How to Install an Artificial Lawn

So, you want to know how to lay artificial grass on dirt.

If you have an unsightly spot in the yard and want to cover it up, artificial grass provides a 

great low-maintenance solution.

It is clear to see why so many people are now very interested in laying an artificial lawn. 

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways of making any outdoor space more beautiful 

and also highly practical at the same time.

However, what if you are a little bit worried about how difficult it may be to install this grass 

at your home? Well, the good news is that it is a simple process that anyone can carry out in 

their garden without any major hassles.

How to Lay Artificial Grass On Dirt

In most cases, clearing the area is the most time-consuming element of the whole process.

Having said that, it isn’t some sort of terrible job that you will hate every second of.

In fact, it can be good fun and also pretty satisfying to clear out the existing turf in your garden 

and see how the work starts to take shape. To get going with this phase, you can dig out the 

existing turf using a space or turf cutter.

You will then want to dig out the existing soil to up to 2 and a half inches in depth. At this point, 

you need to bear in mind that your new artificial lawn will sit about half an inch above any edging 

that you have in place.

A Few Quick Tips

After this, you should look to carry out an important couple of jobs that will ensure you get a quality 

finish. The first of these tasks is to lay down a plastic membrane that will act to stop weeds from 

finding their way through.

You will be able to cut this membrane into the shape you need very easily. Once it is in place, you 

then need to add a small amount of sand, grit or crushed stone on top of it.

Just a thin base layer is needed but it will be enough to give you a solid and long-lasting base that 

will give your lawn the support it needs. This step is also necessary to make sure that you get the 

right level of drainage too.

These tips will help you understand how to lay artificial grass on dirt, so you can move forward with 

your project.

Make It Nice and Level

At this point, you need to make the ground nice and level. Even if it looks fairly level right now, it 

still pays to make the extra effort needed to be absolutely sure.

This is most easily done by adding a layer of sand on top of the base materials already in place. 

Just a centimeter of two of sand will make it a lot easier for you to get a smooth and level surface.

A piece of wood is all that you need in order to smooth and level the sand. With this done you are 

ready to move on to the next step safe in the knowledge that you have a great base to lay the carpet on.

On the other hand, if your garden is really bumpy then you may need to sort this out before you even 

start the process of adding your new turf.

Cut the Grass to Size

You now need to make sure that you have exactly the right size and shape of artificial grass by cutting it. 

This is another job that is a good deal easier than you might think, although you definitely want to take 

some time over it to get it right.

Before you do this, there is also the option of laying down a shock absorbing layer for a more comfortable 

and cushioned feel. Of course, if you are buying high quality artificial grass, then it will already be nicely 

cushioned and comfortable to walk on.

Having taken this option into consideration, you are now ready to cut the turf itself. You can start this by 

looking at the space you need to cover and working out how best to lay it down.

With a utility knife and spirit level you can make a professional job of this stage before moving to the best 

part of all. You should lay down the grass and make sure that it fits perfectly while you are cutting, to avoid 

the risk of making it too small in any part.

Lay the Artificial Turf

Now comes the most enjoyable part of the whole task. This is when you get to lay the new grass and see 

how it all looks fitted in place.

Be sure to push the grass into the corners snugly to get the perfect fit without any gaps. You should then 

nail it into place using nails every foot or so along the perimeter of the lawn.

You will want to use the right kind of adhesive in order to firmly secure the new turf where necessary. 

Just a thin layer of adhesive is usually fine, and this is usually most important in the parts when you have 

to make a join between two pieces of turf or where there is a steep slope to deal with.

Add Some Silica Sand

The final step in getting a beautiful artificial lawn is to sprinkle a thin layer of silica sand on top of it. You 

need to make sure that it is evenly spread and then brushed into the grass.

This will help to keep the grass firmly in place right from the very beginning. This means that it is now 

looking great and ready to use.

This last step isn’t absolutely essential but it is definitely recommended. To be fair, you are most likely 

to want to add silica sand for stability if you have kids or dogs that are going to be playing on it regularly.

Enjoy It

Now that you have a great artificial lawn laid in your garden it is time to enjoy it. This type of grass offers 

a fantastic place to play with the kids, to enjoy the sun or to do anything else that takes your fancy.

Without any worries about damaging the grass you can enjoy it in the way that best suits you from now on.