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Artificial turf usually requires some sort of base. If you’re installing the grass over soil, you’ll want to add a weed barrier (weeds can damage your fake grass) and an artificial grass sub-base . Typically, this is a mixture of gravel and sand, like crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) or decomposed granite. If you're placing turf over concrete, you can skip the sub base and use a padded underlayment.

The amount of soil you’ll need around your foundation depends on a variety of factors, but in general, you want a 6-inch decline over the first 10 feet extending out from your foundation. How much soil it will take to achieve that will depend on the current grade of the yard, how much foundation is exposed, and the size of your home.

Stump grindings are usually safe to use in soil, but in some cases, it’s not recommended. Wood chips in particular can bind nitrogen in the soil, which will make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why it’s important to remove most wood chips and use healthy garden soil if you want to cover the stump spot with grass. Large wood chips may attract beetles and could encourage the growth of fungi when they decay, so you may want to remove them when using the grindings.

If you decide to DIY your boulder removal project, you’ll want to wear work gloves and protect your eyes if you decide to break the boulder into smaller pieces. Wear a lifting harness and focus on lifting with your legs to prevent back injuries. If you’re digging around a large boulder or using heavy machinery to get underneath it, make sure there are no utility lines nearby.