What to Put Under Artificial Grass for Dogs?

When people consider installing artificial turf for dogs, they usually focus on the surface of the turf, such as its appearance, feel, and maintenance costs. However, beneath the lush green fibers lies a crucial, often overlooked component: the base layer.

This is because dogs use turf differently than humans. They run vigorously, dig with their paws, play wildly from time to time, and, most importantly, they use the turf as a toilet multiple times a day. Without a proper base layer, even high-quality artificial turf can quickly develop problems such as poor drainage, lingering urine odors, bacterial growth, uneven surfaces, and premature wear. A proper base layer, however, allows urine to drain effectively, eliminates odors, and keeps the pet turf surface firm, and clean, allowing your dog to play comfortably and healthily.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why artificial grass for dogs should never be installed directly on bare soil
• What materials work best under pet turf—and why
• How proper base construction improves drainage, hygiene, and durability

Whether you’re a dog owner planning a backyard upgrade or a contractor installing pet-friendly turf, understanding the base layer is the key to long-term success.

Why You Can’t Just Lay Artificial Grass on Dirt

Laying artificial grass directly on dirt might look fine at first, but for dog owners, it almost always leads to problems.

Natural soil is unstable. It absorbs moisture unevenly, shifts over time, and compacts inconsistently under repeated use. When dogs urinate on artificial grass installed over bare ground, the liquid has nowhere to go. Instead of draining away, it seeps into the soil below and becomes trapped. Over time, this creates a perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to build up.

Here’s what typically happens when artificial grass is installed without a proper base:

• Poor drainage: Urine and rainwater collect beneath the turf instead of flowing away
• Persistent odors: Ammonia from dog urine lingers and intensifies, especially in warm weather
• Uneven surface: Digging, running, and repeated traffic cause the turf to sink or wrinkle
• Shorter turf lifespan: Excess moisture accelerates backing degradation and fiber wear

For families with multiple dogs or those who use their yard frequently, these problems may arise within months, not years.

When you create a well-structured base layer, you can create a stable, permeable structure that addresses issues such as rapid liquid drainage, preventing waterlogging, providing even support for the lawn, and helping to keep the surface hygienic and odor-free.

This is why professional pet lawn installations always start with the base layer. Before choosing the turf itself, you need to select the appropriate base layer material.

Ideal Sub-Base Materials to Put Under Artificial Grass for Dogs: How to Choose

Choosing the right material under artificial grass is what separates a pet-friendly lawn system from one that constantly smells, shifts, or fails prematurely. Based on MightyGrass hands-on experience in manufacturing and installing pet-friendly artificial turf systems, the following sub-base options have proven to deliver the most reliable performance for dog use.

Crushed Stone or Decomposed Granite

Best Overall Base for Artificial Grass for Dogs

Why is crushed stone (such as sub-base material or weathered granite) the most widely recommended base material for artificial turf in dog activity areas?

When properly compacted, crushed stone creates a firm, stable surface that supports heavy activity while still allowing liquids to drain freely. Dog urine passes through the pet turf and base instead of pooling near the surface, significantly reducing odor buildup.

The specific benefits of this crushed stone base material for dogs include:

• Excellent drainage, suitable for frequent urination.
• High compaction prevents digging and surface movement.
• Maintains long-term stability even in high-traffic areas.

For most residential pet lawn installations, crushed stone offers the best balance of drainage, durability, and cost.

MightyGrass recommended installation depth: 2-3 inches for light dog use; 3-4 inches or deeper for multiple dogs or commercial pet areas.

Gravel or Washed Stone

Fast Drainage for Heavy Pet Use or Wet Climates

Gravel, especially washed or rounded stone, offers even faster drainage than compacted stone bases. Liquids move quickly through the gaps between stones, making this option particularly effective for areas where dogs urinate frequently or where rainfall is heavy.

However, gravel alone does not compact as tightly as crushed stone. For best results, it’s often used as part of a layered system or in combination with a stabilizing base below.

Best use cases:

• High-use dog runs or potty zones
• Areas with poor natural drainage
• Wet or humid climates

Friendly reminder: If you install without proper edging or layering, loose gravel may shift over time. Professional installation and correct depth are critical.

Geotextile Fabric

Weed Control and Base Separation (Not a Standalone Base)

Geotextile fabric is not a base material by itself, but it plays an important supporting role in dog turf systems.

Installed between native soil and the stone base, geotextile fabric prevents weeds from growing upward while still allowing water and urine to pass through. It also keeps soil from mixing into the base layer over time, which helps preserve drainage performance.

Important Note: It is recommended that you choose a permeable, non-plastic drainage geotextile fabric and lay the geotextile fabric below the base layer, not directly under the turf. Laying weed barrier fabric directly under artificial turf can lead to urine and odor buildup, which should be avoided in pet activity areas.

Odor-Control Layers and Additives (Recommended)

For households concerned about urine smell, odor-control materials can be added either within the base system or as part of the turf infill.

Common options include ZeoFill mineral-based odor absorbers designed to neutralize ammonia naturally. These materials help manage odors between rinses and reduce bacterial buildup beneath the turf.

Best used when:

• Multiple dogs share the same yard
• The area receives limited natural rainfall
• Warm climates intensify urine odors

While not mandatory, odor-control layers significantly improve long-term hygiene in pet turf installations.

Shock Pads or Foam Underlay (Optional)

Added Comfort and Joint Protection for Dogs

Shock pads are installed above the base layer and below the artificial grass. While optional, they can greatly improve comfort—especially for older dogs, large breeds, or areas where dogs frequently jump, lie down, or play.

