Artificial turf installation
Artificial turf gives you a green lawn all year with no mowing and no irrigation. In the desert that removes one of the largest uses of outdoor water at a home.
A turf lawn is only as good as its base. We remove the existing surface, grade the area, build and compact an ABC rock base that drains, then fit, seam and secure the turf and brush in the infill.
5-year workmanship warranty
Every artificial turf installation we build is covered by our 5-year workmanship warranty. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors holds contractors responsible for their workmanship for 2 years. We stand behind ours for more than twice that.
What we install
Lawns
Front and back yard lawns that look maintained every month of the year.
Pet areas
Turf and infill chosen for drainage and odor control, on a base built to flush through.
Putting greens
A short, dense surface with shaped contours and cups.
Play areas
Soft, even ground for kids without mud or bare patches.
The base under your turf: ABC, not 1/4-inch minus
Turf drains through its backing, so everything depends on where the water goes next. A base that holds water stays soggy, smells in pet areas and lets the surface sink into dips and ripples.
We build turf bases with ABC, or aggregate base course, graded and compacted. Many turf installations are done on 1/4-inch minus alone because it is cheap and easy to rake smooth. We use ABC because it drains better and holds its shape.
| ABC base rock | 1/4-inch minus | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Crushed rock in a mix of sizes, from about 3/4 inch down to fine particles. | Rock screened to 1/4 inch and smaller. Mostly small particles and fines. |
| How it compacts | The angular pieces lock against each other and the fines fill the gaps, so it compacts into a dense, solid layer. | With no larger stone to lock together, it packs down less firmly and can loosen again. |
| Drainage | The larger stone leaves paths for water to move through and out of the base. | Fine material holds water. It stays wet longer and softens when saturated. |
| Over time | Stays put under weight and through monsoon seasons, keeping the turf above it level. | More likely to settle, wash or shift, which shows up as dips and uneven turf. |
It takes more work to grade and compact ABC properly. We do it because it is the correct way to build a lawn that still drains and lies flat years from now. We do not cut corners.
Materials and design
- Pile height and color
- Longer blades look lush. Shorter, denser turf stands up better to heavy foot traffic and pets.
- Infill
- Infill supports the blades and adds weight. Different types affect how the turf feels, drains and handles heat and pet use.
- Edges and seams
- Where turf meets pavers, rock or a wall is what people notice. Clean borders and tight seams are what make a lawn look natural.
Built for Arizona
- A turf lawn needs no irrigation, which matters in a region where outdoor watering is a large share of household water use.
- Synthetic turf gets hot in direct summer sun. Shade, lighter colors, infill choice and a quick rinse before use all help, and it is worth planning for at the design stage.
- The base is graded so monsoon rain drains through and away without pooling.
How the installation goes
Installed by Horizon’s own crew. We do not subcontract our landscape installations.
Removal
We take out the existing grass, rock or soil to the required depth.
Grading and base
The area is graded for drainage, then ABC base rock is placed and compacted.
Fitting
Turf is rolled out with the grain running one way, cut to the edges and seamed.
Securing and infill
The perimeter is fastened, infill is spread and the blades are brushed upright.
Our work
Completed Horizon projects that include this work, each with its own page.
Real Horizon projects.
Explore Our WorkCommon questions
Does artificial turf get hot in Arizona?
Yes, in full summer sun it gets noticeably hotter than natural grass. Shade from trees or a pergola makes the biggest difference. Hosing it down cools it quickly for a short time.
Is it good for dogs?
Yes, when the base is built to drain and the right infill is used. Solid waste is picked up as usual, and the area is rinsed regularly to keep it fresh.
What maintenance does it need?
Very little. Blow or rake off leaves, rinse it now and then, and brush high-traffic areas so the blades stand back up.
Should I choose turf or real grass?
Turf costs more to install and almost nothing to keep. Sod costs less to install and needs water, mowing and seasonal care. We install both and can talk through which suits your yard.
Related services
Sod Installation
Natural grass lawns laid on prepared, graded soil.
Paver Installation
Patios, driveways, walkways and pool decks on an excavated, compacted base with edge restraint and polymeric sand.
Rock and Gravel Installation
Locally sourced decorative rock and gravel, graded and spread for a clean, low-water yard that needs very little upkeep.
Complete Backyard Remodels
One plan and one crew for the whole yard: grading, hardscape, turf, planting, lighting and shade structures.
Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and the rest of the Phoenix Valley.
Get a free estimate
Tell us about your artificial turf project and we will get back to you to arrange a visit.
- Call
- (602) 380-7146
- Hours
- Monday to Friday: 7:00am to 5:00pmSaturday: 8:00am to 3:00pmSunday: Closed
- License
- Arizona ROC 357677