No. In fact they are probably best right off the freshly mown grass. However, because using a StrikePad prevents lawn damage, you can take them to the park or softball field. Your wife or husband won't get mad if you use the StrikePad and BirdieBalls in the yard. Best of all the StrikePad allows you to hit golf balls in places that you never would have thought to hit them before. You can hit BirdieBalls in the parking lot, off of a frozen lake, off of the beach and even off of the deck of a houseboat. You will be amazed by how the StrikePad allows you to hit down and through, releasing your golf club on impact.