What's below your synthetic grass is critical

3/8" CLEAN Crushed Gravel = permeable

Dream Turf has now installed over 3000 successful artificial grass projects. Over a twelve year time span, we have not received a single complaint about drainage. The majority of our customers had poor drainage before they installed Dream Turf and we have solved that problem for them. Proper install techniques as well as using  permeable gravel for the sub-base on which our turf is laid is critical to the long term drainage for synthetic lawns.

Unfortunately, we have seen some of our competitors use the WRONG gravel for their base. These companies are cutting a corner that should NEVER be compromised. I'm referring to them using a gravel called 5/8" Minus.



5/8 MINUS = Impervious surface


The 5/8" Minus (photo on left) has clay fines that when compacted, will be hard as asphalt and won't drain. This will create a "dam" effect in your yard and will not allow for proper drainage. If you have a dog that goes potty on the turf, where is the urine going to go? You will have odors!

I'm not sure why some of our competitors use this gravel. There may be a few reasons including:
1) Ignorance
2)  More readily available
3) Cheaper
4) Lack of experience
5) Their distributors suggested this without knowing the climate in the northwest. This might work in Las Vegas or Phoenix but certainly not in Seattle.

Another important factor for consideration is local building codes. Properties cannot contain more than 50% impervious surface. When you add your driveway, foundation and backyard patios, many lots are already at their maximum allowed impervious surface ratio. Adding 5/8" MINUS to your property increases your impervious surface and may put your property out of municipal code.

Our gravel has actually been tested for permeability and is NOT considered impervious.


Closeup photo of our permeable gravel.



There are a lot of things to consider when performing your due diligence when hiring a contractor to install synthetic grass. Ask what gravel they use, if they say 5/8" Minus, that is a red flag that they are either unethical or very uninformed. If they try to upcharge for Clean permeable gravel, that is also a red flag as they should know better to not even offer a poor substitute in the first place.

Dream Turf will never compromise a job just to save a little money or due to the inconvenience of sourcing the proper gravel. We inventory large quantities of permeable gravel at our 7 acre facility that is trucked in 2-3 times weekly from Granite Falls. Competitors don't stock gravel and therefore choose locations closest to their jobsite; unfortunately many of those gravel sources don't inventory clean permeable gravel. Yes, it is an inconvenience to find the right gravel in many cases but this is a poor excuse to compromise any customer's project.

In closing, please remember that your gravel base that you don't see, is equally if not more important than the synthetic grass that you do see. CAVEAT EMPTOR.