Artificial Turf Installation in Jacksonville, FL

Start with the use and the measurements

Tell the installer what the space is for: a lawn, a dog area, a play space or a putting green. That sets the turf, the infill and how much prep the ground needs.

A tape measure and a few photos of the yard, taken after a rain, help most. Wet spots show up in those photos.

The layers, from the ground up

• Prepared soil: old grass and roots are removed and the ground is shaped so water runs off or soaks in. The soil under the base cannot be packed so hard that water stops passing through.
• Base: crushed rock or crushed concrete, washed before it goes in so fine dust does not clog the gaps. It is spread in layers and compacted lightly.
• Weed barrier: an optional layer between the soil and the base.
• Turf: rolled out, cut to fit and joined at seams.
• Infill: clean sand, rock, shell or another natural material brushed into the blades to hold them upright and keep the turf in place.

Florida's state standard for turf on single-family lots of one acre or less says the turf must sit on permeable backing over a pervious base graded for positive drainage.

Why the base matters in Florida

Many soils across Florida's flatwoods drain slowly because of a hardpan or restricting layer under the sand. If the turf sits on a base that holds water, the yard stays wet, no matter how permeable the turf is.

The state standard also says the finished turf cannot pool water or send more runoff to a neighbor, and runoff should be directed to planted or other pervious areas on your lot where possible.

Edges, seams and anchoring

The standard requires turf to be anchored at all edges and seams so it holds up to wind or flooding, and to be installed to the manufacturer's specifications. Ask how the edges are fastened and what edging the quote includes.

What the standard rules out

• Turf, backing or infill containing heavy metals or intentionally added PFAS.
• Rubber or other synthetic infill, except under playground equipment.
• Turf irrigated by an in-ground sprinkler system. A local government may require existing heads in the turf area to be removed and the pipe capped.
• Turf in a swale, ditch or stormwater pond.
• Turf blocking access to a septic tank.

Details are on the rules page.

Questions to ask

• What is the base made of, and how many inches deep?
• How will my yard drain after a heavy rain?
• What infill is used, and where does it come from?
• How are the edges and seams fastened?
• What happens to the old grass, and is hauling in the price?
• Does the price cover the permit or HOA paperwork, if either applies?