ExoStem

1. Use provided 4” biodegradable anchors. We vehemently oppose the use of metal staples as they can harm people and animals.
2. Prepare seedbed. Prepare a smooth seedbed on the soil surface and eliminate any existing rills, soil clods, sticks or rocks larger than 2-inches in diameter. Any soil used to fill rills or low spots mustbe adequately compacted before seedbed preparation.

3. Apply seed and fertilizer. Apply seed, fertilizer and other amendments at the specified rates.

4. Position and anchor leading edge of hybrid turf roll along a fence line or edge with one of the following acceptable methods:
   
   4.1. Covered Anchor Trench Construct a 3-inch deep anchor trench under the leading edge. Position the leading edges of the hybrid turf in the bottom of the trench. Position adjacent rolls so they overlap (ExoStem ACV product has a seamed long edge for this purpose). Anchor edges of all mats into bottom of trench on 18-inch centers for ACV and 8-inch centers for CFT product. Backfill trench, compact soil and apply additional seed to compacted soil surface.

4.2. No Trench Anchoring Where trenching is not practical or desired secure the leading edge of the hybrid turf with anchors. Position the leading edges of the hybrid turf with the topside (simulated turf surface) facing up. Position adjacent rolls so they overlap (ExoStem ACV product has a seamed long edge for this purpose). Anchor edges of all mats into bottom of trench on 18-inch centers for ACV and 8-inch centers for CFT product.

5. Seam adjacent rolls Unroll material, slightly stretch and relax mat to remove any wrinkles. Let unrolled mats rest in sunlight for a recommended 30 minutes to normalize surface temperature before anchoring. Overlap roll edges by placing full-turf roll edges on top of adjacent rolls. If necessary, simply step on overlaps to flatten edges together.

6. Anchor mat to soil. 
   Starting at the lead edge and working along the long edge, fasten hybrid turf with a row of anchors spaced 18-inches apart for ACV product and 8-inches apart for CFT product across the turf width, and the same along the the turf length, making sure all overlaps and factory pre-fabricated seams are secured.

7. Seam consecutive roll ends Overlap consecutive roll ends and securely fasten leading edge of new rolls and through the end edge of the previous roll with a row of anchors , by installing a single row of anchors spaced18-inches apart for ACV product and 8-inches apart for CFT product

Additional Tips for Fast & Effective Installation

• Stretch hybrid turf like a carpet, with a hard rake along the long edge to reduce immediate waves and wrinkles.
• Be careful in stretching the width of ExoStem CFT, you will want to stretch the width uniformly all along the full length. We recommend stretching the width no more that 3-inches as it will want to return to the produced-width in extreme heat. If you stretch the width more, anchor every 6-inches instead of 8-inches to reduce the contraction.
• If there are areas where some wrinkles remain, additional anchors may be necessary to ensure good hybrid turf-to-soil contact.
• Use a heavy duty utility knife or commercial-grade shears to cut material as necessary.