Artificial Grass Home Installation Guide Prepare the Base

• Remove 3 ½" of soil in the installation area.  A sod cutter can be used to remove existing grass.  Sod cutters are available at most equipment rental stores.  A square shovel can be used to remove additional soil from corners and edges. Make sure the base allows for proper drainage, a 1% grade should be sufficient.  Once the soil has been removed install any edging that you plan to use. 

• Slightly dampen the bare earth and compact it with a plate tamper.  If the bare earth is too wet or has a high clay concentration spread a thin layer of crushed stone over the entire surface before compacting. Only a couple passes are necessary in most cases.  Install a layer of weed barrier over the bare earth and trim as necessary, use sod staples to hold it in place. 

• Begin distributing the crushed stone and spread it evenly throughout the installation area.  Use the back of a bow rake in a back and forth motion to level off the crushed stone base.  Use the sod roller to even out the surface. Ensure that the crushed stone base allows for proper drainage as mentioned above.  The base material must be spread evenly across the entire installation area.

• Slightly dampen the crushed stone and begin making passes with the plate tamper.  Make as many passes as necessary to create a firm base.  Do not make sharp turns with the plate tamper; this will create ridges in the base.  High spots must be leveled off and low spots must be filled in and compacted.  Use the hand tamp to compact any areas that were not compacted by the plate tamper.  The smooth side of the trowel can be used to compact build up around the edges and corners. Your goal is to create a smooth and uniform base; the grass will not hide irregularities in the base.  A base that has been thoroughly compacted will not show a footprint when walked on.  Once the base is completed avoid any unnecessary foot traffic. Walk flat-footed on the base when it is necessary.  The final base should be 1 ½" below the top of the border. 
  
  •Step 2: Install the Grass
  
  •Step 3: Infill the Grass