8 Things That Can Wreck Your Synthetic Putting Green in Chicago and How to Avoid Them
An artificial putting green in Chicago is tougher than its natural counterpart. Its fibers don’t break under ball roll and golf club impact, and poor conditions and bad weather can’t kill it. It also offers a lot of awesome benefits that real greens can’t match.
However, that does not mean that they are indestructible. Here are eight things that can ruin your synthetic putting green and what you can do to avoid them:
Sharp Objects
Sharp objects like golf cleats and high heels can puncture the surface of synthetic putting greens. The holes these items leave behind can get bigger whenever you play close to them.
How to Avoid:
Don’t play on your backyard putting green while wearing footwear that can damage its surface. Make it a rule that everyone who wants to putt on your course must follow. Keep knives, metal utensils and other sharp tools away from your green as well.
Corrosive Spills
Synthetic turf doesn’t turn yellow when soaked in pet urine and other liquids that can damage natural grass. However, that doesn’t mean corrosive liquids such as bleach and ammonia can’t affect its artificial fibers. These spills can discolor and damage even the toughest turf after some time.
How to Avoid:
Keep corrosive chemicals away from your synthetic putting green. If you do spill anything destructive on your putting green in Chicago, blot it out with a cloth or tissue paper right away. Then, wash the soiled area.
Heavy Traffic
Don’t get it wrong; artificial grass can take heavy traffic, and the impact of golf clubs and ball rolls without taking damage. The problem is that too much of these activities without special upkeep can cause the turf surface to move and flex. This can cause damage over time.
How to Avoid:
If your putting greens gets a lot of foot traffic, spread out your activities throughout its surface. For example, play on its left side for today, then its right side tomorrow. Also, have experts fluff up your infill from time to time.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and fungus technically don’t damage synthetic turf, but they can make playing on your green dangerous. After all, they are health hazards that make surfaces slippery. Mold and mildew can develop on artificial grass when it has puddles or is dirty.
How to Avoid:
Mold can be hard to remove, so prevention is key. Make sure your putting green has excellent drainage to prevent puddles from forming on its surface. Then, clear debris off its surface, hose it down and brush up its artificial fibers regularly to keep it fresh and clean.
Fire
Unlike natural golf courses, artificial putting greens won’t catch fire under extreme temperatures. However, they can melt when in direct contact with hot objects, like coals and embers.
How to Avoid:
Keep fire pits, grills and other equipment that uses fire from your artificial turf in Chicago. This eliminates the risk of fire hazards getting into and melting your synthetic turf.
Sinkholes
The gradual erosion of the soil that supports a putting green creates sinkholes or subsidence. Many things can cause this, from having poor drainage that lets water deteriorate the soil to placing heavy objects on top of the turf often.
How to Avoid:
Ensure your putting green installation has excellent drainage. Then, avoid placing heavy objects, like tables and chairs, on your synthetic putting green.
Over-Stretching the Turf
Over-stretching the turf will cause it to rip when someone or something comes into contact with it. This is not ideal for putting greens, which get a lot of contact from golf balls, clubs and foot traffic.
How to Avoid:
Hire professionals to set up your synthetic putting green. They know how to maximize artificial grass without leaving weak spots in your green.
Poor Maintenance
Artificial grass for putting greens is tough, but it can wear out ahead of its time if it’s not maintained properly. For instance, if you don’t brush up its turf occasionally, some of its areas can become flat and thin out. Likewise, you can damage its fibers if you use brushes with metal bristles to groom it.
How to Avoid:
Clear off debris from your putting green’s surface, hose it down and brush up its fibers regularly. Then, make sure to use tools that won’t damage it, like brooms with plastic or natural bristles.
Invest in Durable Artificial Grass for Your Artificial Turf Installation in Chicago
Besides avoiding these things, choosing premium synthetic grass goes a long way in keeping your putting green in great shape. For top-notch synthetic turf designed for golf, look no further than Chicago Artificial Grass Experts.
We also offer expert installation services. Let us know how you want your putting green to turn out and you can count on our team to complete it in no time. Send us a message online or call us now at 312-883-9913 to get started!