Trimming is the most delicate step in installation. Learn how to avoid stitching and cut perfect edges and shapes.
Installing artificial turf transforms your outdoor space into a lush, low-maintenance haven—but the final result hinges on one crucial step: trimming. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, mastering how to cut artificial turf cleanly, accurately, and without damaging the grass fibers is key to achieving a seamless, professional-looking finish. A poorly trimmed lawn can lead to frayed edges, uneven seams, or wasted material, ruining the overall aesthetic and functionality. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cutting artificial grass—from choosing the right tools to nailing complex curves and fixing common mistakes—with expert tips from Turflory to ensure your installation goes smoothly.
Preparation before cutting: Choose appropriate tools (art knife and hook knife)
Before you start cutting, having the right tools is non-negotiable. Using dull or improper tools can tear the turf’s backing layer, fray grass fibers, or result in jagged edges that are hard to fit together. The two essential tools for trimming artificial turf are a sharp utility knife and a hook knife—each serving a specific purpose.
A utility knife (also known as a box cutter) is ideal for straight cuts, such as trimming along edges of patios, walkways, or rectangular sections of turf. Opt for a retractable utility knife with replaceable blades—dull blades require more pressure, increasing the risk of damaging the turf. For best results, use a new blade for each project to ensure clean, effortless cuts.
A hook knife (or turf knife) is designed for precision work, especially around curves, obstacles, or tight spaces. Its curved blade slides under the turf’s backing layer, allowing you to cut from the back without catching or cutting the grass fibers. This makes it perfect for fitting artificial turf around trees, flower beds, or irregularly shaped areas where a utility knife would be cumbersome.
In addition to these core tools, you’ll need a straightedge (such as a metal ruler or 2x4 board) to guide straight cuts, a measuring tape to mark dimensions accurately, and chalk or a non-permanent marker to draw cut lines. Avoid using scissors or shears—they crush the backing layer and fray fibers, leading to a messy finish. For more installation tips and tool recommendations, check out Turflory’s comprehensive installation guides.
The Golden Rule: Always cut from the back
When it comes to cutting artificial grass, there’s one rule you should never break: always cut from the back of the turf. The back (or backing layer) is the solid, woven surface that holds the grass fibers in place—cutting from this side protects the delicate fibers and ensures a clean, precise edge. Cutting from the front, by contrast, risks slicing through grass blades, resulting in a frayed, uneven edge that’s visible and prone to unraveling.
Why can this protect grass silk?
Artificial grass fibers (or “grass silk”) are tufted into the backing layer at specific angles to mimic natural grass. Cutting from the front exposes these fibers to the blade, which can snip them at random lengths or pull them out entirely. By cutting from the back, the blade only contacts the backing layer—leaving the grass fibers untouched and intact. This preserves the turf’s lush, natural appearance and prevents premature wear along the cut edges. Turflory’s residential turf features a durable, woven backing layer that’s designed to withstand clean cuts, ensuring your trimmed edges stay strong and neat for years.
How to identify and avoid Stitch Rows
Stitch rows are the reinforced lines of stitching on the turf’s backing that hold the grass fibers in place. Cutting through a stitch row weakens the backing, causing fibers to loosen or fall out over time. To avoid this, always inspect the back of the turf before cutting:
1. Identify stitch rows: They appear as parallel lines of dense stitching running along the length or width of the turf.
2. Measure carefully: Mark your cut line at least 1–2 inches away from any stitch row to preserve the backing’s integrity.
3. Use a straightedge: For straight cuts, align your straightedge along the marked line, ensuring it doesn’t cross a stitch row. This guides the knife and prevents accidental slips into reinforced areas.
By avoiding stitch rows, you’ll maintain the turf’s durability and ensure seamless seams when fitting artificial turf pieces together.
Handling complex curves and obstacles (such as trees)
Trimming around curves, trees, flower beds, or other obstacles is where many installers struggle—but with the right technique, it’s easier than you think. The key is to take your time, make small, incremental cuts, and use the right tool for the job.
For complex curves (like circular flower beds or curved walkways):
1. Mark the curve: Lay the turf over the area and use chalk to trace the outline of the obstacle onto the back of the turf. For tight curves, make small, evenly spaced marks to ensure accuracy.
2. Use a hook knife: Hold the hook knife at a 45-degree angle to the backing layer and make slow, steady cuts along the marked line. Rotate the turf as you cut to keep the blade moving smoothly along the curve—avoid forcing the knife, as this can tear the backing.
3. Test the fit: After cutting, lay the turf back in place to check the fit. If it’s too tight, trim small amounts at a time until it fits perfectly. If it’s too loose, you may need to adjust the cut line or use a patch piece (save scrap turf for this purpose).
For obstacles like trees:
1. Create a “plus sign” cut: If the tree is in the middle of a turf section, mark the tree’s base on the back of the turf. Cut a plus sign (+) from the edge of the turf to the marked base—this allows the turf to wrap around the tree without bunching.
2. Trim excess material: Once the plus sign is cut, fold back the four flaps and trim the excess around the tree’s base, leaving a 1–2 inch gap for drainage and expansion.
3. Seal the edges: Use turf adhesive to secure the flaps in place, ensuring a tight, seamless fit that won’t shift over time.
Turflory’s landscape turf collection includes a variety of flexible, easy-to-trim options that adapt to any outdoor space—whether you’re working with straight lines, curves, or multiple obstacles.
Common errors and how to fix them
Even with careful planning, mistakes can happen during trimming. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:
Cause: Using a dull knife, cutting from the front, or forcing the blade through the turf.
Fix: For minor fraying, trim the loose fibers with sharp scissors (only cut the frayed ends, not the intact fibers). For more severe fraying, cut a new edge 1–2 inches inward from the damaged area—this removes the frayed section and creates a clean, fresh edge. Always use a new blade for the fix to ensure a smooth cut.
2. Cutting through stitch rows
Cause: Not inspecting the back of the turf or marking the cut line too close to a stitch row.
Fix: If you’ve cut through a stitch row, the affected area may weaken over time. To fix it, cut a patch from scrap turf (ensuring it matches the grass direction) and use turf adhesive to attach it over the damaged section. Alternatively, if the damage is along an edge, trim back to the next intact stitch row and re-fit the turf.
3. Incorrect measurements (too small or too large)
Cause: Rushing measurements or not accounting for gaps around obstacles.
Fix: If the turf is too small, use scrap pieces to fill the gaps—cut the scrap to fit and secure with adhesive. If it’s too large, trim the excess using the “cut from the back” rule. To avoid this error, always measure twice and cut once—add 1–2 inches to your initial measurements to allow for adjustments.
Cause: Using a utility knife for curves or making long, continuous cuts.
Fix: Use a hook knife to re-trim the curve, making small, incremental cuts to smooth out jagged edges. For tight curves, make small notches along the cut line to help the turf conform to the shape without bunching.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following Turflory’s expert tips, you’ll achieve a professionally trimmed artificial lawn that looks seamless, durable, and beautiful.
Trimming artificial turf may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, anyone can do it. Remember to choose sharp, appropriate tools (utility knife for straight cuts, hook knife for curves), always cut from the back to protect grass fibers, avoid stitch rows, and take your time with complex shapes. Whether you’re installing Turflory’s residential turf, landscape turf, or pet turf, proper trimming is the final step that elevates your installation from “good” to “professional.”
For more installation tips, maintenance guides, or help choosing the right turf for your project, visit Turflory’s solution center or explore our residential turf collection to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space. With Turflory’s high-quality turf and expert guidance, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, hassle-free lawn for years to come.
