SYNLawn — Artificial grass never looked more natural.

artificial grass never looked more natural

Turf Installation

Installing SYNLawn synthetic lawn grass

After successfully building your sub-base, you will be ready to install your SYNLawn synthetic grass. These videos will show the most common installation techniques for cutting, shaping and securing your new artificial lawn. Not all of these techniques will be necessary for your individual situation.

Rolling Out Turf

Rolling out artificial turf rolls

After you have measured and marked your sections, roll the turf over the base and cut each section. It is a good idea to leave a little extra length while you trim and position the turf. You will trim off the extra length once you have all the turf in position and are ready to cut the final shape.

Position turf along one side of the installation area. Roll the turf to the desired length and trim. You will want to make sure that you roll out the turf in the same direction each time. In other words, when you finish rolling out a section, pick up the roll and move it back to the side you originally started rolling. This will ensure that the grain is consistent across each section. Do not slide the roll over and roll it back in the opposite direction you started.

  • Pick one side of the installation area to start.
  • Roll the turf out from the same starting location each time.

Cutting Around Trees

Cutting synthetic grass around trees

The key to cutting turf around the base of a tree is planning and patience. You will want to make small, general cuts the get the turf to lie flat around the trunk of the tree without wrinkles. Do not try to remove large sections of the turf all at once.

With the turf in position, start by making a perpendicular cut from the base of the tree to one edge of the turf. Whenever possible work with an edge the shortest distance from the tree. Position one side of the edge on one side of the tree and work your way around the trunk. As you move around the tree and from the backside of the turf, cut slits in the turf to create smaller pieces. This allows you to position the turf without wrinkles. Continue positioning and cutting slits until you have the turf lying completely flat. As you bring the turf around make sure it lines up perfectly with the prior perpendicular cut without bubbles or wrinkles.

Once you have the turf wrapped around the tree and the seams lined up you are ready to make the final trim. If you are creating a shape like a circle around the tree, draw the shape in the fibers or use outdoor chalk. With trimming shears cut from the inside of the tree to your line in the turf. Use a loop pile cutter to cut the final shape. If you are butting the turf up to the base of the tree, use a slotted blade carpet knife to trim the small pieces away. Always cut from the back side of the turf to ensure a clean cut and to not accidentally cut off the fibers.

  • Work around the base of the tree making small cuts to position turf.
  • Continue making small slits until you can line up the seam perfectly.
  • Create shapes around the tree by using shears and loop pile cutter.
  • Cut perpendicular line from tree to outside edge and position turf.
  • Use trimming shears for clean up and detail cuts for shapes.

Cutting Around Rocks

Cutting artificial grass around rocks

Cutting around rocks or other odd-shapes requires many small cuts to position the turf properly. Be sure to plan each cut and only remove as much turf that is absolutely necessary. Take your time and don't try to remove large sections of turf all at once.

Start from one edge of the turf and make small slits as you work your way around the rock. You want keep the turf right up to the rock edge and get the turf to lay flat on the ground without wrinkles. Make as many small cuts as necessary to achieve this. Remove any excess turf and work with smaller pieces. It is much easier to maneuver without large pieces or turf flapping down hindering your movement.

When you have the turf in position around the rocks without wrinkles you are ready to make the final trim. Keep removing turf in smaller pieces until you make the final trim. Working down to the final trim in steps helps you achieve a clean cut without gaps. As you get to the final cuts try to work from the backside of the turf whenever possible. If you are unable to cut from the backside you can trim the turf from the top. However, you must work slowly and precisely. Cutting from the top side can remove too many of the fibers along the edge causing gaps or an uneven appearance.

  • Make small slits as you work around the rock.
  • Make general shape cuts as you move around the rock.
  • Cut from the back side of the turf whenever possible.
  • Take caution when cutting from top side to not remove too many fibers.

Cutting Against Wall

Cutting artificial turf against wall

When cutting along the side of a wall or similar structure, keep the turf snug up against the wall edge. Always try to cut from the backside of the turf whenever possible. If cutting from the top side use caution to not cut away too many fibers.

Position turf along wall edge and keep it taught the whole time you are trimming. Cut small slits to create narrow flaps along the edge. Using a sharp carpet knife, start trimming away the small flaps along the edge checking the position as you move. Working in smaller sections helps you maintain a clean, snug edge. When finished trimming use heavy-duty shears to clean up stray fibers or rough cuts.

