SYNLawn — Artificial grass never looked more natural.

artificial grass never looked more natural

The secret to any good installation is having the right tools

Synthetic grass lawn installation

Project Preparation

Get ready to install your synthetic lawn

These videos review all the necessary tools required, provide measurement tips and help you prepare your lawn area for artificial grass. All of the steps may not be necessary for your individual installation.

Artificial Turf Installation Tools

Artificial grass required tools

Before installing SYNLawn you need to have the proper tools for the job. Some of the tools in this video may not be necessary for all projects, however it helps to understand what each tool does and how it applies to synthetic grass. Many of the power tools can be rented at local home improvement establishments or tool rental companies. In many cases power tools can be substituted with hand tools, they just help make the process easier and more efficient. Below is a listing of all the tools applicable to synthetic turf installation with brief descriptions:

  • Sod cutter - used to cut sod into long strips for easy roll-up and removal. The sod cutter can be rented at most home improvement establishments.
  • Wheelbarrow - used to haul decomposed aggregate to various locations on the job site. Be sure to use a wheelbarrow designed to carry heavy loads.
  • Shovels - used to shovel decomposed aggregate into wheelbarrow and used for smaller digging projects such as capping sprinkler heads or removing small areas of sod.
  • Measuring tape - used to measure areas into 15-foot widths (width of turf roll). Measure each area and mark with spray paint before cutting the turf.
  • Spray paint - used to mark areas for turf installation. Areas are marked at 15-foot widths to prepare for turf roll application.
  • Landscape rake - used to spread decomposed aggregate to even depths. Larger than the standard rake, the landscape rake covers a wider area and has a flat surface on top for better smoothing of the aggregate.
  • Plate compactor - used to compact the decomposed aggregate for a hard flat surface. Plate compactors can be rented from most tool rental companies.
  • Hand tamp - used to tamp or compact aggregate in smaller areas or areas where the plate compactor cannot reach. Use the hand tamp to finalize the compaction process and clean up any lines or grooves left by the plate compactor.
  • Trowel - used to smooth outer edges of aggregate as a final step in construction the base. The outer edges of the aggregate base should be as smooth as possible after the compaction process.
  • Carpet knives - used to cut and trim the synthetic turf with clean edges. A slotted blade carpet knife is used for fine cuts such as those around trees or other landscape items. A loop pile carpet knife with a push handle is used to shape the turf and to make broad cuts.
  • Trimming shears - used to make detail cuts around edges or borders. Make you use sharp, heavy-duty outdoor shears for detail work.
  • Seaming cloth - used to join to pieces of turf together for seaming. Seaming adhesive is spread over the seaming cloth and spread with a trowel before joining the turf pieces.
  • Seaming adhesive - used to adhere turf to seaming cloth to form a seam. 3M 1099 Rubber and Gasket Adhesive is recommended for outdoor use.
  • Carpet kicker - used to stretch turf and remove all wrinkles before securing edges.
  • Hammer - used to drive in landscape spikes or nails to secure turf edges around area perimeter. Spikes or nails are used about every 6 inches around perimeter.
  • Drop spreader - used to drop sand infill into turf fibers. Once sand is dropped, brush infill into fibers with a stiff bristle broom or power broom.
  • Power broom - used to brush fibers up when turf is initially unpacked and as a final step in the infill process. Power brooms are also used on turf not requiring infill as a final step of the installation process to help the fibers stand up.
  • Stiff bristle broom - used to brush infill into fibers and as a final step in the installation process. This broom may also be used when a power broom is not available.
  • Blower - used to clean off any excess sand or debris from turf after installation. Blowers are also used for turf maintenance to keep leaves and debris off the grass.

Measuring Lawn Area

Measuring area for artificial grass installation

In preparing for synthetic turf installation preliminary measurements are made to define the area for installation. While taking measurements, use spray paint to determine final shape of your lawn. You will need to take into account how the grass will border against other landscape elements and you will need to make sure you have enough material for the project.

When your project was initially estimated, either by yourself or a professional, the turf length direction was determined, where seams would be and where shape cuts would be made. Now is the time to verify the estimates. Following the plan estimate, mark turf widths of 15 feet, final lengths, seam locations and final shape outlines.

Once all measurements are made on the area, verify that you have enough material on hand. Add all lengths together and compare to roll(s) length. If possible, do not trim the turf into smaller portions at this stage of the installation. Wait until you have completed the base and re-measure before cutting turf.

  • Start measuring and marketing shapes and borders of the grass.
  • Measure and mark around landscape elements such as rocks and flower beds.
  • Measure and mark widths of 15 feet and final lengths.

Disabling Irrigation System

Capping sprinkler heads

Capping sprinkler heads, if any exist, is a very simple procedure. Sprinkler system caps can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores. Count the number of sprinkler heads to be capped and purchase the caps prior to starting the installation.

You will need spray paint, a shovel and a pair of large pliers for this task. Mark each location of the sprinklers on the lawn with spray paint. Dig around each sprinkler head to expose the head and pipe. Give yourself plenty of room to work and take care not to cut into the pipe with your shovel.

Once the area is prepared, simply unscrew the head from the pipe and discard. Screw cap over now exposed opening in the sprinkler pipe. Plumber's tape is recommended to cover the threads of the pipe and reduce the chance of leaks. When done with cap, replace dirt to a level surface.

  • After marking areas with paint, start digging around sprinkler head.
  • Take care when digging not to cut pipes with shovel.
  • Keep working until you have exposed plenty of room to work around sprinkler.
  • Replace sprinkler head with cap and tighten with pliers. Do not over tighten.

Using a Sod Cutter

Using a sod cutter to remove natural grass

Sod cutters make the whole task of removing grass a snap. The blades of the sod cutter go down to just below the root level of natural grass and separate the roots from the soil while making perfectly straight cuts. This makes for easy roll up and removal. Sod cutters can be rented at most home improvement or equipment rental stores.

To use, start engine and position cutter at the start of your first row. Be sure to have the cutter over the sod before engaging the blades. Cut along long strips of lawn almost as if you were mowing it. When you come to a sidewalk or edge, try to get as close as possible without letting the blades hit. If blades were to come into contact with a sidewalk or similar surface, you would run the risk of damaging the sod cutter and/or sidewalk. Disengage blade mechanism and reposition for the next strip before proceeding. Continue this process until you have cut as much of the natural sod as possible.

Once the sod cutting is complete, simply roll up sections and remove from the area. It is a good idea to trim and only roll up a smaller, more manageable size rather than trying to remove the entire strip all at once. Any remaining grass not reachable with sod cutter should be removed with shovel.

  • Position sod cutter over lawn area before engaging cutting blades.
  • Cut sod as close to sidewalk or concrete without hitting.
  • Roll up cut sod strips into small, manageable sizes and remove from area.