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A base layer is typically required when installing artificial grass, and the specific materials depend on the surface where the turf is being placed.

If you are installing artificial grass over soil, you should lay down a sub-base and a weed barrier.

• Weed Barrier: A fabric weed barrier, weed membrane, or geo-textile paper is essential to prevent weeds from growing through and damaging the turf.

• Sub-base: This layer provides drainage, support, and prevents the turf from sinking. Common materials include a mixture of gravel and sand, such as crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), decomposed granite, decomposed limestone, or a specifically mixed road base. Other options include silica sand and granite sand.

If you are placing turf over a hard surface like concrete, you can often skip the sub-base and use a padded underlayment or shock-absorbent material like astro-cushion for comfort and safety.

If you are unsure which materials are best for your specific project, it's a good idea to consult with an artificial turf installer.

Yes, gravel comes in different sizes, from fine powder to pea-, coin-, and even golf ball-size. Pea gravel is about 3/8 inch, while crushed stone gravel is about 3/8 to 4 inches. Most companies use a numerical system to assign a size, with the smallest being #10 and the biggest being #1. 

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.

First, dig a hole that’s the same depth as the root ball and wide enough for the roots to spread out fully. Before placing the tree in the hole, pour water in to help get rid of any air pockets in the soil.

When filling the hole back in, opt for a 1:1 ratio of organic compost with the soil left over from the ground. Do not use potting soil, fertilizer, or chemicals of any kind, as these can stress out and kill your newly planted tree.