Nothing demonstrates the impact of artificial turf better than real before and after transformations. These ten Austin properties showcase the dramatic improvements possible with professional artificial turf installation. From struggling lawns and bare dirt to lush, green outdoor living spaces, these stories illustrate why thousands of Austin homeowners have made the switch. Each transformation includes the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and results achieved.
Transformation 1: The Rodriguez Family - Barton Hills Pet Paradise
Before: The Rodriguez family's 1,200 square foot backyard in Barton Hills had become a mud pit. Their two large Labrador Retrievers had worn paths through the grass, created bare spots throughout, and turned the yard into a muddy mess after every rain. The family had tried reseeding three times, but the dogs destroyed new grass before it could establish. Mud was tracked into the house constantly, and the dogs came inside filthy after every outdoor session. The Challenge: Create a durable, pet-friendly surface that could withstand heavy dog traffic while remaining attractive and easy to clean. Solution: We installed premium pet-turf with enhanced drainage (60+ inches per hour) over a crushed granite base. The installation included antimicrobial infill and a dedicated rinse system for easy cleaning. After: The transformation was immediate and dramatic. The perpetually muddy yard became a lush green space that looks perfect year-round. The dogs can play as hard as they want without creating bare spots or mud. Cleanup is simple—a quick rinse keeps the yard fresh. The Rodriguez family estimates they save 3-4 hours weekly on cleaning and yard maintenance. Project cost: $9,600. Annual savings: $2,400 in lawn care, cleaning supplies, and water.
Transformation 2: The Patel Residence - Circle C Shade Solution
Before: The Patels' 2,000 square foot backyard in Circle C was dominated by three large oak trees. While the trees provided wonderful shade, they made growing grass nearly impossible. The yard was a patchwork of thin, struggling grass, bare dirt, and moss. Despite spending over $3,000 annually on lawn care, the yard never looked good. The trees also dropped massive amounts of leaves, acorns, and debris. The Challenge: Create an attractive, functional yard in heavy shade while working around established tree roots and managing ongoing debris from the trees. Solution: We carefully installed artificial turf around the existing trees, protecting root systems while creating a smooth, level surface. The installation included strategic drainage to handle water runoff from the tree canopy. After: The transformation turned a perpetual problem area into the family's favorite outdoor space. The lush green turf provides a beautiful contrast to the mature trees, creating a park-like atmosphere. The shaded turf stays cool even on the hottest days. Leaf cleanup is actually easier now—leaves blow off the smooth turf surface quickly. The Patels finally have the backyard they always wanted. Project cost: $14,800. Annual savings: $3,200 in lawn care and water.
Transformation 3: The Thompson Pool Deck - Westlake Resort Living
Before: The Thompsons' pool area in Westlake featured a mix of concrete decking and struggling grass. The grass around the pool was constantly battling chlorine splash-out, heavy foot traffic, and shade from the house. Bare spots and brown patches surrounded what should have been their backyard oasis. The concrete was hot underfoot, and the overall appearance was far from the resort-like atmosphere they wanted. The Challenge: Create a cohesive, attractive pool surround that could handle pool chemicals, heavy traffic, and provide a comfortable surface for bare feet. Solution: We installed 800 square feet of premium turf around the pool, integrating it seamlessly with the existing concrete decking. The installation featured enhanced drainage for pool splash-out and cooling infill to minimize heat. After: The pool area was transformed into a private resort. The lush green turf surrounding the sparkling pool creates exactly the atmosphere the Thompsons envisioned. The surface is comfortable for bare feet, unaffected by pool chemicals, and looks perfect year-round. Pool parties have become a regular occurrence, and the family spends significantly more time enjoying their outdoor space. Project cost: $7,200. Annual savings: $1,800 in lawn care and water.
Transformation 4: The Kim Family - Mueller Modern Minimalist
Before: The Kims' modern home in Mueller had a small 600 square foot front yard that was more trouble than it was worth. The St. Augustine grass required constant watering to survive Austin summers, frequent mowing in a space too small for a riding mower, and still looked mediocre most of the year. The traditional lawn clashed with their home's modern architecture. The Challenge: Create a low-maintenance front yard that complemented the home's modern aesthetic while eliminating ongoing lawn care demands. Solution: We installed a clean, contemporary turf design with crisp edges and minimal landscaping. The turf selection featured a shorter pile height and tighter density for a manicured, modern appearance. After: The front yard now perfectly complements the home's architecture. The always-perfect lawn creates excellent curb appeal with zero maintenance. The Kims eliminated weekly mowing, reduced their water bill by $150 monthly, and gained back weekend time previously spent on lawn care. Neighbors frequently compliment the yard's appearance, and several have inquired about similar installations. Project cost: $5,400. Annual savings: $2,100 in lawn care and water.
Transformation 5: The Davis Rental Property - East Austin Investment
Before: The Davis family owns a rental property in East Austin that had become a maintenance headache. Tenants didn't maintain the lawn, and the property owner was paying for lawn service that couldn't keep up with neglect. The yard was an eyesore that affected rental value and required constant attention between tenants. The Challenge: Create a zero-maintenance yard that would look good regardless of tenant care, reduce ongoing costs, and improve property appeal. Solution: We installed durable artificial turf designed for minimal maintenance. The installation included robust edging and a simple design that requires no tenant involvement to maintain. After: The property transformation exceeded expectations. The always-green yard improves curb appeal and has allowed a $100/month rent increase. Maintenance costs dropped to near zero—no more lawn service, no more between-tenant yard restoration. The property looks better than neighboring rentals year-round, attracting quality tenants quickly. The Davis family calculates a complete ROI within 18 months. Project cost: $8,400. Annual savings: $3,600 in lawn care plus $1,200 in increased rent.
