Maintenance Tips for Artificial Putting Greens

Artificial putting greens can provide many years of reliable performance and an inviting appearance if the turf is properly maintained. In Houston, that means implementing the following maintenance tips for your artificial putting greens:

Install sufficient drainage for your turf
Control access to the putting greens
Avoid placing heavy weight on the synthetic grass
Brush the surface with a rake or power broom
Replace infill to restore performance
Remove any weeds that manage to grow into the turf
Rinse the artificial grass down with water occasionally
Inspect the turf for any damage regularly
If wear, tear or damage is present, schedule prompt repairs

Houston is a popular city for putting greens, and they are a top amenity for apartment complexes and townhomes. Houston homeowners are also installing them in backyards to improve property value and to practice the sport. No matter where the putting green is installed or how large the green is, property owners can maintain their turf with a fraction of the effort and expense required to maintain natural grass.

Nine Maintenance Tips for Artificial Putting Greens

In Houston, consistent upkeep is key to maximizing your artificial grass investment. That’s also true for artificial putting greens, which respond well to the following maintenance routine:

Ensuring adequate drainage is in place

The primary threat to putting greens in Houston is excessive runoff resulting from the region’s persistent wet weather. If water backs up onto the artificial turf, it will accelerate wear and make it impossible for use as a putting green.

To prevent this from happening, make sure your artificial putting green is installed by a reputable Houston turf company. Reputable crews will invest time and their attention-to-detail into grading the installation site and ensuring sufficient drainage is in place. This includes choosing turf with rapid drainage capabilities and installing drainage structures to carry runoff away from the synthetic grass.

Limiting access to the putting green

Your artificial putting green is designed to be used, but keeping heavy traffic and pets off the turf will extend its life and protect its performance. If pets do have access to the putting green, promptly remove any pet waste if there’s an accident on the turf and rinse it off. This will prevent unwanted odors or stains from affecting the synthetic grass.

Protecting the turf from heavy weight

Heavy weight, like lawn furniture, will press the artificial grass blades down and affect putting performance. Ideally, anything heavy should be kept off the artificial grass. If this is unavoidable, move heavy items around the putting green occasionally to keep deep depressions from developing.

Grooming the grass surface with the right tools

Grooming artificial grass means using a tool (typically a power broom or a rake) to push the turf blades back up to their original positions. This restores the look, feel and play characteristics of artificial putting greens and is therefore recommended to get the most out of your green.

If you don’t have turf grooming tools (or don’t want to spend time maintaining the grass), consider partnering with a reputable Houston turf company to handle the turf maintenance.

Replacing infill to even out the putting surface

Infill is a granular material of some kind (sand and crumb rubber are two examples) that’s deposited on the turf’s surface. It’s important for protecting the turf’s condition and for supporting optimal play. Over time, this infill may be lost with wear and use. Replacing it as needed will restore the putting green’s play characteristics.

Removing any weed growth that emerges

Weeds do not readily grow into artificial grass, but it’s possible for the stray weed to do so. If you spot any weed growth during an inspection, remove it to prevent root structures from damaging the turf.

Rinsing the artificial grass with water

You don’t need much water to maintain artificial turf, but the occasional rinse is recommended to remove any dust, dirt, pollen or other airborne particulates from the turf’s surface. The occasional rinse will also get rid of any food or pet stains which may have gone unnoticed.

Inspecting the turf for signs of damage or wear

It’s important to detect the signs of turf wear and damage as soon as possible. If caught early, tears and punctures can be addressed by a synthetic turf expert at a reasonable cost. If wear and tear develops it will eventually force total turf replacement.

It’s recommended that property owners give their artificial putting green an occasional visual inspection to spot any concerning issues.

Scheduling repairs if damage is present

If you do notice signs of wear and tear while inspecting your turf, bring in the Houston turf experts to properly repair the problem using best practices. This will ensure a long-term, reliable fix that preserves the turf’s value and utility.

On Time Maintenance Will Optimize Your Putting Green’s Performance and Longevity

Performance is the number one priority when installing an artificial putting green in Houston. Without the right bounce and roll, what’s the point?

A reputable synthetic grass company can supply the best artificial putting green turfs for Houston property owners – and install them with best practices, too. That includes preparing the project site and grading it for optimal drainage, which must be considered in Houston’s subtropical climate.

Whether you’re looking to install an artificial putting green as an apartment or neighborhood amenity – or setting one up in your backyard for practice – a turf expert will provide the best surface for your short game.