Woman Uses Home Depot Artificial Turf For A Backyard Makeover With An Impressive DIY

Do you love the look of a lush green lawn but dread the constant mowing, fertilizing, and weeding it requires? Artificial turf may be your best solution. When it was time for a backyard makeover, popular DIYer Cara Newhart used several rolls of the synthetic material to totally transform her overgrown lawn into a much lower maintenance space. After painstakingly preparing the ground, Newhart spray painted the area she wanted to cover, added a compacted base layer, and carefully positioned large rolls of artificial turf before securing them into place with long landscaping nails that practically disappeared beneath the plastic blades of grass. 

Artificial turf is one of the best alternatives to grass because it provides a consistent look year-round. That said, it's environmental impact is hotly debated. Some are concerned that the plastic material gets uncomfortably hot, provides no nutritional value to insects or other wildlife, and harms the natural soil biome underneath it. Others argue that while these impacts are real, artificial turf requires no mowing or watering, which helps to conserve fossil fuels and other finite natural resources. 

Before embarking on this DIY in your own backyard, these issues deserve careful consideration. But there's no question that replacing your lawn with turf reduces the impact of the harmful herbicide applications needed for real grass. It's also more cost effective long-term. Plus, when you pair it with attractive hardscaping, outdoor furniture, and a few real plants like Newhart did, improving your outdoor space with artificial turf can inspire you to spend more time enjoying and appreciating the natural world around you.

Installing artificial turf requires serious prep work. To save money, Cara Newhart tilled her backyard before removing all of the roots herself. Next, she used wooden stakes and spray paint to outline the area where she wanted her turf, trimming it with no-dig landscape edging before installing a weed barrier. Then, she spent around $250 on stone dirt that was delivered, compacted, and flattened by pros. 

The next task was transporting, unloading, and positioning the giant rolls of Lifeproof with Petproof Technology Premium Green Grass Turf. Newhart spent just over $1200 to cover 352 square feet with the hypoallergenic and water-repellent material. She secured it to the ground by driving 6-inch galvanized spiral landscape spike nails throughout the turf and seam staples along adjoining rolls. If you're thinking about ditching your grass for lawn alternatives you don't have to mow, the pet-friendly choice is just one artificial turf option you'll find at Home Depot. The home improvement warehouse also sells smooth putting green products that are great if you're working on your golf game and heavy-duty sports turf that may be worth considering for high-traffic areas. While some products are only available in pre-cut dimensions, others can be cut to size. 

No matter which turf you choose, any excess is easy to cut. Newhart used a pair of kitchen scissors, but a sharp utility knife would also do the trick. Her final step was sprinkling a generous layer of Envirofill Artificial Grass Infill over the newly turfed backyard to weigh it down. She used six 25-pound buckets, which are $24 each at Home Depot. The infill product is made from naturally occurring quartz sand coated in an antimicrobial layer that prevents bacteria and mold growth. 

Despite its lush green appearance, artificial turf can quickly announce itself as a fake plastic addition to your backyard. To avoid that, Cara Newhart incorporated several hardscaping elements that softened the look considerably. Along with repurposing painted bricks around the edges, she extended the low-maintenance vibes nearby by laying a slate paver path surrounded with pea gravel. While you could opt for manufactured materials instead, the textural variations in natural stone adds a timeless, naturalistic feel. You could also line the edges with ornamental grasses or dark mulch.

If you're still worried about artificial turf standing out in all the wrong ways, adding the right outdoor furniture and decor can also completely change the look of this DIY backyard makeover material. Newhart added cream-colored poufs, jute rugs, and wooden coffee tables that turned her artificial turf into the backdrop instead of the main attraction. These ideas are easy to replicate, but you could also incorporate raised beds, potted plants, or water features.

Last but not least, it's important to maintain your artificial turf for year-round enjoyment. Although you won't ever need to mow it, the synthetic material benefits from regular cleaning. Start by removing any debris with a blower or stiff brush. A gentle-but-regular rinse will help with your pet's favorite spots, but consider also using an enzymatic cleaner based on the turf manufacturer's recommendations. Keep an eye out for any weeds or grass creeping through edges or seams, removing them promptly to avoid lumps in your turf. And, check regularly for drainage issues after heavy storms to avoid mold or mildew issues.