Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a green or lawn cost?
- How does your turf hold up to Minnesota winters?
- Did you actually build the greens that are on your website?
- How is the Mirage Turf different from other synthetic turf?
- Can I hit chip and approach shots into my Michelangelo Putting Green?
- Is a Michelangelo Putting Green or lawn maintenance-free?
- Why shouldn't I install a real grass putting green?
- Can a Michelangelo Putting Green be sculpted with breaks and undulations?
- What size or shape can a Michelangelo Putting Green be?
- Can anyone install a putting green?
- Is there a do-it-yourself product I can install myself?
- Do you provide other landscaping services?
- Do you warranty your work?
1. How much does a green or lawn cost?
The main factor in determining cost is the size of the design. Our 2018 outdoor projects ranged in price from $5,000 to over $80,000 but we have installed small indoor greens for less than $1,000. Each project is unique and must be priced as such. We are very good at designing something within a fixed budget.
2. How does your turf hold up to Minnesota winters?
All of our turf is manufactured using the finest UV-treated nylon and poly-propylene water-resistant fibers available. Our putting turf carries a 10-year limited warranty against excessive wear and fading and resists normal rain, snow, wind, ice and sun. I just replaced the turf on my green after 14 years. It was still very playable, but I need to showcase the current turfs.
3. Did you actually build the greens that are on your website?
Yes, we really did these! Unlike many websites which use corporate photos of the best greens built by others, all of the greens and lawns shown here were created by Michelangelo Putting Greens. We strongly encourage our customers to visit one of our previous installations before deciding to have us build their putting green or lawn. I had to ask two local landscape companies to remove my photos from their websites!
4. How is the Mirage Turf different from other synthetic turf?
We are independent and are not beholden to one company's turf. We have used turf from many different manufacturers — especially for commercial projects. Since we have never had a warranty claim on turf from Mirage I am very confident in their product! The difference between Mirage turf fibers and other synthetic turf begins with the manufacturing process. Our specially designed spring set turf fibers are manufactured to interlock with each other, creating a realistic bent fiber look, just like a natural bent grass green.
Note: We do not use "deep sand filled" turf. Our turf has been manufactured to stand up naturally.
5. Can I hit chip and approach shots into my Michelangelo Putting Green?
Of course, that's what it's there for! The green in our back yard probably receives more pitch shots than putts. Our special shock absorbing backing, coupled with the spring action inter-locking fibers, makes our surface "check-up" similar to most real grass greens. Please keep in mind that no synthetic putting surface will hold a ball exactly like a real tour green, and don't let anyone tell you differently. Our greens are as close to real grass greens as you can get. Look at the video on our home page and see for yourself.
6. Is a Michelangelo Putting Green or lawn maintenance-free?
No, but our turf is as maintenance free as it gets Our specially designed interlocking spring set fibers hold the infill in place while stabilizing the root of the fiber. Once installed simply keep leaves, grass clippings and debris off the surface with a strong leaf blower,the cleaner you keep the turf the longer it will look great. You can even vacuum our turf. The most annoying time of year is spring when trees drop leave husks and seed pods for a couple of weeks. The mass quantity of dry leaves that come down every fall blow off with surprising ease.
We recommend having us come out each spring to tune up and smooth out the putting surface and fringe. Many clients do not have us out very often, if at all. Personally, I am very picky and want the green running as smooth as possible.
7. Why shouldn't I install a real grass putting green?
Natural bentgrass putting greens are expensive to install and require almost daily maintenance. Just ask a golf course superintendent or anyone who has owned a real grass putting green about the required: water, fertilizer, fungicide, air flow, sunshine, insecticide and the 4-7 times a week mowing. I'm sure you will decide against having a natural bentgrass putting green in your yard.
8. Can a Michelangelo Putting Green be sculpted with breaks and undulations?
Yes! Our putting greens can be made to look just like natural grass tour greens.
9. What size or shape can a Michelangelo Putting Green be?
Just about any size or shape you want. Since the putting turf comes in 15-foot widths we design within those parameters to avoid waste. The majority of our greens have a seam or two. Although we can't promise that they will be invisible, they are difficult to see.
10. Can anyone install a putting green?
Can anyone install a "good or great" putting green? No. You would not believe the DIY nightmares I have been called on to fix. It's more difficult than you would think. It is much easier to install a patio, deck or driveway than a putting green. Those are flat or scaled-slope surfaces. An interesting putting green has varied undulation throughout that has to be just right. Once you do a dozen or so it becomes much easier. Also, because of the frost-heave issues in northern climates, Minnesota is one of the most difficult places to build a putting green base that won't lose its shape and undulation.
11. Is there a do-it-yourself product I can install myself?
Yes. I understand the appeal of doing the project yourself if you end up with a great finished product. With that in mind, we strongly recommend our TourPutt Ultimate Turf on top of a panel green system for the DIY enthusiast. With this system you can install a putting green over the weekend with outstanding results. Contact us for additional information including price lists and diagrams of the dozens of models to choose from. We can deliver to your door all of the materials with step-by-step instructions to get your putting green installed over a weekend.
12. Do you provide other landscaping services?
Absolutely! In addition to synthetic lawns and putting greens we also build: retaining walls, patios, fire pits. berms (often with the excavated soil from the putting green), decorative walls, gardens and general landscape fare. We also have a Master Gardener on staff to help with plant, flower and tree selection. Most, but not all, of the landscaping you see in the before and after section of our photo gallery was done by us.
13. Do you warranty your work?
Of course. Our limited warranty is the best in the synthetic turf business: 10 years for residential putting green turf, 5 years for fringe and lawn turf and 2 years for installation.