Monday, May 17, 2004
Homes
Tips for a natural green
By Marci Laehr
For those golfers who want to build a putting green in the back yard but choose to use natural grass instead of a synthetic carpet should follow the following tips from the Purdue Turfgrass Science Program.
LOCATION The green should be located in full sun for optimum turf growth and performance. Locate the green so the wind is not blocked by trees or buildings. Do not put the green in a depression or low area.
CONSTRUCTION Contours on the green should facilitate rapid surface-water drainage. Do not create pockets or low areas where water will stand. Water should drain off the green in more than one direction. Almost any soil would be suitable for building a backyard putting green, but a sandy loam soil makes an ideal rootzone. Creeping bentgrass is the recommended grass species for putting greens.
MAINTENANCE The green should be mowed at 3/16 to ¼ inch four or more times per week. Fertilize the green with ½ pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on May 1 and June 1. Fertilize with 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on Sept. 15 and Nov. 15. Water the green in the early morning, between 5 and 7, but only when the green shows signs of drought stress. 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. Apply a topdressing - an application of soil on top of the putting surface - in early May and late September. Apply a layer of topdressing of approximately 1/8-inch thick of screen soil to the putting surface. Use a push broom to work the top dressing down through the turf canopy.
LOCATION The green should be located in full sun for optimum turf growth and performance. Locate the green so the wind is not blocked by trees or buildings. Do not put the green in a depression or low area.
CONSTRUCTION Contours on the green should facilitate rapid surface-water drainage. Do not create pockets or low areas where water will stand. Water should drain off the green in more than one direction. Almost any soil would be suitable for building a backyard putting green, but a sandy loam soil makes an ideal rootzone. Creeping bentgrass is the recommended grass species for putting greens.
MAINTENANCE The green should be mowed at 3/16 to ¼ inch four or more times per week. Fertilize the green with ½ pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on May 1 and June 1. Fertilize with 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on Sept. 15 and Nov. 15. Water the green in the early morning, between 5 and 7, but only when the green shows signs of drought stress. 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. Apply a topdressing - an application of soil on top of the putting surface - in early May and late September. Apply a layer of topdressing of approximately 1/8-inch thick of screen soil to the putting surface. Use a push broom to work the top dressing down through the turf canopy.
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