Installing pet turf can completely transform your Colorado yard into a low-maintenance, dog-friendly paradise. No more muddy paws, dead grass patches, or constant reseeding. But here’s the thing: Even though synthetic turf products are durable and built to last, the installation process matters way more than most people realize. Make a few mistakes during setup, and you could end up with drainage problems, odors, or turf that doesn’t hold up. Let’s walk through the most common pet turf installation mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Skipping Proper Base Preparation

This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing pet turf. You might think you can just roll out artificial grass over your existing lawn and call it a day, but that’s not going to work.

Proper base prep is everything. You need to remove the existing grass and soil to a depth of about 3-4 inches, then add a compacted base layer of, typically, crushed rock or decomposed granite. This creates a stable, level surface that won’t shift over time. Skip this step, and your synthetic turf will develop low spots where water pools. With pets, that means urine sitting on the surface instead of draining away.

The base also needs to be graded properly to direct water away from your home’s foundation. Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, and a well-prepared base ensures your pet turf stays functional and odor-free for years.

Choosing the Wrong Drainage System

Speaking of drainage, it’s one of the most critical components for pet turf installations. If liquid doesn’t drain efficiently, you’ll end up with bacterial growth, unpleasant smells, and a yard nobody wants to use.

Many people assume artificial turf automatically drains well because it has holes in the backing. However, that’s not enough for areas with heavy pet use. You need a proper drainage system underneath, including a drainage grid equipped for pet use. It’s also important to choose a synthetic turf product specifically engineered for pet use and ultra-efficient drainage. SGW Denver’s TigerTurf Pet Turf, for example, features an industry-leading K29 Quadruple-Layer Action Backing that drains up to 400 inches of water per hour per square yard.

Using the Wrong Infill for Pets

Infill is the granular material that goes between the turf blades to keep them standing upright and add cushioning. Not all infill is created equal, and choosing the wrong type is a huge mistake for pet owners.

Some infill materials retain heat, making your synthetic grass uncomfortably hot during summer. Others don’t have antimicrobial properties, which means they won’t help control odors from pet waste.

For pet turf installations, you want infill specifically designed for dogs. Products like zeolite or antimicrobial-treated options naturally neutralize odors and drain efficiently. They also stay cooler than alternatives. Your artificial turf seller can recommend the right infill for your situation; don’t just go with whatever’s cheapest.

Forgetting About Seam Placement

Where you place the seams in your synthetic grass matters more than you’d think, especially in pet areas where dogs run and play. Seams that run through high-traffic zones or directly in pet potty areas take more abuse and can fail faster. Smart installers plan seam placement to avoid these spots and orient the turf so the grain flows in the same direction for a more natural look.

Poor seam work shows up quickly with pets. If seams aren’t glued properly or the pet turf isn’t stretched correctly, you’ll see gaps where waste can get trapped. When you’re searching for “synthetic turf near me” to find an installer, make sure they have experience with pet turf installations specifically.

Installing pet turf the right way transforms your Colorado property into a space your dogs will love. However, the key is avoiding these common mistakes from the start. When you’re ready to install synthetic grass for your pets, contact the team at SGW Denver. We’ve been helping Colorado homeowners create perfect pet-friendly yards for over 20 years, so give us a call at 720.844.3255 and we’ll help you get it right the first time.