How to Install Artificial Turf Grass on Dirt or Soil

You may wonder if installing artificial grass is a do-it yourself (DIY) project, in which case you may ask yourself, ‘how do you install artificial grass?’ The good news is with planning and the right tools you can install your own artificial turf grass. If you rent or have an HOA, check that artificial grass carpet is allowed. Some HOAs may not allow for the installation of synthetic grass.

Prepping for Artificial Turf Grass Installation

A woman wearing brown boots using a shovel to remove grass and dirt.

When installing artificial turf grass on dirt or soil, you’ll need a subbase. Using a shovel, clear the desired surface removing any existing grass, roots, mulch, pine needles or other obstacles that could impact the artificial turf grass. Then, dig out the existing soil up to 2-1/2 inches deep.

Caution

Before beginning any excavation project, call 811 at least a few days in advance to find out if underground utilities exist in and around your dig site.

Caution

Never lay artificial grass over existing grass. It could lead to drainage issues, weed growth and an uneven surface. It could also impact the longevity of your artificial grass.

To prevent weeds from growing and penetrating the underside of the artificial turf grass, install a weed barrier. A weed barrier is strong enough to keep weeds down and porous enough to offer drainage.

Roll out the weed barrier across the aggregate base and cut as needed. Make sure the correct surface is facing up. Overlap each length of fabric and along the perimeter. Secure it with 6-inch galvanized nails or landscape anchors every few feet.

A woman wearing a plaid shirt and jeans pushing an orange wheelbarrow filled with crushed rock.

Once the base is cleared and properly prepared and the weed barrier is down, add a 2-to-4-inch layer of aggregate, such as gravel or crushed stone, to achieve your desired shape and contour. Not sure what aggregate to use as your base? Check with a Lowe’s associate for assistance.

Tip

Make sure the ground is properly graded and smoothed out to eliminate valleys or low spots where water can stand.

A woman wearing a plaid shirt and jeans kneeling on the ground cutting green artificial grass.

Now that the base is ready, position the artificial turf grass in place over the aggregate, being careful not to drag the synthetic grass rug over the freshly prepared surface. Having an extra set of hands makes this part of the installation much easier.

Trim the grass with a sharp utility knife to fit your desired shape. Be sure to cut the grass slightly larger than the area where it’s being installed to ensure complete coverage. You can always trim any excess you don’t need.

When using more than one roll of artificial grass, you’ll need to seam them together. Align two pieces of artificial grass at the seams, edge to edge. Seaming cloth, also known as artificial grass tape, is used to join two pieces of artificial grass. Pull back the grass and lay seaming cloth along the length of the seam. Using a hammer, secure the seaming cloth with landscape anchors or 6-inch galvanized nails.

Tip

To protect your knees, consider using knee pads as you move about the lawn.

A kneeling woman wearing jeans while applying cream-colored seam adhesive to seaming cloth.

Apply outdoor carpet adhesive to the seaming cloth with a trowel. To avoid uneven spots, make sure to spread the adhesive in a consistent thickness along the length of the seaming cloth.

Allow the adhesive to set for 10 minutes. Then slowly begin to lay the two seams of the artificial grass sections back together. Be sure to check the fit as you go to avoid any gaps in the seam.

Tip

When laying more than one roll of artificial grass, make sure the grain of the grass fibers points in the same direction for a uniform look.

Artificial grass, bushes, plants and a sidewalk leading to steps to a brick home.

To help weigh down the artificial grass, spread infill, such as silica sand, over the entire surface. Infill goes deep into the grass to keep it from looking matted down from foot traffic. Use a stiff-bristle broom or a landscape rake to work the sand into the grass fibers. This helps the fibers stand up and gives your lawn a seamless appearance. Be sure to work in the same direction across the grass so that it maintains a uniform appearance. Then it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy your beautiful, new low-maintenance lawn.

Tip

For the outer edges of the grass, consider adding a little more infill to provide a bit of extra weight and reduce the chance of the grass becoming loose and lifting over time.

The Benefits of an Artificial Grass Install

The Benefits of an Artificial Grass Install
Artificial turf grass, also known as astro turf or astro turf rug, is an economical, low-maintenance option for homeowners. It’s also a great alternative to regular grass in communities with water restrictions. Here are some additional benefits of synthetic grass:

Artificial turf grass doesn’t require fertilizer or pesticides.
It prevents you from having to worry about muddy puddles.
It’s cost effective, saving you money on the materials and labor usually spent on lawns.
Artificial turf grass helps reduce your water consumption.
It reduces the air pollution from lawn mowers.
Astro turf rugs are safe for children and pets.
Artificial grass carpets are low maintenance, leaving you more time to do the things you’d rather be doing besides caring for your lawn.

