What's the best way to grow my own putting green?

Question

Is there a particular kind of grass to use, and what's the best method to do this project from start to finish? I already have a lawn, but it's pretty much half dead/brown. Ultimately, I want a really lush and thick, but short lawn, similar to that of a putting green.

Answer 1

Most greens are made from some variety or another of bentgrass--like 'Highland' Bentgrass. It grows very dense and makes a good surface for a green (or a grass tennis court) but the trick is you have to mow it every morning to a height of about 1/2 inch. And it works best with an old-fashioned rotary blade mower rather than a power mower. The rotary cuts the blades more cleanly. The power mowers tend to rip the grass blades unless they are very sharp. The reason every day is important is because bentgrass grows upright for about an inch and then falls over and grows along the ground. You don't want to let that happen or you will have a hard time cutting it and it will lose its denseness. Fertilize it 4 times a summer too and water it regularly if nature isn't. Greens are labor intensive (why courses hire a greenskeeper) but they can be fun if you are willing to do the work required.

Answer 2

College kid is right, u want to use bentgrass if you're going to do it. I did myself but it is very labor intensive. The rotary mower you have to buy is not cheap and you have to cut it every day. I had mine for about a year and it thrived for a few months, but you also need extensive knowledge of fertilizers to keep it lush and beautiful. I tore it out last spring and put in artificial, sold my mower, and never regret doing it. Good luck

Answer 3

I would say the really thin yet coarse crab grass, only problem being that you would have to manicure it very often because it can get out of hand.

Answer 4

install sod maintain daily