Artificial turf can completely transform a yard, but only if it’s installed correctly. It’s a clean, crisp, low-maintenance upgrade that stays green year-round. Done wrong, however, it can look cheap, buckle over time, trap odors, and even invite weeds back into the picture.
At Marshal Renee Construction and TurfPro, we’ve seen and repaired mistakes from other installation teams.
From bumpy backyards to turf jobs that didn’t last a single summer, the difference between a lasting install and a short-lived mess usually comes down to how well the foundation was prepared and whether shortcuts were taken along the way.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common artificial turf installation mistakes, and how we help clients in Dallas avoid them from the start.
1. Skipping the Prep Work
The base layer is the foundation of the entire lawn. Skip it, and problems are guaranteed to follow.
One of the most significant errors is laying turf directly over existing grass or soil without removing several inches of material. This leads to uneven ground, soft spots, and a lawn that ripples or sags after a few rainstorms. Some even forget to compact the base properly, which leaves space for weeds, insects, and drainage issues.
At Marshal Renee, we don’t take chances with your base. We excavate the right amount, compact thoroughly, and create a stable surface built to last and not buckle.
2. Underestimating Drainage
Turf needs proper drainage to stay clean, dry, and odor-free. Without it, rainwater and pet urine can linger beneath the surface, creating a swampy mess.
Too often, turf is laid without a graded base or drainage system underneath. And when the Texas rain hits, it turns into a soggy disaster.
Our team grades every site to control water flow, installs turf materials with permeable backing, and considers factors such as pet use and yard slope before we begin the installation.
3. Forgetting the Weed Barrier
Weeds don’t care if your lawn is synthetic; if you give them the chance, they’ll find a way through.
A proper weed barrier blocks growth underneath the turf while allowing water to pass through. Many DIY installs skip this step, only to pick weeds out of their “maintenance-free” lawn a few months later.
We always install a high-quality weed membrane to give you the clean, low-maintenance yard you were promised.
4. Rushing the Seams
Seaming turf takes precision. Do it wrong, and the lines between rolls become painfully apparent, especially in direct sunlight. Gaps, overlaps, or visible edges are a dead giveaway that corners were cut.
Marshal Renee Construction trains our crews to handle seams carefully, matching grain direction and securing them with long-term adhesives that withstand heat, foot traffic, and pets.
It’s the detail that separates “passable” from “professional.”
5. Using Low-Grade Turf
Not all artificial turf is built the same. Cheaper materials wear out quickly, fade in the sun, and feel like plastic underfoot. The worst part? They’re often paired with poor backing and weak stitching that comes apart in just a few seasons.
We work with high-quality artificial turf proven to withstand the Texas heat, heavy use, and the test of time. It looks natural, feels comfortable, and lasts — plain and simple.
6. Skipping Infill or Using the Wrong Type
Infill keeps turf upright, cushions foot traffic, and helps control odors in pet-friendly yards. Using too little or the wrong kind can shorten the turf’s life.
Some installs use crumb rubber or sand without accounting for heat retention or pet use. That’s a recipe for hot surfaces, compacted turf, and lingering smells.
We match infill to your lifestyle, whether you need silica sand for standard installations or antimicrobial infill for yards with dogs.
7. Neglecting the Final Groom
Once the turf is down, it needs a final brush-up. This helps lift the blades, settle the infill, and gives the whole surface a polished look. Too many installs skip this final touch, leaving the lawn flat and unfinished.
Our crews finish every install with a power broom or stiff rake, brushing against the grain to fluff the blades and bring your yard to life.
Why Dallas Homeowners Choose Marshal Renee
Installing artificial turf isn’t just about rolling out some green and calling it a day. It’s about craftsmanship, planning, and paying attention to the details that make the final product last for years, not just look good for a weekend.
At Marshal Renee Construction, we’ve built a reputation in Dallas for getting it right the first time. There are no surprises, no rushed jobs, just solid work that matches the Texas climate, your pets, your lifestyle, and your standards.
Thinking About Turf? Let’s Make It Last.
If you’re ready for a cleaner, sharper, longer-lasting lawn, don’t leave it to guesswork. Our team handles turf installs with precision and pride, the same way we’d do it for our own backyards.
Get in touch today, and let’s build something that doesn’t just look good, but stays that way.
