It is easy to practice putting in your spare time if you have your own putting green.A real putting green requires money, labor, and constant attention.If you're familiar with the links, a real green in your backyard may pale in comparison.You will need to choose the right location before you can start designing the area.You can incorporate a putting green into your backyard's landscape with the proper tools and materials.
Step 1: You can choose your location.
You want your green to be located in an open area in your backyard that gets a lot of sunlight.Without any obstructions of wind from buildings, bushes, or trees, your future green should receive plenty of air.You should avoid low spots in your backyard or areas that drain poorly after you've found the perfect place for your green.Take a piece of paper and sketch out the general design, including desired measurements, after you have a feel for the features of your putting green.Measure and stake out your putting green area.The larger your green, the more effort it will take to maintain and the higher the cost of its installation.
Step 2: Evaluate your soil.
The turf of your green needs the right kind of soil.The ideal soil for your grass is sandy loam soil.Your turf may not be able to grow well enough for you to putt if you have a high concentration of clay in your soil.
Step 3: To check for clay, perform a soil test.
A percolation test can show you if your soil composition is good enough for the roots of your grass.You will need to dig a hole that is 2' deep.Allow your hole to drain over the course of a day by filling it with water.Then, fill the hole with water again.There is a rate of percolation that will support plants in holes that drain in less than 12 hours.Plants that live in heavy or clay soil can be found in holes that drain in 12 - 24 hours.Most plants are not suited for holes that drain in over 24 hours.
Step 4: Raise your surface drainage.
The green should allow water to drain quickly and easily, otherwise it could fail.It is bad for your green if there are low areas where water can collect.Provide multiple drainage routes to keep the grass from getting wet.Installation of drainage tiles below the surface of the green can improve drainage conditions.You should place these close together at a maximum spacing of no more than 10 feet.
Step 5: Grass seed can be researched by region.
There are two types of grass used to build putting greens.You might want to use one over the other in certain areas.You can check the distribution of the plants by visiting: http://www.putting-greens.com/types.
Step 6: The soil should be ready.
To make your green, you'll need to tear up the original sod.You should rake rocks and other debris after sod removal to create optimal drainage, aeration, and seeding conditions.The use of a tiller will loosen and aerate the soil, promoting even better growth and soil consistency.The best time to plant a putting green is in the spring.
Step 7: If necessary, add some drainage.
Vented plastic pipe or drainage tiles are the best ways to drain your putting area.The trenches should be 24 inches deep and 12 inches wide and should lead from the edge of your green to the water.To install drainage, place filter fabric around the bottom of your trench so it reaches up the sides.The plastic pipe should be in the trench.The trench should be filled with 12 inches of gravel.Place the ends of your fabric on top of the gravel.The rest of the trench should be filled with soil.
Step 8: To protect against weeds, separate your green.
An extra degree of separation can keep your yard free of weeds and keep you from getting invaded.It's a good idea to use a plastic lining to protect your yard from the elements.
Step 9: The soil needs to be smooth.
The easiest way to make your own putting green is level.The quality of your grass can be ruined by low spots.To fill in low spots, animal tracks, or any other unforeseen changes to your green, keep a yard of sand off the side.
Step 10: You should sink the putting hole.
You can create a hole larger than a golf ball using your bulb planter.This is to give you an idea of the layout of your green, you will have to sculpt the hole and insert the putting cup later.
Step 11: You should sow the grass seed.
When you scatter your seed, mix it with your sand to give it more cover.If you notice birds feeding heavily on your seed, you may want to scatter more.A pound of seed should cover about 2,000 square feet, but there will be some variation depending on the grass you choose.
Step 12: Your seed should be fertilized.
Depending on the type of grass you use, there are many different options of fertilization you can use.By searching online, you can find the best fertilizer for your seed.You should applyfertilizer at ideal times for different types of grass.This information can be used to find the best results for your grass growth.
Step 13: Don't let the water get to your seed.
You'll need to water your putting green twice a day.syringing your green is recommended by many green designers.It is possible to lightly water turf to cool off your turf canopy.The turf should grow in 10 days.
Step 14: You can mow with a greens mower.
The first cut of the green grass should be after the grass is at least two inches in height.When walking behind your greens mower, be careful.The top layer of your green will still be loose if you walk with gentle, flat footed steps.The ground will firm up as a good root system grows.It's a good idea to mow the putting green.A perfect putting height can be achieved by cutting your grass 3 or 4 times a week.
Step 15: Continue to grow.
Nitrogen should be applied to the soil between early May and early June for every 1,000 square feet of yard space.At least 1 pound of nitrogen can be used from mid-September to November.You should look into special fertilization for your grass and greens.Many companies have special blends.You will need to research to find the best solution.
Step 16: Monthly apply the fungicide.
The area in which you live will also affect this.Some grass is more susceptible to mold than others, and some mold may not live in your region.You should administer the fungicide once a month.
Step 17: Keep your green green.
You should water your green at the first sign of dry weather.During the early morning hours, apply water to the putting green.
Step 18: If you want, insert the cup.
If you have a small hole for your putting hole, installing a cup will give you a more realistic feel.You can insert the cup by using a jigsaw or golf-hole cutter.The cup should sit below the grass.
Step 19: You can plant the flag.
The component flag that came with your cup can be used to complete the aesthetic.You can check to see if your cup has been placed in the hole with this method.Your ball might bounce out of the hole more frequently if you have an unlevel cup.