  • Keep turf snug up against wall edge as you make cuts.
  • Use sharp slot bladed carpet knife to trim final edges.
  • Remove only small sections at a time to achieve clean edges.

Shaping Bordered Edges

Shaping artificial turf edges

Shaping the edges within a defined area or border is a simple process. By using the border as a guide you are able to achieve clean edges all along the defined area.

With the turf overlapping the bordered area make general shape cuts using the loop pile cutting tool. For easier cutting hold the handle at a slight angle as you push along the turf. You will want to have about 4-8 inches of overlap when you are done making the general shape.

Using heavy-duty trimming shears trim along the bordered edge using the concrete curbing or brick as a guide. Be sure to check your work every couple of feet as you trim. If necessary, use the trimming shears to clean up edges or excess fibers.

  • With turf overlapping the border, use loop pile cutter to make general shape cuts.
  • Use border edge as a guide and cut edge using heavy-duty trimming shears.
  • Check your work as you go to ensure a clean edge.
  • Make final detail cuts using the shears to remove excess fibers and backing.

Shaping Over Seams

Shaping artificial turf edges

Cutting shapes over seams takes extra care. Whenever possible get the help of another person while doing this task.

Define the shape in the turf or draw shape with chalk. Use the loop pile cutter at a slight angle and push along the defined shape. Slow down when approaching the seam and get help securing the turf as you cut over the seam. You want to make sure you do not disrupt the integrity of the seam by disturbing the seaming cloth or adhesive. Also, be sure to wait at least 4 hours after the seam has been set before attempting to cut your shape.

  • Get assistance securing the turf as you cut over the seam.

Shaping Curved Edges

Shaping rounded artificial grass edges

Cutting curved or circular edges is a fairly simple task with the right tool. Be sure to use a loop pile cutter to cut along the curved path. A loop pile cutter is usually available at local home improvement stores in the carpet or flooring section.

Define the curve(s) by drawing a line in the turf fibers or by using chalk. Use the loop pile cutter at a slight angle for easier cutting. Follow the path, use caution over seams and discard excess turf.

  • Create curved line in turf fibers or draw with chalk.
  • Keep loop pile cutter at slight angle for easier cutting.

Using Carpet Kicker

Using a carpet kicker on artificial turf

Before securing edges stretch the turf to remove wrinkles by using a carpet kicker. Carpet kickers can be found at most home improvement stores in the carpet or flooring sections.

Use from a kneeling position and place gripper end of carpet kicker down into the fibers. With a swift motion, kick the padded end with your knee. Continue stretching the turf around the entire area until all wrinkles are eliminated. Secure edges immediately with landscape staples or spikes around perimeter.

  • From a kneeling position place gripper into fibers and kick with your knee.
  • Stretch entire area and immediately secure with staples or spikes.

Stapling Edges

Stapling perimeter edges of artificial lawn grass

Using yard staples is a recommended method of securing the turf edges around the perimeter of the installation area. Yard staples are generally found at landscape nurseries or home improvement stores in the landscaping section.

Simply place staple approximately 1 inch from turf edge and tap in with a hammer. It is a good idea to start tapping in at an angle and straighten as you finish securing staple. This helps stretch the turf a little and creates a firm fit along the edge. Add staples every 6-8 inches along the perimeter. You may need to add staples inside the installation area if you have any slopes or trees. Use at your discretion.

  • Tap in staples at an angle and straighten to finish securing edge.
  • Add staples every 6-8 inches and use your discretion in other areas.

Nailing Edges

Nailing synthetic grass perimeter edges

Using yard nails or spikes is another recommended method of securing the turf edges around the perimeter of the installation area. It is important to use nails that are 6-8 inches in length and are galvanized for outdoor use. For this reason, yard spikes are better than landscape staples in humid climates or areas with a lot of precipitation.

Simply tap in nails along the perimeter every 6-8 inches. Before completely hammering in, it is a good idea to use a spare nail to clear the fibers from under the head of the nail. Once you have cleared the fibers finish tapping in the nail. You may need to add nails inside the installation area if you have any slopes or trees. Use at your discretion.

  • Tap in nails every 6-8 inches along the perimeter.
  • Use nails throughout the yard at your discretion.