Installing Artificial Grass on Dirt: Preparing the Area
If you're installing artificial turf over dirt, you'll start by preparing the area first. This includes removing the top three to four inches of soil to make room for the new base. Once this is done and the area is free of any weeds or other vegetation, you will need to plan for drainage. If the soil in your yard is already well drained, then you shouldn't do much. However, if your soil does not drain well, then you must install a drainage system before proceeding. The final step in preparing the area is to install a waterproof barrier and optional weed barrier. This will help protect the area from any nuisance weeds and will help prevent artificial grass from collapsing or separating.
After preparing the space for the artificial grass, the next step in the installation process is to install the base. Usually finely divided rock or gravel is used, but rubber shock pads and self-leveling compounds can also be used. Fill your area with three to four inches of base material to aid drainage and help prevent artificial grass from collapsing. Make sure to take the time to level and compact the base to ensure proper drainage. It's also a good idea to lay the artificial grass aside, so it has a chance to regain its shape after being shipped in rolls. This way, once your base is done, it's ready to install.