Popular Uses for Artificial Turf Grass

Potted plants, rocks and artificial grass laid out in a decorative grid pattern.

The installation of synthetic grass offers several unique opportunities that traditional grass lawns can’t. Artificial turf for patios can enhance your yard and home in many other ways.

Use artificial turf for patio along with lush potted plants, a charming bistro set and a few decorative pillows to bring a bit of green to your space and create a cozy, scaled-down outdoor oasis.
Use it as a walkway or door mat for transitions from outside to inside.
Get creative by softening a hardscape with an artful design of fake grass.
Transform a screened-in porch with faux grass flooring for a unique décor idea. It’s a great way to bring the feel of the outdoors into your porch and makes a great play area for kids no matter what the weather is.

Artificial Turf Grass for Pets

Artificial grass is safe for use around animals, too. It keeps paws free of dirt and mud while being durable enough for pets to play on. It can also be an effective training tool. Teaching your dog to use a patch of artificial grass when nature calls has several benefits. First, it protects your real grass from the nitrogen in dog urine, as well as from digging and scratching. A synthetic grass rug also makes cleanup easier — you only have to pick up one area of the yard instead of the whole lawn.

If you don’t have a backyard but do have a patio or balcony, you can still enjoy the perks of fake grass for dogs. Buy a small square to keep on the patio and cut down on trips outside. Take certain precautions during installation, like using a Zeolite infill to help with odor control and securing the turf grass every 4 to 6-inches. Follow your products specific care and maintenance instructions for more detail.

Backyard Putting Greens

A floating golf course in the middle of a fountain.

Backyard putting greens can benefit golfers in a variety of ways. The amount of focus you’ll have while practicing in your own backyard is just the tip of the iceberg. By installing putting green turf in your backyard, you could save money on lawn care at home and greens fees at golf courses. There’s always value in convenience — and nothing is more convenient than teeing off on a Sunday morning in your pajamas.

Putting green installations require special consideration during the install so the green functions as intended. Seek out extra information from the manufacturer about proper procedure and the best products and accessories for your project.

Outdoor Play Areas for Kids

Using artificial turf grass for a kids’ play area offers more control than dirt or grass. Foam padding can be added as an underlayment to add cushion in case of tumbles and falls. This is especially helpful under zones where children may be more susceptible to falls, like under swings and slides. Not to mention it’s easier to maintain, since you don’t have to mow or weed around kids’ toys. When you’re shopping for your turf grass, be sure to choose a version that can hold up to rigorous activity levels for best performance.

Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance of your artificial turf grass is very important. Even though it doesn't grow like your old lawn, you should still keep a routine maintenance plan in mind. Be prompt when it comes to spills. Clean them up as soon as you see them. To clean stains from items like alcohol, ice cream, mustard, blood, urine, fruit juice, tea, ketchup, etc., use a cleaning solution that consists of one teaspoon of mild household detergent and one pint of warm water. Always rinse the area clean with clean, cold water to remove any traces of soap. Blot up any excess liquid. To prevent the artificial turf grass from matting, brush it on a regular basis, especially in high traffic areas, to ensure the fibers stay upright. Periodic cross-brushing against the grain will fluff up the fibers and keep your artificial grass looking great.

When the family pet makes a mess, allow it to dry, then scoop it up and dispose of it. Hose the area down to eliminate and residual waste. For urine odors, sprinkle the area with baking soda to neutralize the odor and allow it to sit for 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

Tip

Don’t use any cleaning products that are highly acidic or that contain bleach. If using commercial cleaning products that are specifically designed for artificial grass, always follow the manufacturer label instructions for usage.

Artificial Grass Installation

If you’re still scratching your head on how you install artificial grass, consider getting it installed by an experienced professional. Lowe's can handle your artificial grass installation using professional independent installers who know how to lay synthetic turf. For more information on what to expect from your artificial grass install, installation day details as well as how to prepare for your new artificial grass's arrival, see our Artificial Grass Installation page.

How to Install Artificial Turf Grass

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials