One of the most frequently asked questions we get about synthetic turf is how well it drains. Most people have the thought in mind that since it is a plastic product that water will pool quickly or that water will simply drain off the sides of the turf in to other areas. The fact of the matter is that synthetic turf actually drains better than real grass.

Real grass has a thick root system, the ground underneath must absorb all of the water from rain or from sprinklers. Unlike real grass, synthetic turf has a 3″ to 4″ base containing either decomposed granite or class II road base. This base material acts like a french drain. The base material is able to absorb far more water than compacted earth.

The synthetic turf itself has evolved over time and the drainage technology has improved vastly. Some companies use a permeable cloth-like backing while others use a backing that has holes punched throughout. Whenever we bring our products to home shows we always have a drainage display comparing the drainage of synthetic turf to a piece of sod. In every instance, the sod soaks up far more water than the turf. The turf, with its permeable backing, allows water to pass through with ease.

If you have any concern about drainage and synthetic turf, consult your installer and ask about their installation procedure. The only way that turf will not drain well is if your installer fails to utilize an effective base material.