Installation
ExoStem™ Hybrid Turf Installation Guide
Professional installation is key to maximizing the performance and longevity of ExoStem hybrid turf. When you follow these steps and apply your turfgrass expertise, you’ll create a durable support system for grass in areas prone to wear—delivering lasting results for your clients.
Before You Begin
ExoStem installs similarly to a flexible turf mat but is designed to remain in place long-term as grass growth through it. Proper ground preparation and anchoring are critical to initial performance.
Install Only Where Wear Occurs
ExoStem is designed to reinforce specific high-wear areas not necessarily entire lawns. Focus installation on zones subject to repeated foot traffic, mower turns, or service routes to maintain natural appearance and control costs for your clients.
1. Site Preparation
- Bare Soil is Best:
For optimal results, prepare the ground by removing existing grass, weeds, and debris. Take the area down to bare, seeded soil. The surface should be level, with no valleys or depressions where water can pool. ExoStem will conform to the ground’s contour, so a smooth base ensures a professional finish.
Bare soil allows direct contact between seed, soil, and moisture, ensuring grass can establish and grow up through the ExoStem canopy without obstruction. - Existing Grass Considerations:
If some grass remains, expect the hybrid turf to contour over clumps, creating a wavy appearance at first. Grass will eventually grow through the perforations, but until it does, the surface may not appear perfectly smooth.
2. Material Conditioning
Set Out Before Installing:
Unroll ExoStem outside for at least 30 minutes prior to installation. This allows the material to acclimate to ambient temperature, making it easier to handle and ensuring it lays flat.
3. Ideal Installation Conditions
Choose the Right Day:
Install ExoStem on warm, sunny days for best results. The product settles and stretches more easily in favorable outdoor conditions, helping you achieve a smooth, professional look. When installing in cooler climates or cooler seasons, aim for the warmest day of the week. ExoStem is a polyethylene product which means that it will expand and contract through extreme changes in temperature. This is normal and minimal.
4. Rolling Out and Positioning
- Lay Out Like Carpet:
Unroll ExoStem over the prepared area, stretching it in one direction with a hard rake to ensure it lays flat. Cut to fit curves, edges, and landscape features using standard scissors or shears. ExoStem CFT does want to stretch in the width as well. Be sure to stretch this product uniformly along the length. - Align for Uniformity:
When using multiple rolls, always unroll and install in the same direction to align the natural bias of the artificial blades. - Steep Inclines:
For steep hills or embankments, install ExoStem vertically—running the turf up and down the slope. Vertical installation provides greater resistance to sliding and shifting, especially during heavy rain or irrigation. Anchor securely along all edges and seams, and trench or bury exposed edges into the soil to prevent lifting and ensure safety. ExoStem is not intended to be, nor tested to be, an erosion product. For erosion challenges we recommend our InstaTurf solution. - Slight Slopes:
On gentle slopes, horizontal installation is recommended. Lay ExoStem parallel to the contour of the hill, stretching the turf like a carpet to ensure it lays flat and conforms to the ground. This approach helps maintain a smooth appearance and supports effective anchoring.
5. Anchoring and Trenching Edges
- Secure the Turf:
Use biodegradable anchors to secure ExoStem along all edges and seams, spacing them every 12–18 inches. For added safety and a polished finish, “trench” or bury exposed edges into the soil. This prevents edges from flipping up, eliminates tripping hazards, and gives the project a clean, professional look. - Stretch and Flatten:
Gently stretch the turf as you anchor, working in the direction of installation to eliminate humps and ensure a flat, even surface.
Hybrid Turf Solutions for Other Problem Areas
ExoStem is one solution within the GrassWorx hybrid turf family.
For areas that are designed for heavy dog traffic, we have Natura hybrid dog turf. Natura is designed specifically for dog yards, with a design that both stands up to heavy paw traffic and also can better-resist tearing due to claws.
We offer InstaTurf for those high-water-flow-erosion areas. InstaTurf is specially designed to keep the soil and silt in place in the face of water flowing at XX/ft second. It is perfect for channels and along pond banks.
Traffic Considerations
ExoStem is engineered for foot traffic, mower traffic, and light wheeled use. Areas subject to frequent passenger vehicles or heavy equipment may require additional structural reinforcement beneath the turf. Contact GrassWorx for guidance when vehicle traffic is anticipated.
By following these installation steps and leveraging your turfgrass expertise, you’ll create a long-lasting, resilient support system for grass even in the most challenging, high-traffic areas. For advanced installation guides, CAD files, or technical support, contact our team or visit our resources page.
Suggested Tools:
- Rubber mallet
- Hard rake
- Shears or scissors
Installation Timing:
Crews quickly learn the ExoStem installation process. After the ground is properly prepared, a crew can expect to install 200–300 square feet per hour. Most teams find that after their first installation; the process becomes even more efficient.
Talk to a Hybrid Turf Specialist
We can help guide you based on the wear challenges you face. Contact us via this form and we’ll set up a time to explain this alternative solution to replacing grass and the specifically engineered solutions that are available to protect your hard work.
If your inquiry is for your own home, we recommend you visit our consumer product sites:
natura-turf.com
dura-grass.com