Residential Artificial Grass: How to Install a Backyard Putting Green

If you are an avid golf lover who loves to indulge in the game, then you probably must have thought about getting your own golf course. Wasting 3 - 4 hours for 18 holes in a game of golf at the local golf club is definitely a bad idea, especially when you can easily have a golf course of your own. No, I am not talking about the conventional bentgrass course which requires regular mowing, fertilizing, weeding, irrigation and what not! Residential artificial grass relieves you of all the above activities which you are probably not very fond of doing, and yet gives you the feel of natural grass.

Backyard Putting Green

The most natural golf conditions are offered by bentgrass golf. But since it is natural grass, it demands heavy maintenance. The cost of bentgrass lawn maintenance is much higher than that of its actual installation. However, an inexpensive alternative to bentgrass is backyard putting green. Backyard putting green is the synthetic grass made of polypropylene or nylon. The only maintenance it requires is that of cleaning dry leaves and other such debris. Being synthetic, it needs neither mowing nor fertilizers. Hence, not only the cost of maintenance is eliminated but it also reduces lawn-keeping efforts to a great extent. Moreover, the owner does not need to worry about bugs and grass diseases or irrigation during summer. It can be installed outdoors as well as indoors as it does not need any sunlight. You can also create perfect contours or undulations using putting green. In short, artificial green gives you all the benefits of real green, that too without unwanted maintenance activities.

Installation of Backyard Putting Green

Installing backyard putting green is a matter of one or two days. Small greens of size 12' x 30' can be installed in a single day, whereas bigger ones of size 24' x 30' can be installed in two days. Most companies that deal in artificial grass offer 'do it yourself' kits, so that you can install it on your own. The equipments like shovel, rake, push broom, etc. needed for installation are easily available. A mechanical plate compactor can be rented from a nearby hire shop.

The basic installation steps include:

1. Calculate the location and size of your putting green.
2. Clear old grass, if any and level the area.
3. Evenly distribute a sub-base material.
4. Compact the sub-base to a depth of approximately 4".
5. Dig holes for sleeves and cups and fill with concrete.
6. Lay putting green over the sub-base.
7. Cut outer edges of putting green according to the design. Cut the holes and fit the cups.
8. Use 4'' galvanized spikes to secure the putting green's outer edge .

You may also install a sand trap next to your backyard putting green. Surrounding the putting green with conventional turfgrass across the boundary, allows you to practice wedge shots as well as putts. The only problem with putting green is that you cannot move the holes around, as they are installed with concrete.

Backyard putting green allows you to enjoy the game in the comfort of your own home. You can also teach your kids the basics of golf, or call your buddies for a game on a Sunday afternoon. Backyard putting green gives you all the pleasures of a real golf course, and that too at much lesser expense.