Fake Grass Installation Mistakes in Detroit and all of Michigan (and Ways to Avoid Them)

Synthetic grass has become a go-to landscaping option for Detroit and all of Michigan residential homeowners wanting a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn. Whether you're adding artificial turf for dogs, designing a backyard putting green, or simply replacing your real grass lawn with long-lasting lawn turf grass, the results can be stunning. But only if the setup is done the right way.

Countless homeowners make serious mistakes during fake grass installation that can cause poor drainage, noticeable seams, faster wear, and an artificial look. The upside? Nearly all of these problems are easy to avoid when you know what to expect.

Mistake #1: Poor Base Preparation

The foundation of any long-lasting synthetic grass installation is what’s underneath. Some DIY installers cut corners on or entirely ignore proper base preparation, which causes future issues.

The Problem: Without a solid compacted base, your artificial grass can experience sunken areas, bumpy areas, and water drainage problems. This is even more concerning for artificial grass for pets, where adequate drainage is vital for odor control and sanitation.

How We Avoid It: When installing a base for commercial pet spaces, we use non-compacted stone for better drainage. We excavate the soil and add a crushed stone base. Proper grading with a subtle slope ensures water flows away from structures and doesn't collect on the surface. This critical step requires precision equipment and expertise to execute properly.

Mistake #2: Neglecting Drainage Requirements

Drainage problems is one of the frequent issues about artificial turf installations, yet it's fully preventable with the right planning and expertise.

The Problem: When water does not drain efficiently through and away from your synthetic grass, you'll experience standing water, soggy areas, and possible mold issues. For Detroit and all of Michigan property owners with artificial turf for dogs, drainage failure can also lead to unsanitary conditions and persistent odors.

How We Avoid It: Our professional installers assess your yard’s drainage conditions before the project starts. A professional installation includes drainage channels in low-lying areas and always ensures proper slope away from foundations. This experience prevents costly water-related problems that can affect DIY installs.

Mistake #3: Visible or Poorly Executed Seams

Few things ruin the visual appeal of synthetic grass more quickly than obvious seam lines that create lines across your lawn, a obvious sign of lack of experience.

The Problem: Improper seam placement, misaligned grain direction, or inadequate seaming techniques cause noticeable seams that make your artificial lawn look unnatural and poorly installed.

How We Avoid It: Our team intentionally plans seam positions, avoiding high-traffic areas and placing them where they'll be least noticeable. They verify the grain of adjacent turf pieces runs in the same direction and use seam tape with quality outdoor adhesive made for artificial grass. For critical areas like a backyard putting green, we produce virtually invisible seams that protect the visual appeal of your project.

Mistake #4: Selecting the Wrong Turf for Your Application

Not all artificial grass is created equal, and selecting the wrong turf for your application can cause disappointment.

The Problem: Using turf that doesn’t match your application or needs results in future problems. Selecting putting green turf for a pet area or choosing turf with the wrong pile height for your environment are common mistakes. Different uses require different turf properties.

How We Avoid It: We help you select the right product for your specific needs. First, making sure you have the best options for your local environment is best practice. For artificial grass for pets, you need turf engineered with superior drainage and durable fibers that fight stains. Artificial turf for dogs features heavier face weights that can handle constant traffic. When installing a backyard putting green, we use turf with the proper stimp rating and playability for your skill level. SWG produces high-quality synthetic turf with specific characteristics in mind, which controls qualities like pile height, ounce weight, and ideal match for you and your family, helping prevent poor performance and future frustration.

Mistake #5: Insufficient or Incorrect Infill Application

Turf infill serves multiple purposes in fake grass installation: it adds ballast, helps blades stand upright, offers cushioning, and improves filtration. Doing this properly requires experience and accuracy.

The Problem: Skipping infill, using the wrong type, or not applying enough leads to matted grass, drainage issues, and a yard that appears artificial. Overapplication can also cause issues by making the surface too firm and holding heat.

How We Avoid It: Available infills include silica sand or antimicrobial sand for pet areas like K9 sand. We apply infill evenly using specialized equipment. We then professionally brush the turf after installing infill to settle it properly into the fiber and allow blades stay upright, achieving that perfect authentic appearance. If you want your yard to stay nice and cool in the hot summer months, you should also consider HydroChill®, which has an built-in antimicrobial.

Mistake #6: Omitting Weed Barrier Fabric

Some installers omit weed barrier fabric to cut costs, but this shortcut almost always creates problems and creates long-term maintenance headaches.

The Problem: Without a quality weed barrier, you'll battle weeds emerging through your synthetic grass, which are difficult to remove without compromising the surface.

How We Avoid It: We always use a high-quality, permeable weed barrier fabric under the compacted base before installing turf. Weed barrier helps stabilize the base. It is especially useful in cooler areas where weeds can spread easily. Weeds normally do not grow up through the base and the turf, as light is blocked. But they can sprout in infill layers, which can be managed naturally by routine professional maintenance once a year.

Mistake #7: Underestimating Installation Complexity

One common error homeowners make is underestimating what professional synthetic grass installation requires. What looks simple often involves complex technical challenges.

The Problem: Artificial grass installation involves specialized knowledge of grading, drainage, ground conditions, environmental considerations, and product specifications. Installations with elevation changes, complex layouts like tee lines, or custom features like backyard putting greens require trained specialists. Non-professional installs often become more expensive when issues occur, and the work needs to be redone by trained installers.

How We Avoid It: Our trained experts bring years of expertise, specialized machinery, and proven techniques to every installation. They account for soil composition, proper drainage engineering, and how different products perform in different environments. Expert installation protects your investment, prevents costly mistakes, and comes with warranties that protect your investment.

The Bottom Line

A attractive, long-lasting fake grass installation requires expertise, careful execution, the right materials, and best practices. While the cost in professional installation may seem significant upfront, it's significantly cheaper than fixing issues that come from a poor installation.