Last updated: October 2026
What do you lay under artificial turf?
Under artificial turf we lay a compacted layer of Class II base rock, usually 3 to 4 inches deep, over graded and cleared soil. Some yards get a weed barrier between the soil and the rock. The base keeps turf flat, drained, and free of dips for years after the install.
Most turf failures we get called to fix are base failures. The turf itself is fine.
Why does the base matter more than the turf?
Last summer we pulled out a front yard in San Jacinto where the previous installer laid turf over loose soil. Within two seasons the lawn had sunk in a line along the sprinkler trench. Turf does not hide that. It follows whatever is underneath.
On a 1,000 square foot job we haul out roughly 12 to 15 tons of old soil and sod. Then we bring back 12 to 14 tons of Class II base rock. That is the real work of the install.
How do we build the base?
Our crew under Steve G. follows the same order on every yard.
- Strip sod and soil to the depth the base needs.
- Fix the grade so water moves away from the house, with a slight fall across the yard.
- Lay a weed barrier where the soil calls for one.
- Spread Class II base in lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor.
- Screed the surface smooth, then roll out and seam the turf.
Compacting in lifts is the part people skip. One thick pour of rock never gets tight at the bottom.
What about clay soil in Hemet and Winchester?
Clay holds water and then swells. In Winchester tract yards we pay close attention to where the downspouts discharge, because a wet clay pocket under the base will heave the turf in winter. Drainage comes first. Rock comes second.
Pet yards need extra care. A compacted base that drains well keeps odor from settling under the turf.
Can you lay artificial grass straight on soil?
You can, but we do not. Bare soil settles, sprouts weeds through the backing, and pools water. We cover that in more detail in our post on laying turf directly on soil.
What does a proper base cost?
Base rock, haul-off, and labor are most of the quote. Past 1,000 square feet, installed turf in the Inland Empire usually lands around $9 to $12 per square foot. A narrow side gate, like the 32 inch ones we see in older Hemet neighborhoods, pushes labor up because every load goes in by wheelbarrow at about 250 pounds at a time.
If you want a base plan for your yard, see our artificial turf installation page or ask for a free estimate. If we installed turf at your home, tell Google which service we did and which neighborhood you live in.