Transformation 6: The Martinez Backyard - South Austin Family Play Zone
Before: The Martinez family's 1,500 square foot backyard in South Austin was supposed to be a play area for their three young children. Instead, it was a safety hazard—uneven ground, bare spots that turned to mud, and grass that hid rocks and debris. The kids couldn't play barefoot, and every rain turned the yard into an unusable mess. The Challenge: Create a safe, level play surface that could withstand heavy use by active children while remaining comfortable and attractive. Solution: We installed family-friendly turf over a carefully leveled and compacted base. The installation included extra cushioning for fall protection and a design that integrated a small play structure area. After: The backyard became the family gathering spot. The level, cushioned surface is safe for barefoot play and provides peace of mind when kids tumble. The yard drains quickly after rain, so play resumes within minutes. The Martinez children spend significantly more time outdoors, and the parents no longer worry about injuries from uneven ground or hidden hazards. Project cost: $11,200. Annual savings: $1,600 in lawn care and water.
Transformation 7: The Wilson Putting Green - Lakeway Golf Practice
Before: The Wilsons are avid golfers who dreamed of practicing at home. Their 2,500 square foot backyard in Lakeway had a struggling lawn that required constant attention and provided no recreational value. Weekend time was spent on lawn maintenance rather than golf. The Challenge: Create a professional-quality putting green with approach area that would provide meaningful practice opportunities at home. Solution: We designed and installed a 900 square foot putting green with multiple hole positions, subtle breaks, and a realistic fringe. The surrounding 1,600 square feet became approach and chipping area with appropriate turf. After: The Wilsons now practice daily instead of weekly. The putting green provides realistic practice that has noticeably improved their short games. The installation has become a neighborhood gathering spot for golf enthusiasts. Weekend mornings previously spent on lawn care are now spent enjoying their private practice facility. They estimate saving $200 monthly in driving range and practice green fees. Project cost: $22,500. Annual savings: $2,400 in practice fees plus $2,000 in lawn care.
Transformation 8: The Chen Rooftop - Downtown Austin Urban Oasis
Before: The Chens' downtown Austin condo featured a 400 square foot rooftop deck that was underutilized. The concrete surface was hot, hard, and uninviting. The space had potential but lacked the warmth and comfort needed to become a true outdoor living area. The Challenge: Transform a bare concrete rooftop into a comfortable, attractive outdoor living space while managing weight restrictions and drainage requirements. Solution: We installed lightweight artificial turf over a drainage panel system, creating a soft, green surface that transformed the rooftop's character. The installation included careful attention to drainage and edge details. After: The rooftop became the Chens' favorite space. The soft, green surface invites barefoot lounging and creates a garden-like atmosphere in the heart of downtown. The turf is cooler than the concrete it covers, making the space usable even on warm days. Friends and family now gather on the rooftop regularly, and the Chens estimate they use the space 10x more than before. Project cost: $4,800. Value added: Estimated $15,000 increase in condo value.
Transformation 9: The Anderson Daycare - North Austin Safe Play
Before: The Andersons operate a home daycare in North Austin. Their 1,000 square foot play yard was a constant challenge—muddy after rain, dusty when dry, and showing wear from daily use by a dozen active children. Parents expressed concerns about children getting dirty, and the yard required constant attention. The Challenge: Create a safe, clean, durable play surface that could withstand heavy daily use by young children while meeting daycare licensing requirements. Solution: We installed commercial-grade turf with enhanced cushioning for fall protection. The installation featured antimicrobial infill and was designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. After: The play yard transformation improved the entire daycare operation. Children stay clean during outdoor play, parents are delighted with the improvement, and the Andersons spend less time on yard maintenance. The cushioned surface provides peace of mind for falls, and the clean appearance has helped attract new families. Several parents have cited the improved outdoor space as a factor in choosing this daycare. Project cost: $9,800. Business impact: Two additional enrolled children at $1,200/month each.
Transformation 10: The O'Brien Estate - Dripping Springs Complete Renovation
Before: The O'Briens' 5-acre Dripping Springs property featured a 4,000 square foot lawn area near the house that was a constant battle. Well water couldn't keep up with irrigation demands, the lawn went dormant for months each summer, and maintenance consumed every weekend. Despite significant investment, the lawn never achieved the estate-quality appearance the property deserved. The Challenge: Create a showcase lawn that would provide year-round beauty without straining water resources or requiring extensive maintenance. Solution: We installed premium artificial turf across the entire lawn area, integrating it with existing landscaping and hardscape features. The installation included multiple zones with different turf types for visual interest. After: The transformation created the estate-quality appearance the O'Briens always wanted. The perpetually green lawn provides a stunning contrast to the natural Hill Country landscape. Water usage dropped dramatically, and weekend maintenance became a thing of the past. The property now looks like a magazine feature year-round. Visitors consistently comment on the beautiful grounds, and the O'Briens finally have the showcase property they envisioned when they bought the land. Project cost: $38,400. Annual savings: $8,400 in water and lawn maintenance.
These ten transformations represent the range of possibilities with artificial turf—from small urban spaces to large estates, from pet areas to putting greens, from family play zones to commercial applications. Each project solved specific challenges while delivering dramatic visual improvement and significant ongoing savings. The common thread is transformation—properties that were sources of frustration became sources of pride. Homeowners who spent weekends on lawn maintenance now spend that time enjoying their outdoor spaces. Yards that looked mediocre at best now look perfect year-round. If you're tired of fighting with your lawn, these transformations show what's possible. Your property could be the next success story. Contact SwiftGreen Co for a free consultation to discuss how artificial turf can transform your Austin property.
Additional Resources
For more information on this topic, check out these authoritative sources:
- →Houzz Before and After
Home transformation galleries and inspiration
- →HGTV
Home and garden transformation ideas
