We did a backyard turf installation with Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass—here’s why it’s perfect for a low-maintenance, kid-friendly backyard!
After completing our home addition and having our foundation leveled, our backyard was a complete mess. With all the dirt and construction debris, we needed a full yard makeover—including new drainage, regrading, and fresh landscaping. Since we were starting from scratch, it felt like the perfect time to install artificial turf.
We chose Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass for our backyard. Now, our backyard is a lush, green, low-maintenance space that’s perfect for our son, Theo, to play—without worrying about mud, mowing, or constant upkeep!
If you’re considering backyard turf installation, here’s everything we learned from our experience.

Why We Chose Artificial Turf
We debated between real grass vs. artificial grass, and ultimately, artificial turf was the best choice for our needs. Here’s why:
Low Maintenance – No mowing, watering, or fertilizing.
Always Green – UV-resistant and fade-proof.
Kid & Pet-Friendly – Stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and mud-free.
Durable & Long-Lasting – Withstands high traffic and everyday use.
Good Drainage – The mold-proof perforated backer prevents water buildup (very necessary in Houston!)
With our yard in desperate need of a makeover, we knew that Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass from Sam’s Club was the right choice for our home.
Why We Picked Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass
Not all artificial turf is created equal, and we wanted something that looked realistic and felt comfortable underfoot. We chose Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass Roll because it checked all our boxes:
Lush & Natural Look – The C-shaped blades mimic the texture of real grass.
Versatile & Durable – Suitable for yards, patios, balconies, and even tailgating!
Pet-Friendly & Easy to Clean – Stain and odor-resistant, with excellent drainage. A must have with Barkley!
UV-Protected – Won’t fade or discolor in the sun.
10-Year Residential Warranty – Ensuring long-term quality and durability.
Whether you need a soft play area for kids, a pet-friendly backyard, or a maintenance-free lawn, this turf is an excellent investment.
Our Backyard Turf Installation Process
We originally considered a DIY turf installation, but after considering the size of the job, we decided to hire professional help. Here’s what the process looked like:
1. Yard Prep – Drainage & Grading
Since we had just finished our home addition, our yard needed extensive grading. We get a LOT of rain in Houston and flooding is common so this was a “must do”. We also installed new drainage to prevent water buildup under the turf. This step was crucial to ensure the turf would last.
During this step all the grass was removed from the backyard. It definitely looks WORSE before it looks better! Bender board was installed around the perimeter and around the tree during this step. We also laid out the stones we wanted for the new “patio” area! This was the area I was most excited about!
2. Installing a Base Layer
The installers laid a compact base of crushed stone to provide a solid, well-draining foundation. This step prevents sagging and uneven spots. A plate compactor was used to ensure the base was smooth and ready for the turf. Our construction loving kiddo loved watching this work being done!
3. Rolling Out & Securing the Turf
Once the base was level, they rolled out the Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass and carefully secured it with nails and seam tape to ensure a seamless look. The turf was laid out over the stones and cut individually to fit the spaces between.
4. Brushing & Fluffing the Grass
Finally, it was time for the finishing touches! Infill was poured and brushed in. The infill is tiny granules that fill in spaces between the blades of “grass” and help them stay upright and look more lush. It also helps with drainage.
Lastly, lots of brushing! Brushing helps the blades stand up and look like a freshly mowed lawn. It also helps blend your seams.
The whole install process for our yard took 5 full days start to finish.
The Final Result: A Perfect Play Space for Theo!
Since installing artificial turf, our backyard has been completely transformed! It’s now a clean, comfortable, and safe play area for Theo—no more muddy messes, dead patches, or constant yard work.
Low maintenance – No watering or mowing needed.
Safe & soft – Ideal for kids and pets.
Year-round greenery – No fading, even in full sun.
Before and After of Backyard Turf
If you’ve been thinking about installing backyard turf, I highly recommend considering Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass. It has completely changed how we use our outdoor space, and we couldn’t be happier!
Shop the Product:
Select Surfaces Evergreen Artificial Grass Roll
This post was sponsored by Select Surfaces, but all opinions are my own.
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