One of the biggest reasons homeowners and property managers switch to synthetic turf is its incredibly efficient drainage. No matter how much rainfall your lawn endures, your synthetic turf will remain lush, green and — most importantly — dry the next day.

However, to enjoy all the benefits that artificial grass has to offer, you’ll need to make sure that your artificial turf landscaping is installed correctly. Without professional installation quality, you could suffer from drainage issues that reduce your turf’s lifespan and your family’s enjoyment of the space.

The Importance of Adequate Drainage

One of the most important aspects of any synthetic turf installation is the drainage. Most artificial grass will have a semi-permeable or fully permeable backing that allows water to pass through easily and drain underneath the turf’s surface. However, to ensure adequate drainage, you need to ensure that you have a comprehensive and effective drainage system that goes beyond the turf product itself.

The importance of proper drainage cannot be overstated. Having a properly drained artificial turf surface means less maintenance and a longer lifespan for your turf — not to mention an avoidance of property damage. Without proper drainage, synthetic grass can become waterlogged, resulting in turf deterioration and an unsafe surface. To avoid bacteria buildup, water damage, and slip hazards, make sure drainage is a top priority when installing synthetic grass.

The Causes of Synthetic Turf Drainage Problems

Most drainage issues are the result of improper artificial grass installation. Even if you have natural geological issues in your outdoor space, these can typically be rectified with professional synthetic grass installation and an adequate drainage system.

The most common drainage problems include:

• Installation on clay-based soil
• Uneven surfaces
• A high water table
• Lower elevation than the surrounding land
• Incorrect infill application
• Incorrect sub-base or lack of sub-base
• Improper installation over a nonporous surface

The Effects of Poor Artificial Grass Drainage

The effects of poor drainage on a synthetic turf surface can be wide-ranging. It can accelerate the wear of the turf, leading to major deterioration and reducing the value of your investment. Standing water can also become a breeding ground for mold, algae, and other bacteria, making the outdoor space less safe for kids and pets especially.

Other common consequences of poor drainage include:

• Matted turf blades
• Weed and mold growth
• Slip and fall hazard
• Surrounding plants drowning
• Unstable synthetic turf

Whether merely inconvenient or downright dangerous, all of these effects of poor drainage can be avoided by ensuring a high-quality, professional synthetic grass installation process with a comprehensive drainage system.

How to Ensure Proper Synthetic Turf Drainage

When installing your synthetic grass, you can aid in its drainage capabilities by leveling out your installation site and making sure that the synthetic turf is properly secured. Installing a good sub-base is also necessary to ensure the turf is stable and properly supported. Once these steps have been taken, the key to ensuring proper drainage is utilizing industry-leading drainage products such as AirDrain or Drain Core. 

AirDrain is an advanced geocell drainage grid that creates a one-inch air void underneath your turf lawn. It elevates the synthetic grass to allow air to circulate and water to drain through rapidly. By creating a pocket of space between the artificial grass and the sub-base, the drainage system can flush away pet waste and other bacteria with unrivaled efficiency. This keeps your lawn clean and sanitary for you and your family to enjoy.

Similarly, Drain Core is a ½-inch drainage mat that is installed directly under the turf to aid drainage. The Drain Core system can collect and transport as much as 16 gallons of water per minute, making it remarkably efficient at removing standing water. Drain Core is especially great for applications where artificial grass is being installed over concrete. 

If you’re looking for a durable landscaping solution that can withstand any wet weather and remain beautiful year-round, look no further than SGW Bay Area. We’ve been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers and homeowners alike with all of their artificial grass installation needs. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass product for your home or business, including installation accessories such as AirDrain or Drain Core. To find out more about our products or for guidance with your next artificial grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.