What fringe turf does around a putting green

Fringe turf is the taller synthetic grass that borders a putting surface. It delivers three benefits that matter: playable chipping, edge protection, and a clean visual frame that blends into surrounding landscape.

  • Playability: The taller pile lets chips sit, check, and release predictably into the putting surface.
  • Protection: It absorbs foot traffic, club strikes, and mower or trimmer contact away from the green's edge and seams.
  • Presentation: It creates a tapered transition that looks natural and clearly defines the green.

When to include fringe and when a minimal band is enough

  • Include a full fringe if you plan to chip, expect regular foot traffic, have dogs or kids, or your edges meet hardscape.
  • Use a narrower band if space is tight, the green is indoors, or the area is strictly for putting. Even a 12 to 18 inch border improves durability and looks.

How to choose the right fringe turf

Pile height and density

Target a pile height of 1.25 to 2.0 inches with a dense face weight. This height delta from the putting surface creates realistic chipping without feeling shaggy.

Fiber profile and color

Choose polyethylene monofilament blades with a curled thatch layer for support. A natural green with thatch tones blends well with most landscapes and frames the green cleanly.

Infill type and weight

Use rounded silica sand for both the putting surface and the fringe. Typical putting surfaces run about 1.0 to 2.0 pounds per square foot. Fringe usually performs best at 2.0 to 3.5 pounds per square foot. Heavier infill in fringe supports the taller pile and consistent chip response.

Speed and transition

Aim for a height difference of roughly 0.5 to 1.0 inch between fringe and putting turf. Keep the transition smooth by setting the seam tight, brushing fibers up, and top-dressing in light lifts to fine tune ball reaction.

Build details that make the fringe play and last

Base and perimeter

  • Extend the compacted base 12 to 18 inches beyond the putting surface footprint to support the fringe fully.
  • Maintain 1 to 2 percent slope for drainage away from cups and seams.
  • Install stable edging that captures the base and resists movement.

Seams and grain direction

  • Align stitch rows and fiber grain so the fringe flows naturally toward the green.
  • Place seams in lower traffic zones when possible.
  • Use seaming tape and a turf-rated urethane adhesive for a flat, durable join.

Drainage and backing

Select perforated backing for both fringe and green so water exits quickly. Avoid creating low spots at the transition that could pond and soften the base.

Sand distribution and brushing

Install infill in multiple light passes and power broom between lifts. Finish with a uniform brush up of the fringe to remove tracks and set final ball response.

Recommended fringe widths

Most residential greens perform well with 18 to 36 inches of fringe around the perimeter. Expand to 36 to 60 inches at primary chipping zones or walk-off areas. Use smooth radiuses and avoid tight S-curves that complicate seams.

Cost and value considerations

Fringe turf often has similar or lower material cost than the putting surface, but it uses more sand and adds some labor. The trade is worth it for protection, cleaner edges, and better short-game practice.

Planning tip: Allocating roughly 10 to 25 percent of the total project area to fringe commonly balances playability, protection, and budget.

Maintenance that keeps performance dialed

  • Brush monthly or as needed to stand fibers up and blend infill.
  • Top off silica sand as required to maintain support and ball reaction.
  • Clear debris and organic matter that can trap moisture.
  • Inspect seams and edging periodically and address movement early.
  • Rinse pet areas and spot treat edges with turf-safe weed controls.

Quick spec cheat sheet

  • Putting surface: 0.5 to 1.0 inch pile, rounded silica sand 1.0 to 2.0 lb per sq ft.
  • Fringe: 1.25 to 2.0 inch pile, rounded silica sand 2.0 to 3.5 lb per sq ft.
  • Height delta: target 0.5 to 1.0 inch between fringe and green.
  • Fringe width: 18 to 36 inches typical, wider at chipping zones.
  • Base: 4 to 6 inches of compacted aggregate with 1 to 2 percent slope.
  • Seams: premium tape and urethane adhesive, aligned grain.

Work with FusionTurf

Want a dialed setup the first time? A FusionTurf pro can spec the ideal fringe pairing, infill weights, and layout for your space and target green speed. Find a local FusionTurf pro.