How to Spread Infill on Turf: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Turf

Assemble your equipment before opening a single bag of infill. Confirm that all ground preparation, sub-base work, edging, and turf installation are complete.

Timing makes a massive difference in your installation quality:

• Avoid Wet Turf: Never spread infill if the turf is wet from rain or morning dew. Moisture causes infill granules to stick to the grass blades rather than settling smoothly to the backing.
• Avoid Extreme Heat: On extremely hot and sunny days, synthetic turf blades soften significantly, which can mess up your brushing results and cause uneven fiber recovery.
• Ideal Conditions: The turf surface should be completely dry, clean, and installed under mild weather conditions.

Begin by brushing the synthetic grass vigorously with a power broom or stiff broom to lift the blades into a vertical position, opening up the turf system for the granules.

Step 2: Apply the Infill Evenly Using a Spreader

Load your spreader with the appropriate silica sand or artificial turf pellets and walk at a steady, consistent pace, making parallel passes across the entire lawn. Aim for a thin, uniform layer rather than dropping heavy piles in any one spot. A broadcast spreader covers large areas quickly, while a drop spreader gives better control on small or irregularly shaped lawns.

The single most useful habit here is to divide the total recommended amount into two lighter passes. This prevents clumping, keeps depth consistent, and gives you a chance to spot thin areas before they become permanent.

Professional Tip: Do not spread infill on windy days. Lightweight materials can move before they settle into the turf fibers, causing uneven coverage.