SYNLawn — Artificial grass never looked more natural.

artificial grass never looked more natural

The final touch for some artificial grass products

Artificial grass patio installation

Artificial Turf Infill Process

Adding infill artificial grass if necessary

Rubber grinds and/or sand adds strength, support and cushion to several types of artificial turf. However, many SYNLawn synthetic grass products do not require infill. Be sure to verify the infill specifications of your SYNLawn synthetic lawn before adding infill.

Spreading Rubber Grinds

Spreading infill for artificial grass

Not all SYNLawn landscape products require the infill of rubber grinds. Only the polyethylene products like SYNTipede and SYNFescue need the added support of infill.

Spreading rubber grinds is best done by hand. It is not possible to use a drop spreader with rubber grinds as it is with most other infill materials. The rubber crumb is too big for most drop spreaders and has a tendency of clogging the spreader. However, due to its characteristics it is much easier to disperse once it is on the turf.

To get started, fill your wheelbarrow with the rubber crumb material. Position the wheelbarrow in a needed area, reach in with both hands and grab as much as you can carry. Simply throw the rubber crumb onto the turf until you have the entire area filled. You will want enough infill material to fill in between the fibers without completely covering the tips of the fiber. It is all right if some areas have more infill than others at this point of the process. You will be brushing the infill in with a power broom or stiff bristle broom to even out the rubber grinds.

  • From a loaded wheelbarrow, reach in with both hands and apply the rubber grinds.
  • Continue applying the rubber grinds until the area is filled.

Using Drop Spreader

Using a drop spreader for infill on artificial grass

Not all SYNLawn landscape products require the infill of sand into the fibers. It is mostly used with the polyethylene products like SYNTipede and SYNFescue. However, some people prefer a small quantity of sand in the nylon products to add ballast.

The drop spreader is used to evenly disperse sand infill into the turf fibers. Unlike rubber grinds, it is important that you apply a measured amount of sand with each pass of the spreader. Take every possible step to ensure that you keep a consistent flow of sand as you walk behind the spreader.

Fill your drop spreader with sand and start at one corner of your lawn. Like spreading fertilizer on natural grass, walk behind the spreader at a steady pace dropping a measured amount around the perimeter a couple of times. You can either continue walking in a circle until you reach the middle or start spreading using up and down passes. The key is to spread the sand as evenly as possible. It usually takes 2-3 passes with the spreader to completely fill the turf with sand.

  • Walk behind spreader at a steady pace dropping an even amount with each pass.

Brooming Rubber Grinds

Brooming rubber grinds into artificial turf fibers

Brooming the rubber grinds is a required step to work the infill down into the fibers of the turf. It also helps disperse the infill and even out the high spots created during the application of the rubber grinds.

Using a stiff bristle broom, use short brisk strokes against the grain to work the rubber down into the fibers and to the backing material. Continue brooming until the blades are standing up and you have an even layer of rubber.

  • Use short brisk strokes to work the rubber into the fibers.
  • Continue brooming until the blades are standing upright.

Brooming Sand Infill

Brooming sand into artificial turf fibers

Brooming sand infill into the turf fibers is a necessary final step in the installation process. You must work the sand down into the turf to give the fibers added support and to stand upright.

After the sand is spread using a drop spreader, use a stiff bristle broom to brush in the sand infill. Use short brisk strokes against the grain to work the sand down into the fibers and to the backing material. Continue brushing the sand until the blades are standing up and you see no visible sand on the surface.

  • Use short brisk strokes to work the sand down into the fibers.
  • Continue brooming until the blades are standing up with no visible sand.

Finish Brooming

Finish brooming sand into artificial turf fibers

As a finishing touch, you will want to make one final pass over the turf fibers with your broom. This is the time where you add sand where necessary and finalize its appearance.

After you have made one pass with your broom working the sand into the fibers, you need to go over the turf one final time. Look closely at all areas and add sand with a drop spreader where it is needed. Work in those areas with your broom. Then start from one end making smooth strokes against the grain over the entire area. This finishes the installation off and gives the lawn a natural appearance. From time to time you will want to replenish the infill where needed and finish broom the area to maintain the appearance of your lawn.

  • Add sand where needed and use smooth strokes against the grain.
  • Use this technique to maintain the appearance of your lawn.

Power Brooming Infill

Using power broom on artificial grass infill

Using a power broom to work the infill down into the fibers is a quicker, more efficient method. Not only does it speed the process along, it helps disperse both sand and rubber evenly throughout the lawn. It also defibrillates or breaks up the polyethylene fibers to create various blade widths for a more natural appearance.

Make sure you are facing the turf against the grain and start brooming from the top edge moving side to side. Apply slight downward pressure on the power broom as you move along. Others in the installation area should stay clear of the power broom as you move over the infill. As they could run the risk of getting hit with flying debris and sand. It is important to keep the broom moving, do not stay in one place too long as you could damage the turf fibers and/or remove too much infill. Continue brooming until all of the infill has been worked down into the fibers and the blades are standing upright. Take your time and be sure to work heavily infilled areas until they are evenly dispersed.

  • Apply downward pressure as you move the power broom side to side.
  • Keep the broom moving at all times as to not remove too much infill.
  • Work heavy areas until the infill is evenly dispersed.

Wetting Down Turf

Wetting down artificial turf fibers

The final step of the infill process is wetting down the turf with a garden hose. This helps drop the infill material down into the fibers and to the base. It also helps clean excess dust and debris left behind during the infill process.

Simply hose down the area side to side with your garden hose. Make sure to wet down the entire area to ensure all infill materials are settled. Repeat as often as necessary.

  • Spray entire area making sure all infill material is settled.
  • Helps remove dust and debris left behind.