What Base Do You Put Under Artificial Turf in Kansas City?

Finding an artificial grass company in Kansas City is usually where people start when planning turf. And almost right away, the same question comes up: what actually goes underneath it?

The Essential Sub-Base Material

In Kansas City, heavy clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, freezing solid in winter. Installing turf directly on soil will cause severe buckling and poor drainage. We install 3 to 4 inches of crushed stone aggregate (such as class 3 aggregate or decomposed granite fines).

Compaction and Water Permeability

The aggregate is leveled and compacted to 90%+ density. This creates a solid, stable base that won't shift while allowing rainwater to drain naturally at rates over 30 inches per hour per square yard.

Specialized Pet or Drainage Pads

For dog areas or low-lying yards with severe drainage issues, high-flow drainage grids or drain tiles can be added beneath the base rock to handle extreme liquid volume efficiently.

Written By

Jenn Reeves, Cornerstone Turf

Jenn is the owner of Cornerstone Turf Company. She works personally with every client to help them choose the right turf system for their property, their priorities, and how they actually live.