How To Install A Putting Green In The Backyard
How To Install A Putting Green In The Backyard
Installing a putting green in your backyard is a great way to spend quality time with your family and improve your short game simultaneously. This is how we go about installing a putting green in your backyard.
Site Consultation And Design Planning
We begin the process with a site consultation, and we plan the design and layout of the putting green. The first step is to evaluate the site. The amount of sun exposure, drainage patterns, slope, and area access points are all factored into account when evaluating the area. You would want an area big enough to play, easy access for the whole family, and enough slope so that the ball doesn’t roll away when playing.
During the consultation process, we can help you determine the best size and shape of the putting green, as well as the number of holes to be added, where the breaks should be, and whether fringe turf should be included.
A custom-designed putting green is then presented with renderings to ensure your vision can be a reality. During this process, we will verify whether you require HOA approval or any permits to begin the construction process.
Site Preparation And Excavation
The site preparation and excavation follow once the design has been accepted.
During the site preparation, we excavate roughly 4-6 inches of existing grass, topsoil, gravel, stone, roots, and debris that may interfere with the construction of the putting green. The sod is removed using skid steers or mini excavators. The depth of the excavation also depends on the amount of drainage that is required and the subgrade conditions.
Once the site has been excavated, the debris is hauled away and leveled to the planned grade.
The next step is to prepare the area for grading and drainage.
Subgrade And Subbase Compacting, Grading, And Drainage
After the site preparation step and excavation have been performed, the focus turns to subbase, grading, and drainage. Rainfall and heavy rainfall can significantly impact the lifespan of the putting green. Heavy, consistent rain can cause mould and mildew issues as well as degrade the turf material and interfere with the foundation’s structure.
Typically, we aim for a gradient slope of about 1-2% to ensure a slope for drainage, but not too much so that the ball rolls off course. Another key variable for drainage is the foundation or base layer, which we will be touching on later.
During the grading process, we also shape all the contours for realistic ball breaks and putting variability, such as changes in slopes, the distance to the holes, or uphill vs downhill putts.
If needed, we may install French drains if you require a high drainage solution, especially if you get heavy downpours. The Subgrade and subbase are also compacted during this step.
Weed Barrier Installation
After the subbase, grading, and drainage system have been constructed and installed, the weed barrier is laid. A commercial-grade landscape fabric is laid over the compacted subgrade. This is done to prevent and block future weed growth.
The weed barrier is placed under the base installation for the following reasons:
- The weed barrier can interfere with water flow during the rainy season, leading to mold and mildew issues and potentially damaging the turf itself.
- Adding a weed barrier directly under the turf may cause wrinkles or soft spots in the turf.
- Lastly, the weed barrier makes it harder to secure the turf edges down on the putting green when the weed barrier is in the way.
Putting Green Base Installation
The putting green base installation comprises roughly 3-4 inches of crushed stone or decomposed granite that is compacted down with a plate compactor. The crushed stone or granite is laid in 1-2 inch intervals and compacted down to ensure the surface is tightly compacted.
We may also lay a fine layer of stone dust down for more precise shaping of the putting green.
Contours and undulations are fine-tuned during this stage.
Cup Installation
The putting green holes are installed before the turf is installed. The holes are dug out, and the putting cups are installed and set in concrete. The holes are made to ensure they stay level with the final turf. Ensure that the concrete has cured before laying the turf.
Turf Installation
The next step is to install the turf on your newly constructed putting green. The turf rolls are laid out and cut to size. The putting turf is left to acclimate (rest in the sun) to eliminate wrinkles. The turf should ideally be left for 2-4 hours so that the turf can relax, lie flat, and reduce the amount of wrinkles in the turf. It also needs to be fully exposed to sunlight during this time.
The seams are bonded with seam tape and adhesive. This reduces the risk of the turf lifting, causing a trip hazard, or allowing moisture and debris to get underneath. The edges are trimmed and secured using heavy-duty staples or nails.
Infill And Fiber Brushing
If infill is needed for your putting green, a drop spreader will evenly apply the infill. The infill choices may either be silica sand or a specialty infill. Once the infill has been laid, a power broom is used to lift the turf blades and evenly distribute the infill throughout the putting green. This step ensures proper ball speed, roll, and turf longevity.
Final Cleanup And Walkthrough
The final step is to clean the edges, install a fringe (if that was part of the plan), and remove any debris from the putting green. The team will then conduct a final check on the cup alignment, ball roll, and seam visibility on the putting green. Once all checks have been conducted, you will be given care and maintenance instructions to ensure the lifespan of the putting green.
Putting Green Installation Tips:
Make Base Preparation A Priority
Base preparation is key to extending the lifespan of your putting green. If the base isn’t properly prepared, you run the risk of having a bumpy surface or settling over time. This will leave you with unwasted bumps on your green, requiring a redo.
Don’t Ignore Drainage On Your Putting Green
Don’t ignore drainage on your putting green. Putting greens can be flooded under heavy bursts of rain. Suppose the water can’t effectively drain away from the green. In that case, you run the risk of damaging the turf, developing a mildew problem, or even compromising the structural integrity of the putting green’s foundation.
Buy Specialized Putting Green Turf
Putting green turf has a short pile with dense turf, allowing the ball to roll smoothly. Traditional artificial turf, on the other hand, has longer blades of grass and has a plush characteristic to it, making it an unsuitable material for putting.
Why Should You Use A Professional Installer For Your Putting Green
- Experts can perform precision grading and contouring.
- Durable results with fewer issues, like wrinkling or drainage problems that may occur.
- Saves you time and potential rework. Reworking a putting green can increase your costs for the project.
- Access to premium materials and commercial installation techniques that you may not find at your local DIY store.
Conclusion
Installing a putting green in your backyard is a great way to spend quality time with your family while also improving your short game. It’s fun for the whole family. We recommend you use licensed contractors when undertaking a project like this to minimize the risk of redoing the work.
If you need a backyard design company or a Putting Green installed in the Phoenix area, please contact us today.
