One of the most common opportunities we see in residential landscapes isn’t always obvious at first glance. Many homes have small corners, side yards, or leftover spaces that end up becoming underutilized. These areas often sit unused for years, even though they hold incredible potential.
At Jax Outdoor Solutions, one of our favorite challenges is helping homeowners reimagine those spaces and turn them into something meaningful for their lifestyle.
A recent project is a great example of how even a narrow section of a backyard can be transformed into a fun and functional outdoor feature.
From Unused Corner to Backyard Putting Green
The homeowners had recently removed a large tree from the right side of their backyard near their screened pool enclosure. Once the tree was gone, the area opened up—but it quickly became clear the space wasn’t serving any real purpose.
Rather than leaving it as an empty strip of lawn, the homeowners began thinking about how they could create something their children would enjoy.
They have two young kids, and their five-year-old son has recently developed a love for golf. After seeing a custom backyard project we completed for one of their friends, they contacted Jax Outdoor Solutions to explore the idea of installing a small putting green.
Our goal was to design something that fit naturally within the layout of the yard while still preserving room for the rest of the family’s activities—including space for their daughter’s playset.
Designing for Family Lifestyle
When designing outdoor living spaces, the most important element is always how the homeowner intends to use the area.
In this case, the putting green needed to:
• Fit within a relatively narrow section of yard
• Work alongside the existing pool enclosure
• Leave room for children’s play equipment
• Be durable enough for pets and family activity
Artificial turf putting greens are an excellent solution for spaces like this. They provide a clean, low-maintenance surface that stays green year-round and can be customized to fit almost any footprint.
Site Preparation and Installation
As with most projects, the work begins with proper site preparation.
Although the large tree had already been removed, there were still additional root systems beneath the surface that needed to be excavated before construction could begin. Once the area was cleared, our team prepared the base, installed the appropriate compacted materials, and completed the turf installation.
Because the footprint was well suited for a putting green design, the project came together quickly and was completed in just a few days.
A Backyard Upgrade the Whole Family Can Enjoy
The timing worked out perfectly—the project was finished just in time for a family reunion, allowing the homeowners to reveal the new putting green to their kids and visiting family members.
Now the space provides a fun activity area for the children when they’re not in the pool, and it’s durable enough for everyday use—including approval from the family dog.
What was once an empty strip of yard is now one of the most enjoyable features of the backyard.
The Opportunity Hidden in Your Yard
Many homeowners assume they need a large backyard to create a meaningful outdoor living feature. In reality, some of the best upgrades come from creatively reimagining space that is already there.
Side yards, narrow strips near fences, areas around pool enclosures, and previously shaded spots where trees once stood can all become opportunities for:
- Putting greens
- Artificial turf play areas
- Outdoor seating spaces
- Hardscape patios
- Fire pit areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Custom landscape designs
Sometimes the difference between unused space and a favorite gathering spot is simply a thoughtful design plan.
Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space?
If you have a section of your yard that feels underutilized, it may have more potential than you realize.
At Jax Outdoor Solutions, we specialize in helping homeowners design and build outdoor spaces that match how they live and enjoy their homes.
From custom putting greens to full backyard transformations, our team can help turn overlooked areas into beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces.
Contact Jax Outdoor Solutions today to start designing your next backyard upgrade.