Building a back yard putting green the traditional way, simple and inexpensive! (part 2)Go back to Part 1 of building a backyard putting green Now your back yard putting green is ready for turf. First put a granular starter fertilizer over the green. If you are sodding, then roll out the sod, making extremely sure the edges are tight together. Use plywood for walking on the green whether it is on the sod or the soil, to prevent leaving footprints. The best way is to put the plywood on the sod and lay down row after row. This way you don’t disturb the soil surface to be sodded, and by walking on plywood on the soil, you even out any imperfections, and create a good soil contact. Now water well, and once it has started to root enough, you can begin cutting it. Start cutting high, and gradually lower every few days to the height you want to keep on your back yard putting green. If you are using seed, prepare the surface by raking lines in one direction across the whole back yard putting green. Then add the granular fertilizer and the seed. The rate of seed for bentgrass should be in the range of only about 2 pounds per 1000 square feet (100 sq.m.). Then lightly roll it to put the seed in contact with the soil and the ridges will lightly bury some of the seed. Now keep it moist. It won’t need heavy watering, but if the seedlings ever dry out before they have a chance to establish, you will need to start over. On a golf course, I would often set the irrigation to come on for a few minutes 4 to 6 times a day. If the soil temperatures are warm enough (over 15ºC) you should see some green fuzz after one to two weeks. As the turf grows, pull out any weeds that will try to establish by hand to give the turf an even better chance to fill in everywhere. Only after the grass gets up to the 3 leaf stage or about 1 inch long, can we think about cutting it. Test in one area to be sure the roots hold up, don’t turn on the green, and start cutting high and very slowly lower the height of cut. If the grass looks a bit yellow and slows down growing, you may need another hit of fertilizer. Any patches that don’t come up well, will need to be overseeded by hand with a bit of fertilizer and seed and soil. To make a really nice finish, ring the back yard putting green with one or more rows of whatever sod the rest of your rough (lawn) is, such as Kentucky Bluegrass. As it grows in from either seed or sod, you will likely need to topdress, which consists of putting a thin layer of sandy soil over the surface, and brushing it in to make it even. This will help fill low areas, prevent excessive thatch buildup and make a firm surface. Also regular rolling is good to keep the surface smooth. And there it is; your very own natural turf back yard putting green. Cut daily, water regularly, fertilize lightly as needed and enjoy putting at home!
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