How to Cut Artificial Turf Around Trees, Pavers, Sprinklers and Utility Boxes

This guide is for DIYers and homeowners working out how the turf will meet the trees, stepping stones, sprinklers and boxes already in the yard. These details take far more time than open lawn and are where cuts look amateurish. You will be able to plan each obstacle before excavation and choose the right finishing method. For the overall sequence, see how to install artificial turf.

What is the best way to cut turf around curves and objects?

Always cut from the backing side. From the back you can see stitch rows and cut between them without slicing fibers. A sharp carpet knife with a fresh blade every 20 to 30 ft of cutting is the main tool.

1. Make a template for anything curved or irregular. Press cardboard or builder's paper around the object, trace it, and cut the template out.
2. Lay the turf in final position with grain correct, then slit it from the outer edge to the obstacle along a stitch row, in the direction least visible from the house. This "relief cut" lets the turf lie flat around the obstacle.
3. Flip the flap back, trace the template on the backing, and cut 1/4 inch oversize.
4. Lay it back and test-fit. Trim in small bites until the edge sits snug.
5. Seam the relief cut with tape and adhesive like any seam. See seaming.

How do you install turf around trees?

Trees raise two issues: the visual edge at the trunk, and the health of the roots under the turf.

At the trunk. Do not run turf tight to the bark. Trunks expand, roots flare, and turf against bark holds moisture against it, which can encourage rot. Leave a mulch or gravel ring of at least 12 inches from the trunk on young trees and 24 inches or more on mature ones, bordered with bender board or steel edging. See edging and borders.

Inside the drip line. The drip line is the outer edge of the canopy, and most of a tree's fine feeder roots sit in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil within and beyond it. Standard turf excavation removes 3 to 4 inches of soil and compacts the rest, which can cut and crush those roots.

Our rule for established trees:

• Inside the drip line: limit excavation to 1 to 2 inches (or build up rather than dig down), hand dig, do not cut roots larger than about 1 inch in diameter, and compact lightly.
• Major roots at the surface: route around them with a mulch bed rather than cutting them. Turf laid over surface roots shows as ridges anyway.
• Valuable or mature trees: consult a certified arborist before excavating within the drip line, especially for species sensitive to root disturbance.

Remember that the tree loses the irrigation the lawn used to get. Many lawn trees rely on that water. Plan drip irrigation to the tree's root zone before turf goes down.

How do you cut turf around stepping stones?

There are two good methods, depending on whether the stones are already set.

Turf first, stones on top (simplest). Install turf as a continuous sheet, then set stones on top. Stones must be thin (1 to 1.5 inches) and heavy, and they sit proud of the turf surface. This works for decorative stones, less well for paths with frequent traffic.

Stones set in the base, turf cut around (cleaner look). Set stones on the base so their tops sit about 1/2 to 3/4 inch above the base, which lets the turf fibers finish roughly flush. Lay turf over them, feel for each stone, cut an X from above over the center, then trim from the back using a template. Nail every 3 to 4 inches around each stone, 1 inch from the edge, because small cutouts lift easily.

How do you finish turf against pavers?

Pavers usually have straight edges, so cut along a straightedge from the back. Set the base so the turf backing sits about 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the paver surface, then tuck or nail as described in edging and borders. For pavers with spaced joints (a "checkerboard" or grass-joint pattern), narrow turf strips are cut and glued between pavers; this is slow and needs a firm base so strips do not sink.

What should you do with sprinkler heads under turf?

Turf needs no regular irrigation, so existing heads in the lawn area should be capped or converted before the base goes in. Leaving heads in place under turf means buried, hard-to-find leaks.

Capping a head correctly: dig down to the fitting, unscrew the head and riser, and screw a threaded PVC cap onto the fitting. Cap at least 2 inches below the bottom of the base so the cap is not crushed by the compactor. Turn the zone on briefly to check for leaks before backfilling. Mark the locations on your layout sketch.

Keeping a head for rinsing: set the body so its top sits flush with the compacted base. Cut an X in the turf above it, then trim a hole just larger than the pop-up nozzle. Some installers keep a few heads in dog areas for flushing. See removing pet waste for why regular rinsing matters.

How do you handle utility boxes, valves and drains?

Water meters, irrigation valve boxes, cleanouts, electrical pull boxes and drain grates must stay accessible. Utilities may need to read or service them, and you will need to reach valves.

• Do not cover lids with turf. Cut the turf to the outline of the box rim, leaving the lid fully exposed.
• Raise boxes if needed so the rim sits flush with the finished base, using a riser or extension ring.
• Nail every 3 inches around the box, about 1 inch from the cut edge.
• Leave drain grates open. Turf over an area drain blocks it. Cut around the grate and keep fibers from lying over it. More on this in fixing standing water.

Before excavation, call 811 so utility lines are marked, and locate your own private lines (irrigation, lighting, gas to a fire pit) which 811 does not mark.

How long do obstacles add to an install?

Our estimate per obstacle, for a competent DIYer working alone, including template, cut, fit and fastening:

Add these to the base timeline when planning, and allow extra turf; each obstacle cutout adds waste. Plan layout with the roll layout calculator so seams do not run through small cutouts.

Frequently asked questions

Will artificial turf kill my trees?

Not directly, but the installation can harm them if roots are cut or compacted inside the drip line, or if the tree loses the lawn irrigation it depended on. Keep excavation shallow near trees, leave a mulch ring at the trunk, and add drip irrigation. Turf also gets hotter than grass in sun; see turf too hot for shade benefits.

Can I lay turf over tree roots?

Over small fibrous roots, yes, with minimal excavation. Over large surface roots, it is better to create a mulch bed around them. Turf laid over thick roots shows as ridges and can be pushed up as roots grow. Cutting large roots to flatten the area can destabilize or weaken the tree.

What do I do about sprinkler heads in the middle of the lawn?

Cap them unless you want to keep them for rinsing. Unscrew each head, fit a threaded cap to the riser fitting, and set it at least 2 inches below the base. Leaving live heads buried under turf risks leaks that soften the base and cause dips. Shut off or reconfigure the zone at the valve.

How do you hide cuts around stones?

Cut from the back, slightly oversize, then trim in small steps so fibers on the turf edge lean over and just touch the stone. Brush fibers toward the stone after infill. A tight, evenly sized gap all the way around matters more than the exact shape. Nail closely so the edge stays tight.