Artificial Grass Landscaping
Planning a landscape with artificial turf: where it fits, how it meets beds, rock and paving, what goes under it, and what it costs, with the store's prices as of November 4, 2026.
Where does artificial grass work in a landscape?
Artificial grass works almost anywhere a lawn would: backyards, front yards, side yards, play and pet areas and backyard putting greens, plus shady spots where natural grass struggles. It is laid on a compacted base, framed with edging and set between paths, patios, planting beds and rock, so the rest of the landscape is planned around it.
- Backyards and front yards: a green lawn that stays green without irrigation.
- Side yards and narrow strips, where mowing is awkward.
- Dog runs and pet areas: best artificial turf for dogs.
- Backyard putting greens: putting green turf.
- Offices, HOA common areas and apartment complexes: commercial artificial grass.
How do you edge artificial grass against beds, rock and pavers?
Frame every turf area with bender board or metal edging. The edging holds the turf in place and keeps soil, mulch and loose rock from washing onto it, which is what keeps a turf lawn looking clean next to planting beds and rock borders. The turf is then cut to fit along paths, patios and pavers and secured with nails or staples.
- Plastic Bender Board Set (3.3" 16 ft & 4 Stakes): flexible, reusable edging made from 100% recycled plastic, a 3.3 in x 16 ft board and 4 stakes, $27.95.
- 30D 4-1/2" Grip-Rite Pole Barn Nails (50lb Box): $79.95.
- Landscape Staples (3-100 Pack Count): $35.95.
- Every supply with quantities for a typical yard: installation supplies.
What goes under artificial grass?
A compacted base: 3-4 inches of soil or sod is removed, sprinklers are capped or moved, and the area is graded at 2% for drainage. Then come wire mesh against gophers, edging, 2½-3 inches of compacted base rock, 1-1½ inches of compacted decomposed granite and, where weeds have been a problem, weed barrier.
- Remove 3-4 inches of existing dirt or sod.
- Clear the area: cap or move sprinklers and other obstructions.
- Make the surface clear and level, with a 2% grade for drainage.
- Lay wire mesh on the soil before the base rock, so gophers cannot dig up through the lawn.
- Frame the area with bender board or metal edging, to protect the turf from soil and loose debris.
- Lay 2½-3 inches of base rock, hose it down and compact it to 90% with a vibrating plate compactor.
- Lay 1-1½ inches of ¾-inch decomposed granite (DG), hose it down and compact it to 90% as well.
- Lay weed barrier over the base, recommended where weeds have been a problem.
From the store's base preparation instructions. Weed Barrier + (15 Year) 6ftX300ft is a 6 ft x 300 ft roll for $139.95.
Which artificial grass should you use for landscaping?
Pick by how the area is used. Taller, heavier turf looks fuller in a front lawn; areas with heavy foot traffic, kids or dogs need turf that springs back, and the store's 7 Always Green lawn turfs range in pile height and face weight so you can match one to each part of the yard. Compare them side by side before choosing.
| Turf | Pile height | Face weight | Cut to length, from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always Green Tuscany 54 oz | 1.34" (34 mm) | 25oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $1.49 |
| Always Green Palm Springs 77 Oz. | 1.97" (50 mm) | 49oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | — |
| Always Green Newport 108 Oz. | 2" (51 mm) | 78oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $2.39 |
| Always Green Carmel 115 Oz. | 2" (51 mm) | 90oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $2.59 |
| Always Green Tahoe 160 Oz. | 2" (51 mm) | 115oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $3.19 |
| Always Green Sierra 160 Oz. | 2" (51 mm) | 125oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $3.19 |
| Always Green Santa Barbara 160 Oz. | 2" (51 mm) | 125oz/SQFT+/-5% (subject to change) | $3.19 |
More detail: the turf buyer's guide. Samples hang on the fence outside the warehouse at 3667 Omec Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, to see or take any time, or order free samples online ($14.95 shipping).
How much does artificial grass landscaping cost?
The turf is $1.49 to $3.19 per square foot cut to length, or from $0.99 as a full roll (4-roll minimum). With supplies, project setup, tax and contractor installation, a 500 sq ft lawn comes to about $4,359 to $5,311 by the Installation Cost Calculator. Planting, rock and hardscape are priced separately by whoever does them.
Run your own area in the Installation Cost Calculator, or see artificial grass cost for every turf and size.
Who installs artificial grass in a landscape?
We provide contractors: independent, third-party contractors install the turf within 40 miles of Rancho Cordova. Landscapers who work turf into their own projects can buy the turf and supplies directly, with dedicated contractor pricing, and stocking dealers buy from $0.79 per square foot.
We provide contractors: installation is done by independent, third-party contractors, not by Artificial Grass & Landscaping staff. Contractor services are available within 40 miles of the Rancho Cordova warehouse; further out, contact us first.
Trade accounts: dealers, contractors and landscapers, or call (916) 370-5527.
Questions and answers
Can you put artificial grass next to plants and rock?
Yes. Frame the turf with bender board or metal edging so soil, mulch and rock stay off it, lay weed barrier under it where weeds are a problem, and cut the turf to fit along beds, paths and pavers.
What do you put under artificial grass?
A compacted base: base rock (2½-3 inches) and ¾-inch decomposed granite (1-1½ inches), each compacted to 90%, over wire mesh against gophers, with weed barrier on top where weeds have been a problem.
Do you install artificial grass landscaping?
We provide contractors: independent, third-party contractors install turf within 40 miles of Rancho Cordova. Artificial Grass & Landscaping sells the turf and installation supplies, with trade pricing for landscapers.
Next steps
Warehouse, office and samples: 3667 Omec Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 · (916) 370-5527 (call or text)
Prices and charges as of November 4, 2026; the product pages and checkout always show the current figure.