Removing artificial turf isn’t an easy job, but it can be done if you have the time and tools required.
In this guide we’ll be walking you through the steps required to remove artificial turf safely and responsibly.
How to Remove Turf
1 – Remove the Stakes
If you have installed the artificial turf yourself, then you will have to remove the stakes from the ground. You can use a shovel or a pickaxe for this purpose. If you hired someone to install it for you, then ask them to remove the stakes before they leave.
2 – Remove the Artificial Grass from its Base
If your artificial turf is still stuck on its base, then use a flat shovel to lift it up and place it on top of some plastic sheets or tarps that are placed on the ground.
Use another tarp or sheet to cover it and protect it from dirt and debris while you are removing the rest of it.
3 – Remove Other Materials Underneath The Artificial Grass
You will find wooden boards or crushed rocks underneath your artificial turf, which were used as a base for installing it in your yard or garden.
This base needs to be removed as well so that you can get rid of all materials that were used in installing your fake grass earlier.
You can either throw these materials away or store them until you decide what to do with them later on.
It is best if you store them in a garage or shed so that they don’t get wet when it rains and also so that they don’t attract insects like termites and ants in your home.
4 – Remove the Artificial Grass from its Base
Once you have removed all the materials that were used in installing your artificial turf, you can now remove it from its base.
You can use a flat shovel to lift it up and place it on top of some plastic sheets or tarps that are placed on the ground.
Use another tarp or sheet to cover it and protect it from dirt and debris while you are removing the rest of it.
5 – Remove Any Stakes Left Behind by Artificial Grass Installers
If you hired someone to install your artificial turf for you, then ask them to remove any stakes left behind by them when they leave.
If they don’t do this themselves, then you will have to remove these stakes yourself as part of removing fake grass completely from your yard or garden.
You can use a pickaxe or a shovel for this purpose but be careful not to damage other parts of your lawn when doing so.
In case there are metal bars or stones underneath these stakes, then make sure that they are removed as well so that they don’t cause any damage in the future once artificial turf has been removed completely from its original position.
6 – Clean Up The Area Where Your Artificial Grass Was Installed Earlier
Once all the materials have been removed, clean up the area where your artificial grass was installed earlier with a rake so that there is no leftover dirt or debris on the ground after removal of fake grass has been completed successfully.
General Tips When Removing Turf
- Wear goggles and gloves
- Keep children and pets away from the area where you are removing the turf
- Wear protective clothing and personal safety equipment such as long sleeves, pants, shoes, socks and gloves when removing artificial turf. You will be dealing with sharp blades that could accidentally cut you.
- Remove the turf by cutting it off with a sharp knife or shears, not by pulling it up. This will help prevent the turf from tearing.
- If possible, place a tarp under the area where you are removing the turf to catch any debris that may fall out of the hole. The tarp can then be disposed of with your trash. Tossing debris into your compost pile is also an option.
- Do not dump artificial turf in your garbage can or recycling bin. Take it to a disposal site near you: http://www.earth911.org/recycling-near/search/all/rubber+turf/.
- These sites will accept artificial turf free of charge for recycling purposes only, so check their website for instructions on how to properly dispose of your turf.
- You can also search for local businesses that recycle rubber products on Earth 911’s website (http://www.earth911.org).
- Do not throw the turf into a waterway or storm drain.
- If you have synthetic grass, it can be recycled through a variety of companies that specialize in this service. Search for “synthetic grass recycling” on Google to find a company near you.