Step 9:  Fill the Putting Green with Sand

For Polypropylene Putting Greens Requiring Sand Fill

Make sure there are no large creases in your turf or it will effect the roll of the ball. Small creases will disappear when sand is applied. Sand filling the putting green will make the turf fibers stand straight up and allow the balls to run on top of the turf.  Also, the sand will absorb the impact of shots chipped to the putting green.

Before spreading the sand, you will need to separate the fibers to allow for easy application and filling. Brush against the grain of the turf with a stiff push broom. You may need to brush it several times to get the fibers prepared for sand-filling.

Once you are ready to start filling the putting green with sand, keep the putting green completely dry. If the sand or putting green gets wet during this process, the sand will clump together and make it difficult for the sand to get between the fiber of the turf.

Fill the drop spreader with sand and start spreading it across the top of the putting green. Spread the sand in the middle of the putting green, working your way to the outside edges. When you have covered the whole putting green, use a push broom against the grain of the putting green to push the sand into the fiber. Do not apply too much sand at one time before brushing.  A good rule of thumb is to spread 50lbs. of sand over an entire 12'x24' area and then brush it in before continuing.  Be aggressive as you brush in all the sand and make sure you get the sand between the fibers. Your main goal is to get all the fibers of the turf to stand completely vertical. Too much sand can bury the fibers and may cause areas to have more sand than others. Work the area over with your broom until you have evened out all the sand.

Continue the sand or putting green-filling process until you have  1/8" - 1/4" of the fiber showing on the putting green.  Use the bags of black sand last. The black  and putting green sand are for aesthetic purposes only. As it covers the white sand, it will make the putting green fibers look denser and deeper.