How to Choose an Artificial Turf Installer

Artificial turf is a significant investment — most residential projects cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more. The quality of the installation matters as much as the quality of the turf itself. A poorly installed turf lawn can develop drainage problems, visible seams, wrinkles, and premature wear within the first year or two. Choosing the right installer protects your investment and ensures you get the result you are paying for.

What to Look For

Turf-Specific Experience

Artificial turf installation is different from general landscaping. Look for a contractor who specializes in synthetic turf — not a general landscaper who does turf "on the side." Ask how many turf installations they complete per year and how long they have been doing this work. Experienced installers typically complete 50+ installations annually.

Portfolio and References

Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours — same turf type, similar yard size, comparable scope. Better yet, ask for addresses of recent installations you can drive by and see in person. Request contact information for 2-3 recent customers and actually call them. Ask about the installation process, cleanup, and whether any issues came up after completion.

Product Knowledge

A qualified installer should be able to explain the differences between turf products, recommend the right option for your use case (lawn, pet area, putting green), and explain their base preparation process in detail. If an installer cannot tell you the brand, pile height, face weight, and warranty of the turf they plan to use, that is a concern.

Detailed Written Quote

A professional quote should itemize every component:

• Old lawn removal and disposal
• Excavation and grading
• Base material (type and depth)
• Weed barrier
• Turf material (brand, product name, square footage)
• Infill type and quantity
• Edging material
• Labor
• Timeline and payment schedule

Questions to Ask Every Installer

1. What brand and product line of turf do you recommend for my project, and why?
2. What is your base preparation process? How many inches of aggregate do you install?
3. What type of infill do you use, and do you offer alternatives?
4. How do you handle drainage, especially if my yard has clay soil or poor percolation?
5. What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
6. Can you provide references from projects completed in the last 6 months?
7. What is your payment schedule? (Be wary of anyone asking for full payment upfront.)
8. How do you handle seams? What seaming method do you use?

Red Flags

• No written contract: Any professional installer provides a detailed written agreement before work begins
• Full payment upfront: Standard practice is a deposit (25-50%) with the balance due on completion
• Vague about materials: Cannot name the turf brand, product line, or base material specifications
• No insurance documentation: Will not or cannot provide proof of general liability and workers comp
• Unusually low price: If a quote is 40%+ below competitors, they are likely cutting corners on base prep, using inferior turf, or both
• No base preparation: Any installer who plans to lay turf directly on existing soil without proper base work is not following industry standards
• Pressure to sign immediately: A legitimate installer gives you time to review the proposal and compare options

Compare Installers in Your Area

Browse Turf Install Pros to compare contractors with reviews and contact information in Texas, Arizona, California, Florida, and Nevada.

Related guides: How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost? · Turf Drainage Guide · Artificial Turf Installation Cost Guide