The first putting-green question is what you want to do on it. In his November 12 interview, Rio Valentin described shaping a layout around the golfer’s intended shots and the way the rest of the backyard works.
A small practice green, a family recreation space and a layout designed to receive chips are different projects. Start with that distinction before choosing the outline, hole count or a target speed.
Are you practicing putting, chipping or both?
Tell the designer which part of your game you want to practice. Identify possible starting positions and distances, then look at the available landing area. Multiple approaches to one hole may be more useful than adding holes without a practice plan.
Discuss where a missed shot might go. Nearby windows, neighboring property, seating, paths, pets and children’s play areas belong in the layout conversation. The appropriate arrangement depends on the property and intended use; no backyard design makes every shot safe.
Rio’s point about speed is practical: the fastest roll is not automatically the most useful response for someone who also wants to chip onto the surface. Ask how the proposed surface, shaping and infill match the intended practice, and how the finished result will be checked.
How does the green fit the rest of the backyard?
Rio describes planning outdoor spaces much like rooms. Walk through the routes between the house, patio, barbecue, seating and garden before fixing the green’s edge. Leave room for maintenance access and everyday movement.
Ask the team to document the layout and the important site details for the installer. Rio described on-site walkthroughs and video explanations as ways to preserve design intent when installation happens later. Confirm the agreed drawing, hole positions, transitions and any requested changes in writing.
What needs attention beneath the putting surface?
A green depends on the prepared base and contours, not just the roll of turf. Ask how existing material will be removed, how the base will be prepared and compacted, and where water will go. Show the team any recurring wet areas or downspouts.
A contour that looks attractive on a drawing still needs to fit drainage and the intended ball movement. A low point, cup location or edge transition should not be planned in isolation. Material selection and construction details need to match the site rather than a standard recipe used everywhere.
What differs across Utah locations?
For West Jordan and the Salt Lake area, Draper and Orem, discuss how the green will be accessed and maintained across the seasons. Where a property has a slope, retaining feature or difficult access, identify that work before comparing proposals.
For Park City, review the property’s applicable landscape requirements and installation conditions before deciding the turf area. For St. George, discuss sun exposure, shade, adjacent planting and when the family expects to use the green. These are site-planning questions, not a claim that every property in a city has the same conditions.
Can you plan a green during winter?
Yes. Rio described continuing Utah design appointments in winter and marking proposed layouts even with snow present. Installation still requires suitable ground and product conditions. Ask which measurements can be taken now, which features need a later inspection and how weather affects the schedule.
Read the Utah winter installation and drainage guide before treating a consultation date as an installation guarantee.
What care should a homeowner expect?
Plan for removing leaves and other debris and following the installed surface’s care instructions. Ask which brushing equipment and techniques are compatible, when the surface may need professional attention, and how changes in ball roll should be assessed.
A putting green and a neighboring pet area may have different care needs. Include that distinction in the layout and handover. Do not assume a maintenance routine for a landscape lawn is also the right routine for a putting surface.
Compare the complete green, not just square footage
A useful proposal identifies the layout, preparation, drainage, putting surface, fringe, cups, edging, access and cleanup, along with exclusions. Confirm what is included if you are also considering a bunker, retaining feature or other outdoor work. Ask who provides product coverage and who handles installation issues.
Bring a sketch of your preferred shots and photos of the available space. Explore EverBlade Tour Greens, then request a Utah design consultation or call (801) 657-3458.