How Long Does Artificial Grass Take to Settle?

So, you’ve had your new artificial grass installed and it looks great — but you might be wondering, “Why does it look a bit uneven?” or “When will it look and feel like a proper lawn?”

These questions are completely normal. Like most high-quality installations, artificial turf needs a little time to settle and perform at its best. In this article, we’ll walk you through what the settling process looks like, how long it typically takes, and what you can do (or avoid) to ensure the best long-term results.

Why Does Artificial Grass Need to Settle?

Artificial grass is installed over a compacted base, which may include layers of crushed rock, crusher dust, or sand — depending on your installer’s process. Once the turf is laid and infilled with sand or other materials, it needs time to:

• Let the infill bed down into the fibres

• Allow the base materials to compact naturally underfoot

• Enable the grass blades to stand upright and soften

This “bedding-in” phase is crucial for both visual appeal and performance.

Typical Settling Timeframe

In most cases, artificial turf will take 4 to 8 weeks to fully settle. This can vary based on:

• Climate: Warmer temperatures help speed up the process as the materials become more pliable.

• Foot Traffic: Regular (but not excessive) use helps compress the surface evenly.

• Installation Method: The type and amount of infill used and how thoroughly it was brushed in can affect settling.

If you’re using your new lawn for pets or kids, it’s completely fine — just avoid overly heavy usage in the first few weeks.

Do’s and Don’ts During the Settling Phase

To get the best results, follow these basic guidelines:

Do:

• Lightly brush the grass once a week using a soft-bristled broom or power broom.

• Water the surface occasionally (especially in hot weather) to help dust settle and keep fibres cool.

• Use the lawn normally, but avoid sharp turns if driving equipment (like a wheelbarrow or mower) across it.

Don’t:

• Don’t place heavy furniture or pots immediately — this can cause indentations.

• Don’t avoid using it altogether — some traffic is beneficial.

• Don’t use harsh chemicals — they can interfere with the infill or damage fibres.

Common Signs Your Grass is Settling Properly

Not sure if things are progressing well? Here’s what to look for:

• Blades standing more upright without needing to be brushed constantly

• Surface feels more compact and even underfoot

• Minimal infill visible — most should now be nestled at the base of the fibres

• No wrinkling or raised seams

If something still feels off after 8 weeks, it’s worth contacting your installer for a quick check-up.

Can You Speed It Up?

While you can’t fast-forward nature, you can encourage faster settling by:

• Brushing the grass regularly in different directions

• Gently watering the area in the first week (especially in dusty conditions)

• Using a leaf blower to help clean without disturbing the infill

If your turf is in a shady or cool area, patience is key — it may just take a little longer to bed in properly.

When to Contact Your Installer

Although rare, some issues may require follow-up:

• Raised seams or wrinkles after 8+ weeks

• Water pooling that wasn’t there initially

• Sections that feel soft or unstable underfoot

Your installer will have the tools and know-how to inspect the base and make adjustments if needed.

Ongoing Care Beyond the Settling Period

Once your grass is settled, ongoing care is simple. Brush occasionally, rinse when needed, and keep an eye out for debris buildup. For a full breakdown, reach out to our team for professional artificial grass maintenance and we’ll provide you with practical tips tailored for Australian conditions.

Conclusion

Artificial grass is designed to be low-maintenance — and a short settling period is just part of the process. With a little care and patience, your turf will soon look lush, level, and natural for years to come.

For more support or product-specific guidance, talk to the team at TigerTurf , Australia’s trusted name in synthetic turf.