Artificial grass lawns
A full synthetic lawn is the most common turf project in Havasu. Here's what to think about before you pick a product.
An artificial lawn replaces natural grass with a synthetic surface laid over a compacted rock base. Done well, it stays flat, drains after a storm, hides its seams and holds its color for years. Done poorly, it ripples, puddles and pulls away at the edges. The difference is mostly in the prep work underneath.
How do I choose a turf product?
- Blade height and density. Taller, denser blades look more like a lush lawn. Shorter blades are easier to clean and stand up better to heavy use.
- Color. Many products mix two or three greens with a tan thatch layer so the lawn looks less uniform. Lighter colors can run cooler in the sun.
- Backing and drainage. Ask how the backing drains, especially if the area slopes toward the house.
- UV resistance. Strong desert sun is hard on plastics. Ask what the manufacturer says about fading and what the warranty covers.
Front yard or backyard?
Front yards are mostly about appearance and curb appeal, so the product and how the edges meet the driveway and walkway matter most. Backyards get walked on, played on and dragged across, so durability and heat matter more. Shade is worth planning in either case, since a west-facing yard in July gets the full afternoon sun.
What about my sprinklers?
Heads under the new turf are capped or removed. If trees, shrubs or planters nearby still need water, the system may be converted to drip so those plants keep getting what they need without spraying onto the turf. Irrigation changes are one reason to confirm the installer's contractor license.
Questions to ask
- How deep will you dig, and what goes into the base?
- Which way will the grain face, and where will the seams be?
- How do you secure the edges along concrete and rock?
- What infill do you use, and why?
- What's covered by your workmanship warranty versus the manufacturer's?
The installer prices the job after measuring the area and seeing what has to come out, what the ground is like and how the space drains. We don't quote prices, and a figure given over the phone before a site visit is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How long does an artificial lawn last?
It depends on the product, the sun exposure and how hard the lawn is used. Ask the installer for the manufacturer's warranty terms and what they cover for fading and wear.
Do I still need to water artificial turf?
Not to keep it alive. A rinse now and then clears dust and pollen, and pet areas need more regular rinsing. Some owners also spray it down to cool it before use.
Related services
More background: Lake Havasu artificial turf guide.
Tired of watering a lawn that bakes every July?
Call now and a local turf installer will talk through your yard with you.