Why Artificial Turf Cost more in Middle Tennessee than out West

(TN installs fail more often from bad turf)

Clay Heavy Soil
Drainage Challenges
Heat + UV Exposure
Mud + Slope Issues
Pets + Rainfall combo

Tennessee installs fail more often from drainage shortcuts than bad turf.

Where homeowners Commonly Overpay

Turf Height doesn't matter as much as you think

Many turf companies sell tall lush lawn turf. The taller the turf blade only equals to adding more sand infill and more infill translates to higher costs. Its best to go with a thicker turf that can stand alone with less infill.

To better explain, a 2 inch tall turf would need to be fill up to 1 inch at a minimum, while a 1.5 inch turf would need closer to half of that amount. Infill is meant to provide weight, fiber ballast and backing protection. Infills settle and disperse over time due to nature and need lighter applications added over time to be maintained at their proper levels. Sand infill overtime can seep through the drainage weep holes so its advantageous to find a turf with a geotextile fabric backing.

Remember, you are only going to see the top half inch of the turf once its infilled so it doesn't matter as much if the turf is 3 inches tall or half that height. Bounce back is what matters. Taller turf will lay down faster in high traffic than shorter, thicker turfs and we all want less complication.

Real Project Cost Examples

+ Small backyard in Franklin (750 square feet, moderate prep): $10,000 avg project size and cost
+ A dog run with pet turf on a level lot in Spring Hill (1,000 square feet): $13,000
+ The sloped hills Brentwood requiring heavy grading (1,000 square feet): $15,000

All projects will have their own challenges. Sometimes its access and other times its grade and drainage corrections.

Is Artificial Turf worth the Cost in Middle Tennessee?

Pros: Synthetic Turf is a wonderful application for those who have a space that they would rather utilize more. Its freeing to not have to worry about mowing, trimming and mud. Artificial turf will make your space feel more convenient, even right after a hard rain. You will also feel more relief when letting the pets outside. A personal favorite is the absence of bugs and allergens. Many people find the cost worth the security that they get just knowing that they can lock up the backyard while on vacation or out of town.

Cons: Synthentic Turf isn't for everyone. Clients who plan to move in the next 3-4 years may only see their return in their investment in the sale of their property. Customers that plan to be in a stable living condition will certainly get to realize their return of investment over the next several years.

Where Cutting Costs Backfire

SEAMS -- I can't stress this enough, Nashville.

Making seams invisible is an art which takes time to master.

A good installer can make cheap turf look expensive and a poor installer can make expensive turf look cheap. An installer can perform the majority of the project correctly, but if the seams aren't given enough attention, choosing the low bid will be noticeable.

Excavation and Grading

Grading the subgrade(dirt) to control the run off from rain should be imaged like a rooftop. Sending the water in the direction that you'd like it to go. Typically away from any foundation.

Base Work

A firm base needs to be compacted at a 4 inch depth minimum. Anything less is cutting corners. 5-6 inches is better, but it will all depend on the current grade and its challenges.(Trees, pipes, patios, retaining walls)

Turf Selection

Technology has come a long way in the turf industry, and almost everyone these days sells a marketed "Superior" turf. The truth is... most turfs made locally will have higher standards and tend to outperform others based on 16 years of installation experience. Not only that, they are more accessible when needed for repair or additions.

Turf Warranties

When it comes to turf warranties, bet on your installation company more so than the manufacture because your representative will be the one submitting the claim to the manufacture. It will also be the installer to repair or replace the turf failure. Typically, issues such as window heat reflection from Low/High E windows is never covered, or rodents burrowing below the turf are out of the installers control.(there are solutions for these)

Our Support Services to fellow landscapers, pool builders and designers.

Coaching

We work with local Landscape companies to coach their crew through their initial turf projects. The goal is to bring crew leaders up to speed on proper installation techniques.

Training

Much like coaching, we can come to your work site to train many crews on the proper techniques to install synthetic turf and best choice products.

Design

We offer detailed design and turf layout to help companies estimate the proper materials needed for their project. Any and all turf strategies will be described throughout the project.