What happens between signing the install contract and walking onto a finished lawn? The artificial turf installation process has six distinct phases: site assessment, demolition, base preparation, turf placement, finish work, and walkthrough. Each phase has specific specifications and quality checks. This guide explains what to expect and what to look for at each stage.
Phase 1: Site Assessment and Quote (Day 0)
The estimate visit. We measure the install area, evaluate drainage, identify access constraints, discuss product options, and capture site-specific requirements (HOA submittal scope, permit needs, hardscape integration, hillside engineering). Quote is delivered within 48 hours, itemized by product, base materials, infill, labor, permits, drainage, and special site work. We bring multiple SYNLawn product samples for in-place comparison.
Phase 2: Pre-Installation (Days 1 through 30)
After contract signing, pre-installation work begins. Permit applications (where required), HOA architectural review submittal, product procurement, water-rebate pre-installation site verification, and crew scheduling. Water rebate applications must be filed before breaking ground; HOA approvals must be received before scheduling install. This phase typically runs 2 to 6 weeks depending on permit and HOA processing speed.
Phase 3: Demolition (Working Days 1 through 2)
Existing lawn is removed: sod stripped, irrigation system capped at supply line and decommissioned, dead vegetation cleared, root mass excavated to 3-to-4-inch depth. Demolition debris is hauled to organic-material recycling. The cleared install area is brushed clean and prepared for base material. Day 1 to 2 of on-site work for typical residential installs.
Phase 4: Base Preparation (Working Days 2 through 5)
The most important phase for long-term install quality. Geotextile weed barrier laid across the install area to prevent weed reemergence. Class II road base or decomposed granite (depending on specification) installed at 4-inch depth, compacted in two 2-inch lifts to 95 percent density. Compacting pass-by-pass with vibratory plate compactor; density verified with manual probe checks. Final leveling layer of crushed quartz fines troweled to consistent grade. Drainage outlets verified clear and connected. This phase determines whether the install holds for 15 years or shows base settlement within 2.
Phase 5: Turf Placement and Seaming (Working Day 5 through 7)
SYNLawn turf is delivered in rolls, typically 12 to 15 feet wide. Rolls are oriented consistently across the install area so fiber direction is uniform. Edges are cut with precision blades and seamed with synthetic turf adhesive plus seam tape underneath. Hidden seams placed along natural break lines (existing pathways, planting bed borders) where possible. Edges secured with hidden steel restraint or buried in soil. Each seam is rolled and weighted during 24-hour cure.
Phase 6: Infill and Final Brushing (Working Day 7)
Silica sand, antimicrobial silica, EnviroFill, or organic infill (depending on product specification) is brushed into the fiber pile. Power brushing pass-by-pass distributes infill evenly and sets fibers vertical. Multiple passes; visible infill at the surface indicates over-application, no infill at the base of the pile indicates under-application. The right balance is critical for fiber resilience and product longevity.
Phase 7: Walkthrough and Documentation (Working Day 7 or 8)
Final walkthrough with the homeowner. We inspect every seam, verify perimeter edge restraint, confirm drainage flow, brush any direction-mismatched fibers, and document the install with photos. Warranty packet handed over: SYNLawn product warranty (15 years), Turf Soldier workmanship warranty (1 year), maintenance schedule, OxyTurf recommendations for pet households, batch numbers for future patch work, and post-install verification photos for water rebate submittal.
Total Timeline
Typical 1,000 to 1,500 square foot residential install: 5 to 8 working days on-site after a 2-to-6-week pre-installation phase. Larger installs (2,000-plus square feet) extend to 10 to 14 working days. HOA approval timeline (where applicable) typically determines the total calendar duration; most clients see 4 to 10 weeks from contract signing to finished install.
What Quality Looks Like at Each Phase
- Demolition: clean root excavation to specified depth, no organic debris remaining
- Base prep: 95 percent compaction verified, geotextile uniformly placed, drainage outlets connected, leveling fines troweled to consistent grade
- Turf placement: consistent fiber direction, hidden seams along break lines, perimeter edges secured
- Infill: distributed evenly, fibers vertical without visible surface infill, no uncovered backing
- Walkthrough: every seam inspected, drainage flow verified, warranty documentation delivered