Artificial Grass Installation in Ottawa

Good turf is perforated and, over a correctly built free-draining sub-base, drains as well as or better than natural lawn. Poor drainage — a compacted or clay base with no permeable layer — causes puddling and smell, so ask exactly how the installer handles drainage.

A typical build-up is: excavate ~75-100mm, lay a compacted crushed-stone sub-base, a sharp-sand or granite-dust screed, a weed-membrane, then the turf pinned and joined, sometimes with a kiln-dried sand infill. Skipping layers is the number-one cause of lumps, weeds and movement.

Laying straight onto turf or soil is a false economy — it sinks, ruts, grows weeds through and drains badly. A proper install removes the topsoil and builds an engineered base. If a quote skips excavation, expect problems within a year or two.

Quality turf is non-toxic and lead-free (check the certification), and pet-friendly ranges drain urine and can be rinsed. Antimicrobial infills help with odour. Confirm the product is certified for the intended use rather than a generic import.

Far less than a real lawn: occasional brushing to keep the pile upright, rinsing, and removing leaves and pet mess. It never needs mowing, watering or feeding — the main upkeep is keeping debris off so moss doesn't establish on the surface.

Yes, if installed on a free-draining base that handles freeze-thaw. Snow sits on it and melts through; the risk is a poorly drained base heaving. Choose UV- and cold-rated turf and insist on proper base construction.