How to Choose Artificial Grass for Your Putting Green
Installing an artificial putting green in your backyard brings the joy of golf right to your doorstep. With a putting green at home, you can practice your short game anytime without leaving the house. Artificial turf allows you to have an elegant, lush lawn year-round, without any watering, mowing, or maintenance.
When creating your own putting green, choosing the right artificial grass is key to achieving a realistic golf experience. The type of turf you select impacts the playability, durability, and aesthetics of the green.
As you shop for options, consider factors like fiber technology, pile height, base materials, infill, and color. Phoenix Artificial Grass Pros will guide you in finding the best turf for your needs, climate, and budget.
Compare Putting Green Turf Materials
Several different technologies are used to manufacture artificial grass for putting greens. As you evaluate products, you’ll encounter nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene turfs:
- Nylon: Known for providing excellent roll and ball movement, nylon mimics the speed and feel of natural grass. It has soft, thin-profile blades. However, nylon fades faster in sunlight.
- Polyethylene: This is an economical option, though less realistic than nylon or polypropylene. Polyethylene withstands heat and resists fading. The fibers are flatter and wider than other technologies.
- Polypropylene: Offering the best value in terms of cost versus durability and realism, polypropylene is a frequent choice for putting greens. The stiff, narrow fibers deliver great ball roll. Polypropylene also holds color well.
Consider Pile Height
Pile height indicates the length of the grass fibers on your artificial turf. Putting greens have a very short pile compared to lawns. Standard pile heights range from 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches. A lower pile allows for smooth ball roll. Higher piles can catch more debris and leaves. An appropriate pile height depends partly on your climate.
Assess Stitch Rate
Stitch rate shows how many stitches secure each square inch of turf backing. More stitches mean more durable grass that resists wrinkles and tearing. Typical stitch rates start around 8 stitches per square inch. Higher-end putting green turf may have up to 16 stitches per square inch.
Determine Proper Infill Material
Infill consists of crumb rubber or sand deposited between the grass blades. It supports the blades in an upright position. For putting greens, silica sand offers an ideal infill. It provides stability and mimics a soft, lush texture. Consider an infill depth between 0.75 and 1 inch. Phoenix Artificial Grass Pros uses high-quality silica sand meeting PGA guidelines.
Compare Turf Colors
Artificial grass comes in a spectrum of lush greens. For your putting surface, choose turf on the brighter rather than darker end of the scale. Dark greens absorb more heat. In hot Phoenix summers, very dark grass can get unpleasantly hot. Lighter color turfs also give better visibility for tracking your putts.
Factor in Phoenix Climate
With ample annual sunshine and temperatures reaching over 100°F, Phoenix demands durable, UV-resistant artificial grass. Nylon and polyethylene better withstand sunlight exposure without fading. Polypropylene resists fading fairly well too. For outdoor installation in Phoenix, polyethylene and polypropylene both tolerate high heat.
Phoenix Artificial Grass Pros: Your Partner in Perfect Greens
Ready to transform your Phoenix home with a beautiful, practical artificial putting green? Contact Phoenix Artificial Grass Pros today for more information or to schedule a free consultation. You can call us at 623-462-3819 or send us a message online. Our team is excited to help you choose and install the perfect turf, creating a space where you can enjoy golfing any day of the year.