Whether you are a golf enthusiast or just a homeowner looking to enhance your outdoor space, you might want to consider adding a putting green to your backyard. Not only does this create a fun activity for your family and guests to enjoy at your home, but it also adds value to your property. Before you break out the clubs, though, there are several factors to consider. Here are some basic tips for installing a putting green in your backyard.
1. Choose between real or synthetic grass.
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to use real grass or synthetic turf for your backyard putting green. Believe it or not, this surface-level decision (pun intended) will actually several decisions you make during the process of this project.
Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. You should also think about how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
- Real grass: If you’re aiming for an authentic golfing experience, real grass is an excellent choice. It provides the natural look and feel of a professional golf course. The downside, of course, is the maintenance. You will need to mow, water, fertilize, and potentially reseed the grass regularly to keep it healthy and playable. Additionally, not all types of grass are suitable for putting greens, so you’ll need to choose a species like bentgrass or Bermuda grass, which can be closely mowed and provides a smooth surface.
- Synthetic turf: Synthetic grass is typically the more popular choice for backyard putting greens, since it is low maintenance and durable. Once installed, it requires little to no attention, and it stays green and trimmed year-round. Another advantage is that synthetic turf is designed specifically for putting greens, offering a smooth, even surface that mimics real grass. While the initial cost may be higher than real grass, you’ll experience long-term savings in maintenance and water use.
2. Take your time with planning and design.
Before you begin installation, take time to plan and design your putting green. The most important factors here are size, shape, and location.
- Size: The size of your putting green will largely depend on the available space in your backyard, but keep in mind that even a small area can be sufficient for practice. You’ll also want to decide whether you want to add features like sand traps, rough areas, or multiple holes for added variety and challenge.
- Shape: The shape of the green is entirely up to you, but irregular shapes can add visual interest and create a more challenging play area. For example, you might create undulating curves, hills, or bunkers to simulate the contours of a real golf course. Take a look at the space you have to work with, and sketch out a design that complements the existing landscape of your backyard.
- Location: Where you choose to place your putting green will depend on a few factors. For example: If you’re installing real grass, you’ll want to choose a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight; however, if you’re using synthetic grass, a shaded area may be more comfortable during play time. Regardless, try to avoid placing the green right next to trees, which could create leaf litter or cause problems over time due to root growth.
3. Decide if you’re going to DIY or hire out.
As with most at-home projects, there comes a point when you need to decide if you are going to take on the work yourself, or hire professionals to do it for you.
A DIY approach may seem more cost effective at first, but consider the fact that you may need to purchase or rent special equipment in order to do the job properly. Also, remember that your lack of experience will likely be a detriment here—no matter how many YouTube tutorials you watch. If you are willing to take the time to do a quality job, and you think you would enjoy the work, then you can consider installing your putting green yourself.
Hiring landscape professionals may cost more upfront, but a job well done will mean fewer mishaps (and costly repairs) down the road. It’s also likely that professionals will get the job done quicker, since they have more experience with these kinds of projects.
Regardless of the route you choose, here are the next steps you can expect in your project.
4. Create a level surface.
A smooth, even surface is crucial for a good putting green. To achieve this, you’ll need to prepare the ground properly.
- Excavation and grading: Start by excavating the area to remove any existing grass, rocks, and debris. The depth of excavation will depend on whether you’re laying natural or synthetic grass, but typically, you’ll need to dig down 4 to 6 inches. Grading is an essential step to ensure water drainage and prevent puddling. A slope of about 1-2% is ideal for proper drainage while still allowing the green to be relatively flat.
- Base layer: After grading, the next step is to lay down a base layer of crushed gravel or sand. This helps provide stability, improves drainage, and creates a smooth surface for your grass or synthetic turf. Rake the base layer evenly and tamp it down using a plate compactor. For synthetic turf, a layer of fine sand or decomposed granite is often added on top to create a final smooth surface.
- Leveling: Once the base is in place, use a long straightedge to check for any uneven areas. Fill in low spots with additional base material and compact the surface again. For real grass, you’ll also want to ensure that the soil is loose and free of debris before seeding.
4. Install the grass (or turf).
Next comes the installation of your grass.
- Real grass: If you’re using real grass, you can either seed the area or install sod. Seeding is more affordable but takes longer to establish, while sod offers immediate results. Once the grass is laid, it’s important to water it regularly so that it establishes roots. Be mindful of keeping the grass closely mowed, as a short grass length is essential for a functional putting green.
- Synthetic turf: For synthetic turf, roll out the grass over the prepared surface. Make sure the pieces are aligned correctly, especially at the seams. Secure the edges with landscaping spikes and use infill material, such as silica sand, to weigh down the turf and provide a more natural feel underfoot. The infill also helps the turf blades stand upright and leads to better ball roll.
5. Maintain the area.
- Real grass: As mentioned before, you’ll need to mow real grass frequently in order to keep the putting green playable. You’ll also need to water and fertilize regularly to maintain the health of the grass. You may also need to aerate the soil and address any drainage issues that arise.
- Synthetic turf: Maintenance with synthetic turf is minimal, but occasional brushing and rinsing will help keep the surface clean and ensure that the turf remains in good condition. Occasionally inspect the turf for any loose seams or spikes that may need adjustment.
Overall, installing a backyard putting green can be a rewarding project. It adds both recreational value and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. Still, it can be a lot of work, and these tips can help you know what to consider and expect before you take on a project of this scope. By taking your time to plan and prepare from the beginning, you can create a fun, beautiful putting green in your backyard that will entertain your family and guests for years to come.
