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The Total Turf 10-step process
There are no shortcuts on someone’s home.
Installing turf correctly is landscape construction, not carpet laying. Here is every step our own crew does on your yard, in order, with nothing hidden and nothing skipped.
- 10 stepson every install
- Our own crewinstalls every turf project
- Under a weekfor most yards
The Total Turf Ten Step Process
Every install follows the same sequence. All 10 steps are included in your price.
Step 01
Sod, soil and root removal
We remove the existing sod plus roughly four inches of soil and all roots, usually with our Bobcat. That gives us proper grading and a true clean slate. Installing turf correctly is landscape construction, and everything else depends on this step.
Step 02
Sprinklers and drainage
We cap existing irrigation, remove the heads, and confirm drainage is accessible and sufficient for your turf. If drainage needs to be installed, we install it.
Included on every Total Turf install.
Step 03
Landscape fabric
We lay industrial-grade woven landscape fabric across the entire area to help keep weeds and rodents from pushing up through your finished lawn.
Included on every Total Turf install.
Step 04
Perimeter edging
UV-coated or pressure-treated 2x4 edging goes around the perimeter wherever the turf does not meet existing concrete, such as a path, patio, mow strip or pool deck. It keeps your edges locked down and crisp.
Step 05
Base rock
Three to five inches of Type II base rock, plate compacted in multiple passes for a stable install and proper drainage underneath. We never use crushed demolition concrete as base rock.
Step 06
Decomposed granite
On sloped yards and putting greens, we add two inches of decomposed granite over the base and compact it, so the finished surface follows your grading and hardscape.
Included on every Total Turf install.
Step 07
Turf installation
USA-made turf is secured with five-inch nails every six to eight inches. Every edge is tucked three-quarters of an inch to a full inch over the perimeter and pressed in, and our S-seam technique keeps seams hidden.
Included on every Total Turf install.
Step 08
Infill
Infill matched to how you use the yard: silica sand on every install, odor-control infill for pets, and cooling infill on our Elite tier. On putting greens we dial it in to how fast you want the green to play.
Step 09
Brush and fluff
A heavy-duty power brush spreads the infill evenly and stands every blade upright. That is what gives a finished lawn its full, natural look.
Step 10
Final walk-through
We walk the yard with you and go over every edge, seam and transition. You confirm you are happy before final payment, not after.
How we install your turf
Foundation is the key to a solid turf job.
Most of the work on a turf install is buried where you will never see it. It is also what decides whether your lawn stays flat, drains and holds its edges for years. Here is what sits under every Total Turf lawn, from the surface down.
Surface
Infill, brushed in
Matched to your yard: sand, odor-control or cooling infill.
Steps 8–9
Nailed 6–8 in. apart
USA-made turf
Five-inch nails, every edge tucked and pressed in.
Step 7
2 in.
Decomposed granite
On slopes and putting greens, compacted for a true finished grade.
Step 6
3–5 in.
Type II base rock
Plate compacted in multiple passes. Never crushed demolition concrete.
Step 5
Full area
Woven landscape fabric
Industrial-grade, to help keep weeds and rodents out.
Step 3
About 4 in. out
Old sod, soil and roots
Dug out and graded to a clean slate.
Steps 1–2
What to Expect
Under a week
Typical install time, based on size and scope
10 steps
Standard on every job, never an add-on
15-year
Manufacturer warranty on the turf, plus our workmanship warranty
We walk your yard with you, measure, bring samples and give you a written price, free. See the results in our portfolio or check pricing.
Get a Free EstimateBook your free estimate
Tell us about your yard. We'll reach out to set up your free, in-person estimate.
- ✓ We measure your yard and give you a written price
- ✓ 0% interest plans available for qualified buyers
- ✓ Ages 55+? Ask about our senior discount
Prefer to talk? Call Total Turf:
916-671-0070