Mixing artificial turf with real grass creates a hybrid lawn that gives you the best of both worlds. Use synthetic turf in high-traffic or problem areas and preserve natural grass in spaces where beauty, texture, or biodiversity matters. It’s a smart, flexible approach especially here in South Florida where sun, shade, and soil conditions vary widely.
Why Mix Artificial Turf with Grass?
People across Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and other nearby areas are embracing hybrid lawns because they:
- Reduce maintenance where it matters: synthetic zones need no mowing, watering, or fertilizing
- Solve persistent issues like worn-out dog paths, shaded areas, or poolside mud
- Keep the yard feeling alive by preserving some natural grass and its cooling, ecological benefits
- Provide design flexibility so you can adjust your yard layout over time
Hybrid installations are especially effective in properties with pets, kids, or uneven usage.
How to Create a Hybrid Lawn
Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully combining artificial turf with real grass:
1. Define Your Zones
Start by deciding where turf makes the most sense:
- High-use or problem spots: synthetic turf (paths, seating, dog runs, pool surrounds)
- Ornamental, play, or shaded zones: natural grass
Consider how sun, moisture, and foot traffic impact each part of your yard.
2. Remove Grass Where Turf Will Go
In turf-designated areas:
- Excavate 3 to 4 inches of soil
- Remove all grass, roots, and debris
- Level and grade for proper water flow
Skipping root removal can lead to regrowth and base damage.
3. Install Durable Edge Barriers
You’ll need a clean transition between surfaces. Use:
- Concrete curbing
- Steel edging
- Composite edging strips
This barrier prevents soil creep, weed transfer, and uneven settling.
4. Lay Artificial Turf
- Add weed barrier fabric
- Lay and compact crushed rock or decomposed granite
- Roll out and trim turf
- Anchor it using stakes or nails
- Add infill for weight and fiber support
Brush fibers to help them stand up naturally.
5. Plant Natural Grass Zones
In the natural areas:
- Prepare soil with grading and compost
- Choose a drought- and heat-tolerant species for South Florida
- Seed or sod the space
- Match the height and texture of the turf as closely as possible
Watch for These Challenges
Heat Retention
Artificial turf heats up fast, often 20 to 40 degrees warmer than real grass. Mitigation strategies include:
- Choosing turf with heat-reflective infill
- Adding shade from trees or pergolas
- Misting high-use areas
Drainage Differences
Synthetic turf sheds water while grass absorbs it. Poor design can cause runoff or puddles. Ensure:
- Grading slopes water away evenly
- Edging allows infiltration
- Permeable sub-bases are used on both sides
Maintenance Needs
- Turf areas: Brush, rinse, remove debris, and top off infill
- Grass areas: Mow, irrigate, fertilize, weed, and edge
Both systems require upkeep, just at different levels.
Border Creep or Movement
Without rigid edging, soil shifts, and grass runners can invade turf. Inspect and trim boundaries regularly.
Around Pools, Trees, and Beds
- Pools: Use drainage-friendly turf to handle splash and chemicals
- Trees: Avoid disturbing major roots or use root barriers
- Plant beds: Slightly recess turf to allow for mulch and slope
Why Use a Professional Landscape Design Team?
A hybrid lawn must be designed and installed properly to function long-term. At TotalScape Design, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Coral Springs, Davie, Golden Beach, and beyond create custom outdoor spaces that look beautiful and last.
Our experienced team helps with:
- Turf and grass product selection
- Seamless transitions and visual cohesion
- Drainage and heat solutions
- Installation around patios, beds, and slopes
We understand South Florida yards and how to make them work smarter.
Let’s Plan Your South Florida Hybrid Lawn
A hybrid lawn delivers the durability of turf and the charm of natural grass, perfectly balanced for how you live. Whether you’re in Deerfield Beach, Miami Shores, or Hillsboro Beach, we’re here to help. Contact us today to talk turf, grass, and everything in between.
