Installing artificial turf is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your outdoor space especially here in West Texas, where water conservation, dust, and extreme heat are everyday realities. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that a successful turf installation starts long before the turf ever rolls out.
At LBK Turf Guys, preparation isn’t an after thought it’s the foundation of everything we do. Proper yard prep ensures your artificial turf looks clean, drains correctly, and holds up for years, not just the first season. If you’re planning an artificial turf install in Lubbock or the surrounding areas, here’s what needs to happen first.
1. Start With a Clear Plan for Your Space
Before any digging begins, it’s important to understand how the area will be used. Is this turf going in a backyard for kids or pets? A front yard to boost curb appeal? A putting green or a commercial property?
The intended use determines:
Base depth and materials
Drainage needs
Turf style and density
Edge and transition details
This is why LBK Turf Guys takes a customized approach to every project. No two yards or installs are exactly the same.
2. Remove Existing Grass, Weeds, and Debris
A proper installation starts with a clean slate. All existing grass, roots, and organic material must be completely removed, not just trimmed down.
Skipping this step can lead to:
Uneven settling
Low spots over time
A surface that doesn’t stay level
A solid, debris free subgrade is critical for long term performance.
3. Address Drainage Early
Drainage is one of the most overlooked but most important parts of turf prep in Lubbock. Even though we don’t see constant rain, when water does come through, it needs somewhere to go.
Proper preparation includes:
Correct grading and slope
Identifying low areas
Ensuring water moves away from structures
Handling drainage during prep prevents issues like pooling, shifting, and base failure later on.
4. Build a High Quality Base (This Is Where Quality Shows)
The base is what separates a professional installation from a problem waiting to happen. A well built base keeps turf smooth, stable, and visually clean.
At LBK Turf Guys, base prep includes:
Installing a compacted aggregate base
Precision grading for a natural look
Mechanical compaction to prevent movement
This step takes time but it’s non negotiable if you want turf that lasts.
* We suggest using our True Drain blend of crushed limestone designed and sold solely by us! It is designed specifically with west Texas in mind. Contact us to put in your order!
5. Define Clean Edges and Borders
Clean edges are one of the first things people notice. Whether turf is meeting concrete, rock, metal edging, or existing hardscape, borders must be set correctly before turf installation begins.
Proper edging:
Keeps turf locked in place
Prevents shifting over time
Creates a crisp, finished appearance
This detail is especially important in high traffic and pet friendly areas.
6. Final Leveling and Inspection Before Turf Installation
Before the turf ever touches the ground, the area should be:
Smooth and level
Firm underfoot
Free of soft spots or loose material
At LBK Turf Guys, we inspect the base one final time because once turf is installed, the prep work is permanent. This step ensures the finished product meets our standards and yours.
Why Proper Prep Matters in West Texas
Artificial turf is an investment, and in Lubbock, Wolfforth, Shallowater, Levelland, and surrounding communities, the environment demands quality workmanship. Wind, heat, soil movement, and drainage all put stress on outdoor surfaces.
When prep is done right:
Turf maintains its shape
Maintenance stays minimal
Your yard looks great year-round
Built the Right Way From the Ground Up
At LBK Turf Guys, we don’t rush installs and we don’t cut corners. Our reputation is built on doing the job right the first time starting with proper preparation. We design and install from the ground up. We sell turf wholesale as well as all the materials you need if you want to tackle the job yourself or if you are a landscape company wanting to dip into artificial turf, whatever your needs we are here for YOU!
If you’re considering artificial turf in the Lubbock area and want results that hold up season after season, it all starts below the surface.