Whether it's a backyard putting green where families gather for a friendly competition, a mud-free play space for family dogs, or a beautiful outdoor entertaining area that stays green year-round, more Kansas City homeowners are reimagining what their outdoor spaces can be. That growing interest is one reason Kansas City Turf has seen demand steadily increase in recent years.
"I think artificial turf in Kansas City and throughout the Midwest is just beginning to take off," says owner Chad Kelly. "It's been popular in the South and on the coasts for years, but people here are realizing what a great solution it is. Not only is it low maintenance, but the finished product is beautiful."
Kelly founded Kansas City Turf after launching the Kansas City territory for a national turf company. After a successful first year, he recognized an opportunity to create something different.
"I saw a need for a family-owned and operated artificial turf company with a focus on customer service, premium products and superior installations," he says.
That local connection has become one of the company's biggest strengths. Born and raised in Kansas City, Kelly says Midwestern homeowners appreciate working directly with local business owners who are invested in the community. As a full-time firefighter nearing the end of his first career, Kelly says his commitment to serving others naturally carried over into his business.
"My time in the fire service has instilled in me a sense of pride in everything I do," he says. "The finished product has my name written on it, and I don't take that lightly. My reputation is important to me."
That commitment extends beyond the installation itself. Kelly and business partner Levi Gillen remain involved throughout every project, from the initial consultation through production. Gillen joined the company in 2026, bringing experience in engineering, custom home building and agricultural operations, skills that help homeowners feel confident throughout the design and installation process.
"We try to be as transparent as possible and set expectations so there are no surprises," Kelly says. "Communication is one of the biggest things that sets us apart."
While artificial turf has long been associated with athletic fields, today's homeowners are using it in creative ways throughout their properties. One of the company's most requested projects is custom backyard putting greens. Kansas City's strong golf culture has made these installations especially popular, now accounting for roughly half of the company's business.
"Our putting greens are completely custom," Kelly says. "Everything from the size and shape to the slopes, hole placement and green speed is designed around how each client wants to use the space."
Some homeowners want a fun place to entertain guests, while others are serious golfers looking to sharpen their short game. Kansas City Turf offers multiple levels of putting greens to match different goals, budgets and skill levels. For avid golfers, premium installations can even include customized green speeds, specialized shock pads for realistic chip shots and sand-filled systems that closely mimic the performance of a traditional golf course. One project stands out in Kelly's memory.
"We built a putting green for a grandfather in Leawood whose sons and grandsons all play golf," he says. "We installed three different chipping areas throughout the backyard, and now they play their own round of golf together. They use it all the time, and we're already working on expanding it."
For Kelly, stories like that represent the true value of these projects.
"We love helping families create spaces where they can spend time together."
Artificial turf is also becoming a popular addition around pools, patios and outdoor entertaining spaces. Homeowners appreciate the clean appearance, reduced maintenance and year-round curb appeal. Around pools, turf also helps eliminate grass clippings, mud and chemicals that often find their way into the water.
"When people finish their project, one of the first things they do is take off their shoes and walk on it," Kelly says with a laugh. "I've even had people lay down and roll around on their new turf because they're so excited."
Pet owners are discovering another practical benefit. Outside of putting greens, pet areas have become one of the company's specialties. Turf provides a durable solution for dogs that wear paths through traditional lawns or create muddy yards after every rain.
"The number one thing we hear is, 'We should have done this sooner,'" Kelly says. "People love that they're no longer dealing with muddy paws being tracked through the house."
For homeowners concerned about drainage, odors or surface temperatures, Kelly says artificial turf technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade. Specialized drainage systems, antimicrobial infill and cooling technologies allow installations to perform well while addressing many of the concerns homeowners may have.
As outdoor living continues to evolve, Kelly is also seeing growing interest in backyard recreation spaces. Families are installing turf for soccer practice, backyard football fields, playgrounds and multi-use athletic areas, while indoor putting greens continue gaining popularity. When choosing a turf installer, Kelly encourages homeowners to look beyond the surface.
"The success of an artificial turf system is really underneath the turf," he says. "Proper drainage and base preparation are what allow it to last."
A professionally installed system can last approximately 20 years in the Kansas City climate, making quality installation just as important as selecting the right product.
For Kelly, every project comes back to helping families enjoy their homes in new ways.
"We love the functionality that turf provides as well as the aesthetics," he says. "Our goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces that bring families together."
For more information, visit www.kansascityturf.com or email chad@kansascityturf.com or levi@kansascityturf.com.