How To Install Artificial Grass

Installing artificial grass can transform your yard into a lush, low-maintenance oasis. This modern landscaping alternative looks great but eliminates the need for regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Our guide walks you through how to install artificial grass as a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) project.

Tools and Materials for DIY Grass Installation

To successfully install artificial grass, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Artificial turf
• Base material (crushed stone or decomposed granite)
• Hammer and landscape staples
• Infill material
• Measuring tape and marking paint
• Plate compactor
• Power broom or stiff brush
• Rake and broom
• Sod cutter or removal tools
• Turf adhesive and seaming tape
• Utility knife
• Weed barrier fabric

Additional Tools and Materials

These additional items may also be useful for installing artificial grass:

• Level and string line: For precise grading.
• Spreader: For even distribution of infill material.
• Wheelbarrow: For transporting soil and other materials.

Preparing Your Yard for Artificial Turf Installation

Preparation sets the foundation for a smooth, long-lasting surface that will look great for years to come.

Removing Existing Grass

The first step in preparing your yard is to remove the existing grass and vegetation. You can remove established grass in several ways:

• Chemical treatment: Apply herbicides to kill the grass before removal.
• Manual removal: For smaller areas, you can use shovels, pickaxes, and wheelbarrows to break apart and remove the lawn.
• Using a sod cutter: This power tool efficiently slices through the soil and grass, creating easy-to-remove rolls.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you remove at least 3 to 4 inches of soil along with the grass to create adequate space for the new base material.

Grading and Leveling the Ground

After removing the existing grass, you need to grade and level the ground properly. This provides proper drainage and prevents water pooling, which can damage the artificial turf over time. Here’s how to grade and level your yard:

1. Identify high and low spots using a long level or string line.
2. Add or remove soil as needed to create a slight slope away from buildings for drainage.
3. Use a plate compactor to firm up the soil, creating a stable base.
4. Check for levelness again and make any necessary adjustments.

The goal is to achieve a smooth, firm surface with a slight grade for water runoff. Grading and leveling your ground improves drainage and creates a functional and uniform surface for your artificial turf. Consider hiring a professional if your yard has significant elevation changes or other challenges that complicate the grading process.

Step-by-Step Turf Installation Process

With your yard prepared and materials gathered, you’re ready to begin the installation process.

Laying the Base Layer

The next and perhaps most critical step is to install a base layer of mixed rock over the earth. Since the artificial turf will be a fairly thin top layer, laying this thick layer of base material extends the life of the turf by keeping it smooth and flat:

1. Spread a three to four-inch layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite over the prepared area.
2. Use a rake to distribute the material evenly.
3. Compact the base layer using a plate compactor, making several passes in different directions.
4. Take your time to make sure the base layer is perfectly leveled and adjust it as needed.

Installing Weed Barrier

A weed barrier prevents unwanted vegetation from growing through your artificial grass:

1. Roll out the weed barrier fabric over the compacted base layer.
2. Overlap seams by 4–6 inches to create complete coverage.
3. Secure the edges with landscape staples or tuck them into the perimeter.

Unrolling and Positioning the Artificial Turf

Now it’s time to lay out your artificial grass:

1. Unroll the turf and allow it to acclimate in the sun for half a day to reduce wrinkles.
2. Position the turf, keeping the blade direction consistent across all pieces.
3. Roughly cut the turf with a razor knife to fit the area, leaving a few inches extra around the edges.
4. If you’re using multiple pieces, align the edges carefully for seamless joins.

Using a turf cart or dolly is helpful when maneuvering large pieces of artificial grass. These tools can prevent unnecessary stretching or tearing of the material.

Securing and Trimming the Turf

To finish the installation:

1. Install common 60D nails 3–4 inches apart along one end and stretch the entire piece taut.
2. Work down the sides and center, keeping the edge nails 3–4 inches apart and the center sections 12–24 inches apart. Be careful not to sink the nail head so much that the turf puckers down.
3. Use seaming tape and adhesive to join pieces together along the seams.
4. Trim excess turf along edges using a sharp utility knife.
5. Use a power broom to lift the grass fibers and create a natural look.

After securing and trimming the turf, walk around the perimeter to check for any loose edges or areas that may need additional staples. Properly securing the edge will prevent the turf from shifting over time.

Infill Grass Options and Application Techniques

Infill is a fine, granular material like sand or rubber that protects the mesh backing from the elements. Infill also supports the grass blades and adds weight to keep the turf in place. You’ll need infill for any artificial turf installation.

Types of Infill Materials

Choose from these common infill options:

• Acrylic-coated sand: Resists compaction and offers antimicrobial properties.
• Crumb rubber: Provides excellent cushioning for sports fields.
• Silica sand: Affordable and effective for most applications.
• Zeolite: Ideal for pet areas because it absorbs odor and controls ammonia.

To apply infill, use a garden spreader to distribute the infill evenly across the turf according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Brush the infill into the grass fibers using a power sweeper or other stiff broom. Work in sections, repeating the process until you’ve covered the entire area.

Cost Considerations for Artificial Grass Installation

The cost of artificial grass materials typically ranges from $2–$8 per square foot, depending on the quality and features of the turf.* Additional materials like base rock, weed barrier, and infill will add to the overall price.

If you opt for professional installation, labor costs can range from $4–$12 per square foot. The total cost for a professionally installed artificial lawn, including materials and labor, usually falls between $15 and $19 per square foot.

Don’t forget to factor in your potential future savings. Artificial grass can reduce water bills, eliminate fertilizer and pesticide expenses, and cut down on maintenance costs by removing the need for lawn-care equipment.

*Cost information based on 2024 reports from Angi, LawnStarter, and LawnLove.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Artificial Grass

For a successful installation, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Inadequate ground preparation
• Poor drainage planning
• Incorrect seam joining techniques
• Using insufficient infill
• Neglecting to brush the turf after installation

Rushing through the installation process can often lead to these mistakes. For the best outcome, we recommend taking your time and following each step carefully.