, or movement caused by poor base and weak perimeter fixing. Overstretching turf can also increase seam tension and lead to separation.

10) Is Infill Always Required?

Infill is recommended for most landscape turf because it supports fibers, adds stability, and improves durability. Skipping infill often leads to matting and movement. Special non-infill products exist, but they are not suitable for every climate and application.

11) What Infill Should Be Avoided For Pet Turf?

Standard sand is not ideal for pet turf because it can hold moisture and odor. Odor-control infill such as zeolite or antimicrobial infill often performs better, combined with proper drainage design and rinsing.

12) Can Artificial Grass Be Installed On Concrete?

Artificial grass can be installed on concrete if drainage is planned correctly. Concrete must have slope and water must have an exit route around edges. A common mistake is fully sealing edges, which traps water.

13) Can Wrinkles Be Fixed Without Reinstalling Everything?

Minor wrinkles can sometimes be corrected by releasing fasteners, re-stretching, and re-fixing the turf. Wrinkles caused by sinking base or soft spots require lifting turf and repairing the base for a permanent fix.

14) How Do I Prevent Artificial Grass From Smelling Bad?

Odor prevention starts with installation. Proper slope, fast drainage, correct infill, and regular rinsing are key. Pet areas benefit from odor-control infill and occasional enzyme-based cleaning.

15) What Should I Check Before Paying The Installer?

You should check seam visibility, edge security, flatness, and pile direction consistency. You should test drainage by pouring water in several areas. You should also confirm infill is brushed in evenly and no edges lift.

Final Thoughts: Prevent Problems Before They Start

Artificial grass can look excellent for many years, but only if the installation is done correctly. Most artificial grass installation problems are preventable with proper base preparation, drainage design, seam alignment, edge fixing, and correct infill.