Below is a list of all the tools you’ll need to install artificial turf on a budget, and some extras for good measure.

Essential Tools for Installing Turf

Shovel – Before you can install artificial turf, you first need to remove your existing lawn. Start by digging up the top 2-4 inches of soil. Using a shovel and pickaxe is the most economical way to remove your existing lawn. But it is time-consuming. So if you have access to a compact trailer we recommend using that. If not, get digging!

Wheelbarrow – You can use a wheelbarrow to transport freshly dug soil out of your yard.

Box cutter – You can use a simple box cutter to fit your new lawn to the shape of your yard. All cuts should be made from the back of your turf so you can see the stitch rows.

Turf paint – Repurposed sports turf often comes with lines and marking. But don’t worry! These are easy to fix. Using green paint you can easily cover up any unwanted lines or markings

Hammer – You’ll need something to secure your turf turf to your base. We recommend using a hammer or mallet to add nails every few inches around the perimeter of your artificial grass. 

40-D turf nails – When securing your turf to your base, we recommend using 40-D 5 inch non-galvanized turf nails. 

Drop spreader – This allows you to evenly disperse the proper amount of infill across the entirety of your lawn. Note: many of our repurposed lawns come with infill in them, so you may not need to add any.

Push broom – A push broom is essential to After spreading your infill with a drop spreader, use a stiff bristled broom to brush the infill into the turf. This will stand the blades up straight and give your new lawn the appearance of freshly mowed grass. Alternatively, you can use a power broom if it’s available to you.

Optional Tools for Installing Synthetic Grass

Pickaxe – A pickaxe can be helpful for removing stumps and stones when tearing up your old lawn.

Dump trailer – When removing your existing lawn and base, soil can build up quickly! For that reason, we recommend having a dump trailer on sight, if possible. This will greatly help with getting rid of your existing lawn, which needs to be disposed of according to local regulations. 

Class II road base – We recommend using class ii road base to create a level base with proper drainage. Alternatively, you can smooth and wet your existing soil for your base.

Seam tape – If you’re working with multiple rolls of turf, you can use seam tape to secure different pieces together. 

Spackle – If you choose to secure your turf with seam tape and glue, you can use spackle to spread the glue. 

Infill – Infill is the gritty, sand-like material that keeps your artificial turf standing straight. It can consist of a number of materials, including silica sand, volcanic ash, rubber crumb, and more!

Gopher wire – By laying a mesh covering under your turf, you can prevent gophers from digging up your new lawn.

Weed barrier fabric – You may want to add a weed barrier to prevent vegetation from sprouting through your new lawn. Weed barrier is NOT recommended if you have pets.

The Secret Ingredient to a Great Installation

All the tools in the world aren’t worth much if you’re not working with quality turf. 

AGR purchases used sports fields that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Our team buys the best quality artificial grass fields and then resells them at a considerable discount. 

Because it’s sports turf, this product is designed to withstand the sharpest cleats and toughest tackles! So it should have no problem standing up to the challenges of everyday use.