Artificial turf can be cut incorrectly very easily, and fixing the resulting problems can be much more difficult and expensive.
For cutting artificial grass properly, you’ll need safety equipment, measuring instruments, and sharp tools. Working with a professional can reduce waste, speed up installation, and save money.
Here are some effective methods for cutting artificial grass:
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Artificial turf is very durable, but it shouldn’t be difficult to cut if you use the right tools. You can use the following tools to trim extra turf or cut around obstacles like trees, posts, and corners:
- Heavy-duty scissors
- Carpet knife
- Shears
- Snips
- X-Acto knife
- Utility knife
These tools are great for precise grass cutting. How sharp are your tools? To get a clean cut, it’s important to keep the blade sharp. If you haven’t used the tool in a while, consider sharpening it.
A dull blade can damage the turf and increase installation time. Sometimes, sharpening an old blade may not be effective, so it’s better to replace it.
Always wear gloves when cutting artificial turf to protect your hands from cuts.
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What Should You Do Before Cutting the Turf?
Proper preparation is key to reducing turf waste, hiding seams, and avoiding unnecessary costs.
Trim the back of the backing: The turf roll usually has some extra backing that extends beyond the grass. This excess is called the selvedge. If you don’t remove this, you might get a “mohawk” effect, where the grass blades on each piece bunch together, creating a dense, uneven line. To prevent this, trim the roll about 3 stitches beyond the selvedge.
Measure Your Design
To avoid wasting material and make the grass look as natural as possible, measure your design carefully. Measure all elements like stones, corners, and edges at least twice.
1. How to Cut Straight Lines
Cutting straight lines will help your artificial turf look more natural and make it easier to connect the pieces, especially around 90-degree angles.
2. How to Cut an S-Seam
If you need to join two pieces of synthetic turf, use a framing tool to create an S-seam. This method is called a “serpentine” seam. Professionals use this tool, and you can rent or buy it from home improvement stores.
Follow the instructions on the tool to cut the S-seam using a sharp blade. Repeat the process for the second piece of turf.
3. How to Cut to the Edge
If your synthetic grass will be next to a patio, garden feature, or other outdoor elements, you’ll need to cut it to the edge.
- Lay the turf down to the edge
- Hold the knife in one hand
- Use your other hand to pull back the turf
- Cut in small segments
- Keep pulling the excess turf back as you cut
4. How to Cut Around a Tree
Trees and other items can be obstacles when installing artificial grass. Here’s what to do:
- Cut a straight line from the edge of the turf to the trunk
- Make an “X” shape at the trunk
- Slide the turf into place
- Carefully cut a circle around the trunk
- Use seam tape to keep the seams together
5. How to Cut a Golf Hole in Synthetic Grass
Golf courses can be the most challenging when installing artificial grass due to their variety of shapes.
Cutting a hole may seem tricky, but with the right technique, you can cut a perfect hole without damaging the turf. S-seams are better than straight cuts but can be harder to do. They require special tools and professional installation. If you want seamless results, consider hiring a professional for the job.
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