In 1964, artificial turf grass, invented and patented by Monsanto, made its first appearance at a high school in Providence, Rhode Island. Initially known as ChemGrass, it was later rebranded as AstroTurf after replacing a burned-out natural grass field in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Other manufacturers eventually introduced their own products, and today, you can find artificial turf in professional, college, and high school stadiums across the country.
Artificial turf grass didn't become a viable option for homeowners until more refined, decorative versions became available in the 1990s. While it hasn't gone viral, its popularity is on the rise. According to The New York Times, there has been a 15 percent increase in artificial turf installations since 2017.
Some people believe that modern versions of artificial turf look more realistic than they used to. One landscaper in Marin County, California, claimed it took him two years to discover that a neighboring lawn, impressively green and well-manicured, was artificial. A friend of mine in nearby Santa Cruz County installed artificial turf in a part of her yard that was too shaded by redwoods to support natural grass. After 10 years, it still looks great.
If you're interested in installing an artificial lawn, it's important to research the pros and cons, as there are plenty of both. Once you've done your research and are ready to proceed, the following tips can help you achieve the best low-maintenance realism that artificial turf has to offer.
Choose Turf and Infill Based on the Expected Use
Artificial turf is made of nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene. Nylon is the softest and most realistic but also the least durable. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is durable but less realistic. Polyethylene strikes a good balance and is the best choice if you have pets, as it's easy to clean and deodorize.
Pile height is another important consideration. For high-traffic areas, a pile height of two to three inches is best, as it increases durability and comfort for walking and playing. A shorter pile height, ranging from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches, is easier to maintain and is a better choice for low-traffic areas such as courtyards and apartment balconies.
Infill is the material you spread on the turf immediately after installation to hold it down and help mitigate the heat retention of the plastic grass blades.
Crumb rubber, made from recycled car tires, is one of the most common infills. However, it's lightweight, doesn't hold up well in high winds, and can amplify the synthetic odors of the turf. Additionally, it raises environmental concerns as recycled car rubber contains toxic chemicals that can leach into the ground.
Acrylic coated sand and silica sand are safer infill choices. Zeolite, which is also eco-friendly, is a fourth option with deodorizing properties that can benefit households with pets.
Kill Existing Grass Safely
If you're replacing a lawn that has turned brown or has been struggling for years, it's essential to ensure the entire lawn is dead before covering it with porous turf. The safest method is solarization, which involves covering the area with black plastic and letting the sun bake the grass and any remaining weeds to death. This process takes a few months.
Alternatively, you can dig out the old grass. You'll need to remove at least four inches of topsoil to ensure you get all the roots, which is a significant amount of soil, so be prepared for disposal.
Prepare a Solid Substrate
While it's possible to install artificial turf directly on the ground, it won't resemble a lawn because all the small bumps and depressions will be visible and distracting. Professionals recommend installing a four-inch base of class-2 road base rock or a similar material and compacting it to create a solid surface.
It's a good idea to follow this with a 1/2- to one-inch layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite to provide a smooth underlay for the turf. If you don't want to dig that deep, a one-inch layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite is a minimum requirement for stability, comfort, and proper drainage.
As you proceed, grade (flatten and level) the underlay. Flat areas of your new artificial turf lawn must have a minimum slope of 1/4-inch per foot toward a runoff point to prevent water from collecting under the turf and degrading it.
Keep the Blade Direction Uniform
Artificial turf, similar to carpeting, comes in heavy rolls that are challenging for one person to manage. You'll need help to carry and position them. Once you place a roll in the general installation area, leave it in the sun for about an hour before unrolling it; it will be more pliable and lay out flatter.
When you have to place two sections of turf side by side to cover a wide area, make sure the blades of both pieces lay in the same direction. If they're facing opposite directions, your new lawn will look like a patchwork rather than a continuous whole.
Cut Edges Slightly Long
When you lay out the turf, you'll need to trim the edges, much like trimming carpeting around the perimeter of a room. Professionals recommend using a sharp utility knife for this, and always cut from the back.
Leave a few extra inches on the edges so that you have something to tuck under borders or against walkways. If you leave too much, you can always cut more as a final step, but if you leave too little, you may end up with hard-to-hide gaps.
Secure the edges with landscape staples or landscape nails. You can use a carpet installer's knee-kicker to stretch the turf and keep it free of wrinkles and loose areas.
Spread Infill and Brush It In
Using a drop spreader, apply the infill material of your choice in the quantity recommended by the turf manufacturer. Afterward, brush it into the turf with a hard-bristle push broom, following the same direction as the blades so that the blades pop up and stand out.
Artificial Turf Costs
Polypropylene turf costs between $1.90 and $6.75 per square foot, while polyethylene costs between $2.55 and $3.85. Nylon, which is the softest but least durable option, costs between $5.05 and $5.85.
If you have the turf professionally installed, expect to pay between $5.50 and $18.75 per square foot for labor and materials. Manufacturers offer material warranties ranging from five to 15 years, regardless of who does the installation, and installers typically provide their own warranties to cover workmanship.
You can save a significant amount of money by doing your own installation. However, keep in mind that it's a challenging DIY project that involves hauling dirt, renting equipment (such as a plate compactor), and substantial physical labor. If you have pets, check out these artificial turf grass pads for dogs.