1. Identify and mark off the area that you will install artificial grass with an outdoor spray can marker. Consider the dimensions of your Artificial Lawn to try to get as few seams as possible with your layout.

2. Remove sod by using shovels, using/renting a gas powered sod puller or engaging a local landscaper to remove the sod. You will wish to remove approximately 2” to 3” of soil. Ideally, the sub base will be pitched slightly towards the best direction to allow for water drainage to run-off. Also, after the sub base and Artificial Lawn is installed, you will want to have the edges of the Artificial Lawn at an even level with the natural landscape.

3. Cap Sprinklers. Turn off valves.

4. Compact existing ground to "firm it up fully" (you can rent a vibrating plate compactor at most rental centers).

5. Spray weed/grass killer and place a weed barrier mesh down (not always necessary in all areas of the country, such as in the desert).

6. Sub-Base: It is very important to ensure the sub-base is completely dry before laying any rock aggregate to reduce settling and ensure proper compaction for the surface. Once you confirm artificial grass that the sub-base is dry, add a top layer of rock aggregate (1/4" minus is best so you don't feel any protruding rocks when you walk on your Artificial Lawn) – - ask your local nursery or rock yard what material local landscapers use under paving bricks.

 

The purpose is to firm and level your base. 1" -3" of base is usually enough, although in some areas of the country where soil is especially unstable you may need up to 5” of base material; just ask a local expert like a nursery, landscape center, or rock yard if you are not sure. Please note if more than 3” of base material is used, you will also need to increase the amount of soil removal.

7. Spread, and then compact the sub base material twice. Use the vibrating compactor again.

8. Top Based Sand. Spread a fine layer of sand (aprox. 1/8" using just an ordinary seed drop spreader) on the surface to make it more level. 50lb. bags of "play sand" are available at large home improvement stores for a low cost. You may also use a water-filled (250 lb) sod roller for an even more level surface. You can rent these for very little cost.

9. Check surface for depressions. Any depression areas 1/8" – 1/4" or deeper should be filled-in and re-leveled. Although the turf also drains vertically through the drainage holes that are manufactured in the fake grass, it is still advisable to give the sub-base a slight slope, to avoid any pools of water (slope away from buildings).

10. Roll out Turf. Position the fake grass where it goes, be accurate (so you don't cut off turf you actually need). Note: Try to avoid dragging the artificial grass.