Benefits for dogs:

• Softer feel under paws and joints
• Reduced impact during running and play
• Improved surface consistency

Shock pads should always be paired with a well-draining base underneath. They are not a substitute for proper drainage, but a comfort enhancement on top of it.

Installation Tips for Artificial Grass for Dogs

Even the best base materials won’t perform properly without correct installation. For dog-friendly artificial grass, drainage and stability must be built into the system from the start. 

Step-by-Step Installation Best Practices

1. Remove organic soil and debris: Excavate grass, roots, and loose topsoil. If these organic materials are left beneath the lawn, they will retain moisture and produce bacteria and unpleasant odors.
2. Compact the native soil: Before adding any base material, compact the subgrade thoroughly. This prevents future settling and uneven surfaces caused by digging or repeated traffic.
3. Install geotextile fabric: Place permeable geotextile fabric over the compacted soil to block weeds and separate soil from the base layer while allowing liquids to drain freely.
4. Add and compact the base layer: Spread crushed stone or decomposed granite evenly to the recommended depth, compacting in layers to achieve a firm, stable surface.
5. Create a slight drainage slope: A slope of about 0.5% away from buildings helps direct urine and rainwater off the surface instead of allowing it to collect.
6. Add shock pad if required: Install foam or rubber underlay above the base layer in areas where dogs frequently run, jump, or rest.
7. Lay and secure the artificial grass: Roll out the turf, trim carefully, and secure edges to prevent lifting or movement, especially important for active dogs.

How to Choose Artificial Grass for Dogs?

Based on MightyGrass’s experience in artificial grass manufacturing and pet turf installation, choosing the right turf for dogs should follow clear functional criteria rather than appearance alone. When evaluating artificial grass for dog use, focus on the following requirements.

1. Drainage-Capable Backing Structure

The turf backing must allow liquids to drain vertically through the system. Multiple, evenly distributed drainage holes or fully permeable backing designs are essential for moving urine into the base layer efficiently. Such as MT-HP MENAWAN

2. Fiber Structure That Resists Matting

Dog traffic places repeated pressure on the same areas. Turf with resilient fiber structures maintains upright performance longer and preserves airflow between fibers, which supports drainage and hygiene.

3. Moderate Pile Height and Density

Extremely tall or overly dense turf can slow liquid movement and trap moisture. A balanced pile height and density supports comfort while allowing urine to pass through quickly.

4. Compatibility With Pet Turf Infill

If deodorizing or pet-specific infill is used, the turf system must be designed to work with these materials without blocking drainage pathways.

5. Non-Toxic, Pet-Safe Materials

Artificial grass used for dogs should meet safety standards for heavy metals and harmful substances. This is a baseline requirement for any pet application.

Selecting artificial grass based on these functional criteria ensures that the turf works effectively with the base system underneath and performs reliably in daily dog use.

MightyGrass customers typically choose pet-friendly artificial turf with a pile height of 25-30 mm, approximately 16,800 stitches per square meter, a combination of straight and curled fibers, a yarn strength of approximately 11,000 D, and a double-layer PP backing with a PU coating to ensure long-term stability.

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Maintenance Tips for Artificial Grass in Dog Areas

A properly built base dramatically reduces maintenance, but regular care still matters, especially for dog owners.

Simple Maintenance Best Practices

• Rinse regularly: Light hosing flushes urine through the turf and base, preventing odor buildup.
• Use pet-safe cleaners when needed: Enzyme-based or turf-safe cleaners help break down organic residue.
• Brush fibers occasionally: Brushing keeps fibers upright and improves drainage flow.
• Spot clean high-use areas: Dog potty zones may benefit from more frequent rinsing.

With the right base materials and routine maintenance, artificial grass can remain clean, odor-free, and comfortable for dogs year after year.

Kesimpulan

The pet turf, base materials, drainage layers, and installation method all work together. Focusing on just the surface while ignoring what’s underneath often leads to odor issues, maintenance headaches, and early replacement.

By starting with the right foundation, you create a dog-friendly lawn that stays clean, stable, and comfortable through years of use.

If you’re planning a pet turf project or evaluating materials, choosing a system designed for drainage, durability, and real-world dog behavior will make all the difference in long-term performance.

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What happens if you skip a good base layer?

Skipping a proper base layer often leads to drainage, odor, and stability problems—especially in dog areas.

Without a well-built base, urine and rainwater tend to collect beneath the turf instead of draining away. Over time, this trapped moisture can cause persistent odors, bacterial buildup, and soft or uneven surfaces. In high-use dog areas, turf installed without a solid base may also shift, wrinkle, or sink, reducing both comfort and lifespan.

A properly compacted, well-draining base is essential for keeping artificial grass clean, stable, and functional for dogs over the long term.

The difference between dog-friendly artificial turf and regular artificial turf

Dog-friendly artificial turf is designed to prioritize drainage, durability, and hygiene, while regular landscape turf often focuses more on appearance.

Pet turf typically features drainage-capable backing systems that allow liquids to pass vertically through the turf into the base layer. It also uses more resilient fiber structures to withstand repeated dog traffic and reduce matting. Regular artificial grass, while visually realistic, may retain moisture longer and struggle with odor control in dog applications.

For areas where dogs use the turf daily, selecting turf designed specifically for pet use results in better performance and easier maintenance.

Why do some people put sand under artificial turf for their dogs?

Some people use sand because it is inexpensive and easy to level, but it is generally not ideal for dog applications.

Sand compacts poorly over time and tends to absorb and retain urine. In dog areas, this can lead to odor buildup, moisture retention, and surface instability. While sand may be suitable as a minor leveling layer in certain installations, it should not be used as the primary base material under artificial grass for dogs.

For pet turf systems, a compacted stone or gravel base provides far better drainage and long-term stability.