How to Install Artificial Grass

With a big emphasis on water conservation, many people are considering replacing their real lawn with artificial turf. Artificial turf has a lot of pluses such as less maintenance and water conservation. However, artificial turf can be expensive. The good news is that it is possible to cut down on cost by installing the turf yourself. Read on to learn how to install artificial grass.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare the area by removing the real grass if present. Depending on the size of existing lawn, a sod cutter is a great tool for this task. Remove all debris and cap off sprinkler heads if needed.

2. Level and smooth out the area. You may want to compact the area as well. Then add crushed granite to act as a barrier for the synthetic grass to rest on.

3. Smooth out the crushed granite and compact it down using a cement roller. Water the granite down and compact again.

4. Roll the synthetic lawn in place and trim in areas that it is needed. Once the lawn is set in place, then anchor it down. The lawn should come with anchors attached.

5. Add a light layer of white sand over the synthetic lawn and use a lawn broom to smooth it out and seal the lawn. Then water the new synthetic lawn to set it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• A cement compacter is helpful to ensure proper compacting and leveling.
• Water down the lawn with a garden hose about once a week to keep clean, especially if pets are present.

Resources

• Information About Installing Artificial Grass

[tommerj]

on 12/10/2008 Good explanation on how to install turf. I had a small area 11'x14' that was in the shade and grass never could grow. I got a FieldTurf remnant from a project and was able to install it myself. The key is also the rubber. It is amazing how much it takes. It also take a tremendous amount of sand. While it is said that a dog can go to the bathroom on it, I trained our dog not to. Do make sure everything is level and the turf is pulled tight so there aren't any lumps. I did it myself, but it would have been helpful to have another person to hold things tight before anchoring it. My wife loves it and I never get tired of looking at it.