Thinking of installing a backyard putting green? You probably have plenty of questions. Many homeowners want to know the ins and outs of having an artificial putting green at home.
In this backyard putting green FAQ article, we answer ten of the most asked questions. Each answer is based on real experience with synthetic golf greens and aimed at helping homeowners like you.
How Much Space Do I Need for a Backyard Putting Green?
Backyard putting greens are very flexible in size. There’s no strict minimum so you can design a green to fit whatever space you have. Even a small 10 ft by 10 ft (around 3m x 3m) area can be enough for a fun one- or two-hole green. If you have more room, even better: we’ve installed everything from tiny courtyard greens to multi-hole backyard layouts.
The key is to tailor the design to your yard’s shape and size. Just leave a little buffer zone (like a fringe border or landscaping) around the green for the best look and playability. Whether your yard is big or small, chances are there’s a putting green design that will work for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Putting Green in My Yard?
The cost to install a putting green in your yard can vary widely. A small DIY project might cost a couple thousand dollars, while a large professional installation could be $10,000 or more.
The price depends on the size of the green, the type and quality of turf (basic turf vs. specialized golf turf), how much site prep is needed, and any extra features like fringe turf or contours. Most backyard greens end up somewhere in the middle of that range. Think of it as an investment in your home and your golf hobby. You can scale it to fit your budget, and a good installer can help you choose options that make sense for you.
Can I Install It Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional?
It’s possible to install a putting green yourself if you’re pretty handy, but it’s a challenging project. You’d have to handle excavation, base preparation, turf cutting and seaming, and ensure proper leveling and drainage. For a small, simple green, a DIY approach can work if you have the time, tools, and skill. However, for larger or more complex greens, it’s usually worth hiring a professional installer. Pros have the experience to get the green perfectly smooth and true, and they save you a lot of heavy labor. Plus, a pro installation often comes with a warranty.
In short: DIY if you’re confident and it’s a modest project, but bring in the pros if you want a flawless finish with less hassle.
What Maintenance Does an Artificial Putting Green Require?
Very little! You won’t have to mow, water, or fertilize an artificial green at all. The main upkeep is just keeping it clean. Once in a while, blow off leaves or debris and hose it down to rinse off dust. If your turf uses an infill (like sand), you might brush the fibers up occasionally, but many putting turfs today (like AGL’s) don’t require infill, which means even less work. All in all, maintaining a synthetic putting green is maybe 5% of the effort of a real grass green.
Does It Drain Well When It Rains? Will I Have Puddles?
Yes. A properly installed synthetic green has excellent drainage. The turf’s backing is perforated with small holes and it sits on a porous gravel base, so rainwater filters right through. You won’t have standing water on the surface and your green will dry quickly after a rain.
In fact, an artificial green often drains better than a natural lawn because there’s no soil to trap water. If you ever do see puddles, it would indicate an installation issue, since a well-built green shouldn’t puddle. Experts stress that good turf drainage holes and a proper base are key to avoiding waterlogging. That’s why we make sure to build our greens with ample drainage, so rain (and even snow) is no problem.
How Long Will My Artificial Putting Green Last?
A high-quality artificial putting green can last a very long time. Most homeowners get at least 10 to 15 years of use before the turf might need replacing and often it’s longer. It depends on the turf quality, how much you use it, and how well you maintain it, but modern synthetic turf is designed with UV protection and durable materials so it won’t degrade quickly.
We provide warranties for our putting greens. When the surface eventually does wear out, you can replace just the turf carpet and reuse the existing base, making refreshes relatively easy.
Is Putting Turf Safe for Kids and Pets?
Yes. Artificial putting green turf is safe for children and pets. Modern artificial putting green turf contains no harmful chemicals or heavy metals, and you won’t need to use fertilizers or pesticides on it, so your yard stays chemical-free. The surface is soft and cushioned, so if kids take a tumble, they won’t get scraped up, and pets won’t dig muddy holes. Pet waste can be picked up or rinsed away easily (with no yellow spots or dead patches like real grass). You also won’t have to worry about ticks or bugs in the fake turf, either. Overall, it creates a clean, safe play area for the whole family.
Will a Putting Green in My Yard Affect Property Value?
A well-designed, attractive backyard putting green can be a selling point and potentially enhance your property’s value, especially to a buyer who loves golf. It’s a unique feature that can set your home apart. Golf-loving buyers will see it as a big plus. Even those who don’t play golf may appreciate it as a luxury, always-green lawn feature. In fact, some real estate experts say a home putting green can add value at resale or at least make your property more attractive.
Importantly, an artificial green isn’t permanent. If a future owner doesn’t want it, it can be removed and the area turned back into regular lawn relatively easily. So it’s not likely to hurt your property value and you get years of enjoyment in the meantime.
Can the Putting Green Be Used for Anything Other Than Golf?
Definitely. While its primary purpose is golf, your backyard putting green can double as a multipurpose play area. Many homeowners use the green (or the surrounding fringe grass) for other lawn games and activities.
For example, you could play bocce ball or cornhole on it, or let the kids use it as a soft play surface. It’s basically an always-trimmed, clean patch of grass that’s great for any casual backyard fun. Just avoid doing anything that might damage the turf (like dragging sharp or heavy objects across it), but normal play and foot traffic are completely fine. In essence, your green can double as an extra recreation space when you’re not practicing your putts.
What If I Move? Can I Take the Green With Me?
Usually, you won’t take a putting green with you if you move. While you could pull up the turf, it’s not very practical to remove the whole installation (the base is built into the ground). You could roll up the turf carpet, but reinstalling it elsewhere would mean rebuilding the base from scratch. Most people leave their green as a feature of the home as it’s often a selling perk for the next owner. If you really want one at your new place, you can always install a fresh green there instead.
Have More Questions?
We hope these backyard putting green FAQs answered your main questions about backyard putting greens. If you’re curious about anything else or want personalized advice, feel free to reach out to us at AGL Grass—we’re always here to help. An informed homeowner makes the best decisions, and we love sharing our knowledge.
In the end, a backyard putting green is about creating a fun, personal oasis you can enjoy for years. Whether you’re just daydreaming or ready to get started, AGL Grass can guide you through the process and make it easy.