Download as PDF: How to Install Artificial Grass
Home with StarPro Greens Artificial Grass Turf

I. Sub-Base Preparation

A. Cut any existing grass with a weed eater to the soil. Remove debris. Adjust soil to desired grade and compact.

B. Add 2″ of 3/8″ minus gravel screenings, meaning your gravel supplier has passed gravel through a 3/8″ screen so only the smallest pieces pass through. This mix has small particles as well as gravel up to 3/8″ and every size in between. You’ll need about 12 pounds of gravel per square foot. Use a concrete rake or drag a 3-foot 2×4 across the gravel to level it where needed. Do not use pea gravel or sand. This gravel base will promote drainage and provide a smooth surface.

C. Compact the gravel base with a water-filled roller or plate compactor rented from your home store. Use a hand tamper for small areas.


II. Cutting and Seaming

A. Artificial grass comes in 15-foot wide rolls and the manufacturing process causes blades to lean in one direction (the grain). Before you cut grass into pieces, plan your cuts so when all pieces are laid side by side their grain always faces the same direction to avoid obvious seams. Plan ahead by making a drawing of your lawn area to calculate how to cut grass to keep the grain in one direction.

B. Synthetic grass can be cut with a razor knife or carpet knife (best if cut from the back side).

C. Grass pieces are joined with seam tape. Click to read How To Seam Artificial Grass Turf with photos showing how to use StarPro seam tape and tubes of Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive FUZE . Let adhesive is dry before staking grass in the next step.


III. Staking Grass

A. For soft or sandy soil, nail the grass edges every 6 to 12 inches using nylon or plastic 8” landscape spikes or 6” metal nails that are galvanized to deter rusting. For hard soil you can nail edges every 12 inches using landscape spikes or galvanized 4” nails. Add extra nails in high traffic areas.


IV. Raking & Infilling

A. Use a soft rake, brush, or power rake against the grain to stand the grass blades up.

B. Infilling the grass with medium to coarse sand is highly recommended. It improves the look, weight, feel, drainage, life expectancy, and makes the blades stand up straight.

C. Once the seam glue is dry, pour 1/2″ of sand between blades and rake them so they stand straight. You’ll need about 3 pounds of sand per square foot.


Notice: Local or neighborhood codes, covenants, restrictions or specifications may apply to the installation of synthetic lawns. Local municipalities may offer incentives for the installation of synthetic turf.  Check with your local government or water company.