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No. That is not what I mean. You lay an apron across the top of the ground after firmly attaching it to the run/coop then pin the opposite side with HD landscape staples. Then you can rake a little soil over the surface to just hide the cloth and plant grass and you won't even see the apron.

An apron is equally safe but without the issue of chickens digging down to it and injuring their feet. Also, 1/4" isn't that strong. Have you considered removing it and attaching a strong apron instead? That way the chickens can do whatever they will in the run in the way of digging.