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When it rains, decomposed granite can become muddy and mushy in texture and start to wash away, leading to erosion of the surface. Decomposed granite’s inability to endure heavy rainfall is one of its biggest drawbacks.

A base layer is typically required when installing artificial grass, and the specific materials depend on the surface where the turf is being placed.

If you are installing artificial grass over soil, you should lay down a sub-base and a weed barrier.

• Weed Barrier: A fabric weed barrier, weed membrane, or geo-textile paper is essential to prevent weeds from growing through and damaging the turf.

• Sub-base: This layer provides drainage, support, and prevents the turf from sinking. Common materials include a mixture of gravel and sand, such as crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), decomposed granite, decomposed limestone, or a specifically mixed road base. Other options include silica sand and granite sand.

If you are placing turf over a hard surface like concrete, you can often skip the sub-base and use a padded underlayment or shock-absorbent material like astro-cushion for comfort and safety.

If you are unsure which materials are best for your specific project, it's a good idea to consult with an artificial turf installer.

While you don’t need to put anything down before mulch, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed growth. As long as you remove weeds before you spread mulch, you should be in the clear. But a herbicide is something that you can put down before mulch as an extra layer of protection.

Hydroseeding is a great option for sloped yards, as sod might not root as well. Hydroseeding also traditionally creates sprouts faster than normal seeding—up to a full week faster. Additionally, you can customize your slurry mix with hydroseed, allowing you to create a mixture that will work specifically for your yard’s conditions. 

It’s important to remember that hydroseeded lawns require a lot of water during the first few weeks of installation, which can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, the installation window tends to be shorter than that of sod and traditional grass.