 |
Building a Backyard
Putting Green
Clark Throssell and Zac Reicher
Purdue University Turfgrass Specialists |
AGRY-98-01 |
Location
- Full sun - The green should be located in full sun for optimum turf growth and
performance.
- Air movement - Locate the green so the wind (air flow) is not blocked by trees or
buildings.
- Do not locate the green in a depression or low area.
Construction
- Surface drainage - Contours on the green should facilitate rapid surface drainage water.
- Do not create any pockets or low areas where water will stand. Water should drain off
the green in more than one direction.
- Rootzone - Almost any soil would be suitable for building a backyard putting green. A
sandy loam soil would make an ideal rootzone. Traffic and wear on a backyard putting green
is so limited it does not make sense to haul in sand or other material to create a special
rootzone mix.
- Grass - Creeping bentgrass is the recommended grass species for putting greens. The
seeding rate is 0.5 lb seed per 1,000 sq. ft. Creeping bentgrass seed can be purchased
from seed supply houses.
Maintenance
- Mowing - The green should be mowed at 3/16 to 1/4 inch four or more times per week.
- Fertilization
Fertilize the green with 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. on May 1 and June 1.
Fertilize with 1.0 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. on Sept. 15 and Nov. 15.
- Irrigation - Water the green in the early morning (5-7 a.m.) hours. Only water when the
green shows signs of drought stress.
- Pests - Several insects and diseases are potential pests of creeping bentgrass greens.
The first step in pest control is to produce a dense, actively growing stand of grass.
- Topdressing - Topdressing is the application of a thin layer of soil on top of the
putting surface. Apply a layer of topdressing approximately 1/8 inch thick of screened
soil to putting surface. Use a push broom to work the topdressing down through the turf
canopy. Apply topdressing in early May and late September.
Additional Source
- Turf Management for Golf Courses by James Beard. Burgess Publishing, Minneapolis MN.
Purdue University
Cooperative
Extension Service
West Lafayette
Indiana 47907
3/98
Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of
Indiana, Purdue University, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating;
H. A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8
and June 30, 1914.
The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access
institution
Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to danw@purdue.edu
WebWeaver Dan Weisenberger
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