We may earn revenue from the products available on this pageboy and participate in affiliate programs . take More ›
Artificial locoweed made its big debut at the Astro Dome in 1966 , hence the term Astroturf , but it ’s fare a long way since then . Once used only for professional sports field , artificial gage is now a bona fide option for homeowner who need the look of a plushy , unripe lawn without maintenance that provokes worry .
contrived grass requires no H2O or fertilizer , which makes it eco - favorable , and there ’s no mowing required either . A lawn of artificial locoweed can last up to 15 old age under heavy traffic , the only alimony being an episodic spray with the garden hose if you have dearie ( for obvious grounds ! ) .
Photo: AntonioGuillemF / Depositphotos
Professional induction ofartificial grass can costanywhere from $ 10 to $ 15 per square foot . But laying the turf , which cost between $ 2 and $ 8 per square foot , on an average - sized yard is a doable projection if you ’re game for some physical labour .
Check out this try - and - dependable technique here for how to lay unreal grass !
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may earn a commission from leverage made through these links .
Step 1: Remove grass from the area.
Remove whatever current sod you have . employ a nigger or a greensward - cut machine ( available to rent for about $ 100 / Clarence Day at a base betterment fund ) to pull it up . If a neighbor or ally ca n’t use it , dispose of the sward harmonise to the constituent waste remotion rules in your community .
Tried-and-True Advice
“ When put down artificial gage , I found that using a leaf blower to clear away backbone and debris after spreading the detergent builder ’s gumption and installing the turf made a immense difference in keeping the workspace clean and take a leak sure the greensward stuck decently . It ’s quicker and more efficient than wholesale , and it help prevent any leftover debris from getting ensnare under the seams . Just be sure to hold the leafage blower at an angle to avoid disturbing the sand layer you just put down . ”
— Paul Rankin , Contributing author
Step 2: Level the area.
You will need a point alkali on which to lay yourartificial skunk . circularize about 1 ½ inch of detergent builder ’s guts in the area to create a floor open , using a landscaping rip to mete out it equally . Then , compact the George Sand with a tamper or 2 x 2 man of plywood and a golosh cock until it ’s firm and level .
Step 3: Lay a weed barrier.
Lay downlandscape fabricto reduce the probability of weeds growing up through the sod . Roll it out to cover the area entirely , grant the edges to overlap at any spliff by several inch , and trim with a utility program knife to secure it into place with landscaping raw material every three or four fundament .
Step 4: Lay the artificial turf.
unreal grass has a “ grain ” to it , which means rather than stand up straight up , it bends more or less at an angle . For the most natural flavor , stray it out so that the blade bend toward your home , making sure that all piece are laid in the same direction .
If using more than one coil ’s breadth of turf , it ’s best to stagger the close seam so that they do n’t line up in a row : They ’ll be less visible and will wear comfortably that way .
cut any edge with a utility knife from the underside , being careful not to reduce any of the sward .
Photo: JHRSPhotos / Depositphotos
Step 5: Join turf with jointing tape and adhesive.
Artificial grassgenerally comes in widths of 12 to 15 feet . If the infinite you ’re covering is more than the scroll ’s width , you ’ll take to join pieces together .
To do so , trim the edge of each of the bit with a utility program tongue ( from the back , being careful not to abbreviate the turf ) so that they will encounter without overlapping . Then roll out the pieces back and lay jointing tape underneath where the bed will be .
Apply artificial turf adhesive agent to the jointing tape , and lie the two turf pieces together , making sure that the seam matches up together , without overlapping .
Photo: JHRSPhotos / Depositphotos
Step 6: Nail the grass in place.
Using a rubber hammer , nail the artificial gage down with 7 - inch lawn spikes . Space the nails about every 4 foot . Take care to spread the turf vane out and aside from the base of the nail before you hammer it in . After nailing , sweep the nap up around the nail to hide placement .
Step 7: Brush the lawn.
Once all the turf is installed , brush the entire lawn with a stiff - bristled broom to muff up turf blades . If any guts went perverse during installation , hose the lawn down to take away it .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raise layer , or an in - ground game out back — and pick out the right plants for your ground and region .
