How to Install an Artificial Grass Lawn

Kill any existing vegetation on the site using herbicide or a non-chemical option. Dig out the top 3 to 4 inches of soil once the existing grass dies. Remove any rocks, sticks or other debris as you dig.

Install a hard barrier around the edge of the excavated portion of lawn, including against physical objects such as pools and walkways. Use a solid material such as brick, lumber or tile. Lay the barrier in a way so that the top of the material falls 1 to 2 inches below the level of the non-excavated ground.

Go over the lowered area with a lawn roller to gently compact the soil.

Pour crushed stone or decomposed granite into the excavated area, followed by a layer of crusher dust. Fill the area until the filler material comes up to within 1/2 inch of the original level of the soil.

Rake the filler material smooth. Go over the raked dust and stone with the filled lawn roller to smooth and compact the material.

Install a weed barrier over the filler material. Stake the barrier into the ground following the manufacturer's instructions.

Roll the artificial grass out over the lawn. Arrange the strips so that the grain runs in the same direction from strip to strip. Allow the artificial grass to rest for an hour after you roll it out.

Trim the artificial grass with a utility or carpet knife as necessary. Cut the grass as closely and accurately to borders as possible to avoid leaving a gap between the grass and the boundary line. Slice the edges of seams that connect to other seams cleanly and evenly.

Connect any seams using an indoor/outdoor carpet tape. Tape the grass on the underside of the strips and push the seams together as flush as possible.

Nail the artificial grass into the filler material using 6-inch galvanized nails, applied 1/2 inch from the edge of the lawn every 4 to 6 inches along the perimeter. Start at one edge of the yard and hammer in the entire edge, then pull the turf as tightly as possible and nail down the opposite side. Secure the other edges after two initial opposite edges are nailed into place.

Fluff up the flattened grass with a power broom.

Cover the grass with a fine, white kiln-fired sand such as #30 sandblasting sand. Apply 2 lbs. sand for every square foot of turf. Sweep the synthetic lawn with a soft-bristled push broom, moving against the grain of the grass, until the sand lays level throughout the area.