Written by Jennifer Noonan and Bob Vila | Updated 1:57 PM, June 29, 2021

Artificial grass made its debut in the Astro Dome in 1966-hence the name Astroturf-but it has come a long way since then. Artificial grass that was once only considered for professional sports fields is now a real choice for homeowners who want lush green lawns without maintenance, which can cause headaches.

Artificial grass does not require water or fertilizer, which makes it environmentally friendly and does not require mowing. Artificial turf can be used for up to 15 years in heavy traffic, and the only maintenance is if you have pets (for obvious reasons!) occasionally spray it with a garden hose.

The cost of professional installation ranges from $10 to $15 per square foot. However, if you like manual labor, laying turf that costs between US$2 and US$8 per square foot on an average-sized yard is a viable project.

Check out this tried and tested technique here to learn how to lay artificial grass!

Remove any turf you have. Use a shovel or lawn mower (available to rent at a home improvement store for about $100/day) to pull it up. If your neighbors or friends cannot use it, please dispose of the turf according to the organic waste removal rules of your community.

You will need a level base to lay artificial grass. Sprinkle about 1-½ inches of construction sand on the area to create a level surface, and use a landscape rake to evenly distribute it. Then, use a rammer or 2X2 plywood and rubber hammer to compact the sand until it is hard and level.

Set up a weed barrier to reduce the chance of weeds growing on the lawn. Unfold it to completely cover the area, allowing the edges to overlap a few inches at any seam, then trim it with a utility knife, and secure it in place with beautifying staples every three or four feet.

Artificial grass has a "texture", which means that it is not upright, but slightly bent at an angle. For the most natural look, unfold it so that the blade bends towards your home-make sure all parts are placed in the same direction.

If you use more than a roll of turf width, it is best to stagger the end seams so that they do not line up in a row: they are less conspicuous and wear better.

Trim any edges from the back with a utility knife, being careful not to cut any turf.

The width of artificial turf is usually 12 to 15 feet. If the space you cover is larger than the width of the roll, you need to connect the parts together.

To do this, use a utility knife (from the back, be careful not to cut the turf) to trim the edges of each part so that they meet without overlapping. Then roll these pieces back and place the seam tape under the seam.

Apply artificial turf adhesive to the seam tape, and fold the two turf sheets together, making sure that the seams are aligned and do not overlap.

Use a rubber hammer to nail the artificial grass with 7-inch lawn nails. Nails are spaced approximately every four feet. Before hammering in, carefully spread the turf blade outward and away from the bottom of the nail. After nailing, brush fluff around the nails to hide the position.

After installing all the turf, brush the entire lawn with a stiff broom to make the turf blades fluffy. If any sand is willful during installation, flush the lawn down to remove it.

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