Love my wife- new putting green imminent!

[granters]

2 years ago she let me have the bottom of the garden to build a 4 metre x 2metre artificial green. She really liked how it brightened up the garden, so wondering what to do with the garden she suggested i astroturf the whole thing, as long as i build her raised beds (raised bunker?...) along the side. So here's the plan, complete with chipping area. My autumn project, canny wait to say the least!

It can be done cheaper than you think, as long as you're willing to install it yourself which is fairly simple. I'll be going for premium turf this time though, as the really cheap stuff tends to go shiny and requires more looking after.

I'll update this post as i go, if anyone's interested in the process. Will get the whole thing done for under £400, utilising my contacts within the building industry for hardcore and sand.

 

[Farneyman]

Even after ten pints that looks great...

 

[granters]

That took me ages! Totally forgot but i found that bit of turf i told you about, yours if you want it. Round at Bogside one Sunday?

 

[Captainron]

The shed should be renamed 'pro shop' to complete the look.

 

[mashleyR7]

After finishing my decking last year I was left with a rectangle of about 2x6m which had awful turf so I ripped it up and laid fake grass instead. I went for premium grass from ebay and all in with the sand etc, it cost me about £300. I did all the work myself. I often hit a few iron of it into a net but it does leave green marks on my clubs and eventually if I keep hitting on it, it will wear through. I done it more for ease of use, as soon as the sun comes out I can sweep it off and it's ready to use, I laugh at my neighbours scrambling for their lawn mowers as soon as the rain stops and the sun comes out.

 

[thegogg]

Very interesting post. How about some pictures of the putting green you've already laid as i'd be interested to see how it looks? I've got an area that I could use but reading up on it the price to have some one do it for you is a couple of grand.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Granters
Make sure you use the right grade sand for infill, any old builders sand will not do.

I planned and project managed the UK's first landscaped artificial turf golf range 300yds x 150yds.
Twenty two years on and it is still looking great, we costed to replace the 'turf every 12 years but it was not required as it was so well laid.

 

[granters]

Doon,, ill be using graphite dust this time for weight, or kiln dried sand.awaiting samples of the turf before I decide,but its a good point you make.

Here is my current green (and giant rabbits). It's been really handy having it. We never got round to doing the garden up until now,we always thought we'd move out pretty quickly but are staying put for a while with junior making an appearance

 

[bigslice]

cool, imagine in a few years when you gift her another sprog!!! driving range out in the street. they rabbits look tasty

 

[Liverbirdie]

Doon,, ill be using graphite dust this time for weight, or kiln dried sand.awaiting samples of the turf before I decide,but its a good point you make.

Here is my current green (and giant rabbits). It's been really handy having it. We never got round to doing the garden up until now,we always thought we'd move out pretty quickly but are staying put for a while with junior making an appearance

Oh, those types of rabbits, I thought the other bit was the missus's section.

 

[Crow]

Can't see many raised beds on the plan, get one sketched in or she'll pull the rug from under your feet.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Sounds fantastic. Our back garden barely has room to swing a club let alone anything more substantial

 

[granters]

Next stage in the plan,and ultimately the most important- turf selection. This part is down to budget. General rule is,the more you spend,the less upkeep it'll require. In the picture we go from budget through to premium turf. You can see how there are less fibres in the budget and each fibre stands on end. This will require sandfill a few times a month. The premium turf has woven fibres which go in all different directions,more like real green. The colour is more realistic too,the budget ones are a bit dayglo. I'll be going with the 3rd one down. Hopefully ill just have to brush this one down with infill every few months. It contains twice the amount of fibres than the budget,and it rolls well

 

[chris661]

Next stage in the plan,and ultimately the most important- turf selection. This part is down to budget. General rule is,the more you spend,the less upkeep it'll require. In the picture we go from budget through to premium turf. You can see how there are less fibres in the budget and each fibre stands on end. This will require sandfill a few times a month. The premium turf has woven fibres which go in all different directions,more like real green. The colour is more realistic too,the budget ones are a bit dayglo. I'll be going with the 3rd one down. Hopefully ill just have to brush this one down with infill every few months. It contains twice the amount of fibres than the budget,and it rolls well

Whats the price difference between them roughly?

 

[granters]

For my sizes, 6m x 4m roughly 50quid between each standard. The best one is actually too thick for putting. You get specific putting turf put they're 40-50 quid a square metre,and honestly not worth it imo.

 

[inthecup]

For my sizes, 6m x 4m roughly 50quid between each standard. The best one is actually too thick for putting. You get specific putting turf put they're 40-50 quid a square metre,and honestly not worth it imo.

Talk to your local builder about base layers, compacting, drainage etc. No point in doing it without a good base.

 

[granters]

Talk to your local builder about base layers, compacting, drainage etc. No point in doing it without a good base.

I don't know any good builders

 

[Matthew Bretten]

All putting greens should be laid on a hardcore compacted base. Granite MOT type 1 standard is the best choice. On top of this compacted sharp/grit sand or even best granite dust.

 

[granters]

Raised beds finished,at last! That whole area will be the new green. Next stage is to dig all that up, hardcore,compact and level. Then do the same with sand. After this I'll get my green frame cemented in round the edges and spend a few days getting the whole thing perfectly flat

My current green is at the bottom, have put a slight upslope in this while I had the turf up for the beds. Gave it a good roll too, rolls like Augusta now. I used cheaper turf for this as it was more of a trial, but with a regular brushing it's fine. Spent 2 hours on it last night. Very addictive,but I'm still crap at putting

 

[North Mimms]

Raised beds finished,at last! That whole area will be the new green. Next stage is to dig all that up, hardcore,compact and level. Then do the same with sand. After this I'll get my green frame cemented in round the edges and spend a few days getting the whole thing perfectly flat

My current green is at the bottom, have put a slight upslope in this while I had the turf up for the beds. Gave it a good roll too, rolls like Augusta now. I used cheaper turf for this as it was more of a trial, but with a regular brushing it's fine. Spent 2 hours on it last night. Very addictive,but I'm still crap at putting

You've got a problem with a bit of casual water there, mate!

Does anyone know of any Local Rules pertaining to washing lines?