How to Use AstroTurf in Your Neighborhood Yard

Determine the best area to locate your stretch of AstroTurf. Select a slightly sloped area to encourage runoff. Avoid installing this artificial turf in areas subject to frequent flooding. When using this in your neighborhood yard, consider the amount of foot and pet traffic, as well as the surrounding structures. Certain varieties, such as AstroPlay and Astro Grass, look more natural and withstand heavy traffic.

Mark off the selected site with a spray can of marking paint. Remove the sod within your chosen site with a sod cutter, extracting the root portion about 2 to 3 inches below the surface of the soil.

Tamp the surface of your exposed soil with a vibrating plate compactor. Treat the soil with an herbicide and cover it with a layer of weed barrier fabric.

Pour a 1- to 3-inch layer of fine rock aggregate over the surface of the compacted soil. Use an aggregate mix with rock particles around ¼ inch in diameter, to avoid bumps and dips. Tamp the aggregate in place with the vibrating plate compactor.

Spread a fine layer of sand over the top of your gravel, using a seed drop spreader. Create a depth of about 1/8 inch over the surface. Fill in any depressions with a little more gravel and sand.

Roll your AstroTurf out on top of your prepared site. Cut off the excess amount that extends beyond the edges of your site, using a utility knife. If your roll of AstroTurf measures smaller than the site, seam together two pieces, using carpet glue and seaming tape. Lay a strip of seaming tape where the two edges meet. Apply the carpet glue to the length of tape. Lay the adjoining edges together, centering the seam along the middle of your tape. Pres firmly to ensure a tight bond.

Spread a layer of artificial lawn infill over the surface of your AstroTurf, using your drop seed spreader. Create a layer deep enough to expose just the top 5/8 inch of your artificial grass blades. This product helps weigh down the turf and stabilizes the fibers.