Why Synthetic Artificial Greens instead of Real Greens? The cost of installing a natural putting green is expensive but not near as expensive as maintaining one. The upkeep is much more costly. Maintaining a real green requires the purchase of a precision mower, pesticides, herbicides for diseases, fertilizers and so on. Then you have to learn how to apply the correct amount of chemicals to maintain a healthy green. We have heard from many golfers that have real greens they spend more time maintaining their green than practicing on it. Installing a real green can become overwhelming for someone who just wants to practice his/her short game. Our greens are very affordable and can meet any budget. Once our green is installed it's virtually maintenance-free. All that is required is debris removal such as leaves and twigs and this can be done with a leaf blower.   Can I add contours and undulations to my green? Yes. You can create the contours and undulations with the sub-base material. The crushed stone is easy to manipulate and will give you the ability to create any contour you need. The green adheres directly to the surface of the sub-base and therefore adheres to the contours and undulations you build in the sub-base.   What is the difference between Syn turf and a miniature golf putt-putt turf? Our turf is specifically manufactured to simulate a golf course green. We achieve this by filling the turf with sand. The sand serves two purposes. First, the sand will control the speed of the green. The more sand the faster, the less sand the slower. Second, the sand helps to cushion and hold the ball when chipping to the green. Syn Turf synthetic turf when properly filled with sand will provide an average stimp meter speed of 9 or 10. With our turf and this sand filling process you will be able to achieve the same true ball roll and characteristics as your favorite course green.   How long does it typically take to install a green? Small greens such as a 12' x 30' can be installed in one day. Larger greens such as a 24' x 30' can be installed in two days.   Do I have to have special equipment to install a green? No. Most of the tools needed for an installation are common household items like a shovel, rake, push broom, etc. You will, however, need to rent a mechanical plate compactor. These tools are available at any local rental facility in your area for a nominal cost.   Is installing a sand trap difficult? No. Installing a sand trap next to your green is very easy and simple. Also, a sand trap will be another effective training aid to improve your short game.   Can I install a putting green myself? Yes. Our greens are made for self-installation. The installing process is very easy and simple. If you prefer to have your green installed by a professional, we have a nation-wide network of dealers that would be glad to come to your home and provide you with a free design consultation.   Does Syn Turf Putting Greens offer any warranties? We offer the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.   Will this product hold an approach shot from 100 yards or more? Absolutely! That is why we manufacture two products. We have both half-inch turf and 1-inch turf. The true ball roll and putting characteristics are the same for both. The main reason we have the 1-inch turf is to hold shots from a distance of 15 yards or more. If you are in an area that will allow shots of 15 yards or more, you will want the 1-inch turf. For those who just have the ability to chip 15 yards or less, they will want the half-inch turf. Aside from depth, the difference between the half-inch and 1-inch is the amount of sand needed. The 1-inch requires twice as much sand for holding ability. The more sand in the green the better it will hold your approach shots.   What if I have a question while installing a green on the weekend? Most customers install their green on a weekend. We are in the office 7 days a week to assist you in the installation process. Most of the time our customers call just to double-check a step in the installation process or to make sure they are right about a certain situation. Sometimes you will need to leave a message, but someone will return your call as soon as possible.   What type of sub-base is required for the installation? We recommend a stone that is 1/4 inch minus or 3/8 inch minus. This means the stone is not bigger than 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch. You can find this type of stone at a rock quarry in your area.   Can the effects of Mother Nature harm the green? Our greens hold up in the Nevada desert where temperatures reach 120 degrees and in North Canada where temperatures dip below minus 10. We manufacture our turf using a UV- treated polypropylene fiber which can withstand the damaging effects of rain, snow, and the sun.   What are the advantages of your product? Affordable, no maintenance, easy installation, weather resistant, can be used year round, increased property value, warranty protection. Our Advantages section discusses this in more detail.