Installation Guide

Always refer to the latest GATOR XTURF Technical Data Sheet (TDS) Scroll up to download.

Excavate and densely compact 4-6” (10-15 cm) of crushed stone to create a solid base. Remove roots and weeds. Ensure the subbase’s levelness and shape match your finish grade and allow proper drainage.

Lay your geotextile Gator Fabric GF 4.4, overlapping the seam by 12 inches (30 cm).

Build the foundation with 4-6” (10-15 cm) of compacted 0-3/4” (0-20 mm) crushed stone. Rake and level evenly to achieve your desired grade and slope. Wet the surface before compacting. Use a plate compactor with a lift of 2”-3” (5-8 cm) over the entire surface. In restricted areas, use a hand tamper or a jumping jack. Adjust for high or low spots before proceeding with the final 3/4” layer of stone dust. The final foundation layer should reflect the finished yard. A smoother base results in a smoother GATOR XTURF.

With the use of a utility knife, remove the outer three tufts on your seaming edge. Trimming the backing tight to the tuft being seamed will ensure straight tufts blades.

It is recommended to leave the GATOR XTURF exposed to the sun and heat a few hours to ensure dilatation and flatten the GATOR XTURF.

Keep the GATOR XTURF edge tight with a puller and wave air to shift pieces without disturbing the base. Place the first roll, then bring the next. Remove the outer three tufts of the seaming edge, position the second roll in the same direction, and brush a section of both rolls at the seam for consistent blades, colors, and shapes. Lighting may cause variations in texture and color.

With the outer tufts and factory backing removed, the GATOR XTURFs have a vertical row of blades that line up with the piece to be seamed. The space between the tufts is 3/8” (9 mm), so ensure the two rows have the same spacing. Observe an open gap of 1/8” to 1/4” (3-6 mm) with no excess backing.

Roll out the GATOR XTURF SEAM TAPE centered down the seam, ensuring no folds or wrinkles. Use a Knee Kicker to position it.

Secure the seam tape with two 6’’ (15 cm) GATOR XTURF NAILS at each end. Spread GATOR XP GLUE in a linear or serpentine pattern over the seam tape 1” (2.5 cm) away from the middle dotted line, far enough not to spread in the seam joints. Clean immediately with solvent if it spreads.

With the GATOR XP GLUE in place, carefully close the seam between the two pieces, ensuring perfect alignment. A gap of 1/8″ to 1/4″ (3-6 mm) should remain.

Press the ends down firmly, applying pressure to help the adhesive penetrate the tufts and backing. The seam will be covered with infill.

Trim the project edging for a patio, garden, pavers, or other application. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the backing of the GATOR XTURF being removed. The blade should be long enough to cut the backing but not the grass blades. The gap between the structure edges and the backing should be no bigger than 1/8″ (3 mm).

Cutting up to a wall, fence, or boulder requires patience and a sharp blade. Fold the GATOR XTURF back, press it tight to the corner, and place the blade closest to the object. Lift the GATOR XTURF up, cut 6″ (15 cm) at a time, lay it back down, and check the fit.

When cutting around corners, trees, or posts, a relief cut is required. From the furthest outward point, cut through from the backing out to the edge of the GATOR XTURF. Remove excess GATOR XTURF for easier handling.

The 6″ (15 cm) non-galvanized spiral GATOR XTURF NAILS should sit ¼″- ½″ (6-12 mm) away from the edge and be nailed every 4″ to 6″ (10-15 cm) apart. Every 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge in the roll direction, use a Knee Kicker to remove any loose folds or wrinkles. Secure the turf in place with 6″ (15cm) spiral GATOR XTURF NAILS every 12 inches (30 cm) in a straight line. They should be flat against the backing with no turf blades trapped down.

GATOR XTURF surface requires careful attention. Use an adjustable drop spreader for a consistent infill layer, but monitor the rows as the material settles.

For best results, spread GATOR XTURF INFILL SAND steadily and uniformly. Apply it in thin layers each time.

GATOR XTURF INFILL SAND GATOR BEIGE is ideal for the primary layer due to its natural color. For pet playgrounds, GATOR XTURF INFILL SAND GATOR ZEO-WHITE is considered the best topping infill to reduce odors. It’s also highly porous, keeping GATOR XTURF cooler in direct sunlight compared to rubber infill options.