The weather is unpredictable. You can’t control it and you can’t predict it. And when it comes to golf, if you don’t have a putting green that can withstand the elements, seasons and weather changes, then your game will suffer. If you’re looking for a way to play golf all year long, then artificial putting green grass is for you!
Why Is It Hard to Maintain Natural Grass Throughout the Year?
It’s no secret that maintaining a natural grass putting green is difficult. Not only is it tedious, time-consuming and expensive, but how you take care of real grass varies depending on the season.
For starters, natural grass needs different amounts of water. The amount of water it needs for summer is usually double or triplethe amount it needs in spring.If you don’t water it enough during hot days, it will get dry and brittle. But if you water it too much when it rains, then it can get muddy—not exactly ideal conditions for playing golf.
To make matters worse, preparing natural grass for the winter takes a lot of time and effort.You’ll have to mow the entire area down first, then aerate and top-dress your green. After that, you’ll need to fertilize and overseed it, then apply a layer of sand over it to protect it from frost damage.If any parts of your putting green are damaged from wear or weather during this time, you’ll have to repair those areas before reseeding them as well.
Take note that these tasks are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining natural putting greens. You’ll also have to make sure your upkeep accounts for foot traffic damage, golf play damage, weeds, turf diseases and more.
How Does Miami, FL Artificial Turf Stay in Great Shape No Matter What the Season?
There are three main reasons why artificial putting greens stay in great shape through spring, summer, fall and winter:
UV Protection
Artificial grass is resistant to sun damage. That means it won’t turn yellow, become brittle, wilt or fade even when it’s always in direct sunlight. Unlike real grass, it doesn’t absorb and retain heat. It neither gets hot enough to burn skin nor radiates heat that can make your short game uncomfortable.
Impervious to Water
When it rains, the water won’t soak into the turf and make your putting green soggy. Instead, the moisture drains through the permeable backing of the turf. There’s no chance of puddles and watery divots forming on your synthetic putting green.
Resistant Frost Damage
In cold climates, frost can wreak havoc on natural grass, causing it to die back or become discolored. The synthetic fibers in artificial grass are resistant to cold temperatures. They can withstand freezing and thawing without losing their shape or integrity.
With these features, it’s no wonder a synthetic putting green saves more time than a natural green.
Seasonal Upkeep Tips for Artificial Grass Putting Greens
The weather is getting warmer and you’re probably thinking about putting your new artificial grass putting green to use. But first, it needs a bit of care. Here are some tips for maintaining your outdoor artificial turf for dogs or putting greens during the four seasons:
Spring
- Clean off your putting green with the hose. This will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated over the winter months.
- Use a stiff-bristled brush for deeper cleaning. This will help get rid of any built-up grime and keep your artificial putting green looking fresh and new.
- Use a leaf blower to remove yard debris from the putting green. You can also use a broom.
Summer
- Keep it clean. Consider sweeping and vacuuming your putting green at least once a week to keep it dirt- and debris-free.
- Cool it down with water. Why wait for your synthetic putting green to cool down after a hot day when you can hose it with water to lower its temperature?
- Keep it away from open flames. Artificial grass is not flammable, but it can melt when it comes in contact with coals and other hot items. Keep your grill away from your turf.
Autumn
- Remove leaves and other yard debris immediately. Letting them pile up on your turf can attract pests, and cause mold and mildew buildup.
- Use enzyme cleaners to clean sticky spills and pet waste. These solutions make it a breeze to get rid of stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.
Winter
- Cover your turf. If you don’t have a cover for your putting green, use a tarp or blanket to protect it from rain or snow. You can also purchase a protective covering from the company that made your turf.
- Wash off salt stains if they appear after snowstorms or ice storms. Otherwise, they’ll stain your artificial grass permanently and make it look dingy and worn out even during summer months when no one’s playing golf on it anymore.
Enjoy a Golf Course That’s Always Play-Ready Artificial Putting Green Grass
We hope this article has been helpful in getting you started on your journey to play golf all year round. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Miami Artificial Grass Pros.
We’re here to help you with questions about artificial grass products, installation services, landscaping solutions and more. Fill out our contact form or call us now at 408-317-0931!