Dogs and lawns don’t always mix. If you’re a dog owner, you know that your pup loves to run and play outdoors.
But, this can often lead to brown patches or even torn-up turf in the yard.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help keep your lawn looking great all year round, no matter how much Fido loves to roughhouse!
This article will discuss some of the best ways to maintain a green lawn when you have a pet dog.
Understanding Your Dog’s Habits And How They Can Affect Your Lawn
Understanding your dog’s habits is the first step in finding a solution.
If your dog is constantly running and playing on the grass, they can quickly damage or kill the blades of grass, leading to brown patches.
To help mitigate this, try to create a designated play area for your pet using materials that won’t harm your lawn – such as mulch or gravel.
You can also train your dog to stay off the grass if they are causing too much damage.
If you have a dog that loves to dig, this can also be detrimental to the health of your lawn.
Dogs will often dig in search of rodents or other small animals, leaving large holes in your yard.
To prevent this, you can try filling in any holes your dog has already dug with dirt or sand.
You can also train your dog not to dig in some yard regions.
Train Your Dog To Be Disciplined While Urinating
Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs often relieve themselves in grassy areas.
The urine from dogs contains high nitrogen levels, which can burn and kill the grass.
To avoid this, you can train your dog to go in a specific yard area, such as on a gravel path or in a mulched area.
You can also try using products designed to neutralize the nitrogen in dog urine.
Brush Hair Of Your Dog Regularly
Finally, dogs shed their hair constantly, and all that hair can end up on your lawn.
While it may not seem like a big deal, all that hair can form mats that smother the grass and prevent it from getting the sunlight and air it needs to grow.
To avoid this, you can brush your dog regularly – outside, of course! – to remove any loose hair.
You can also try using a rake or a lawnmower to remove any hair accumulated on your lawn.
Adjusting Your Watering Schedule To Accommodate For Dogs
While you may not think twice about watering your lawn regularly, it’s important to be mindful of how much water your lawn is getting if you have a pet.
Dogs love to run and play in the water, so they can quickly track mud and dirt into the house.
To avoid this, try to water your lawn in the morning so that the grass has a chance to dry off before your dog comes out to play.
You may also need to adjust how often you water your lawn.
If you have a breed of grass that is more drought-resistant, you can water it less often.
On the other hand, if you have a breed of grass that is known to be more sensitive to drought, you may need to water it more often.
Finally, be sure to repair any leaks in your sprinkler system as dogs love nothing more than playing in the spray!
Mulching Your Lawn To Help Keep The Moisture In
Mulching your lawn is a great way to help keep the moisture in – and it can also help prevent dogs from digging.
Mulch is a layer of material – such as wood chips, bark, or leaves, spread over the soil’s surface.
It helps protect plants’ roots from heat, cold, and drought. It also helps to keep the soil moist by preventing evaporation.
There are a few things to keep in mind when mulching your lawn.
- Be sure to use a type of mulch safe for dogs, such as wood chips or bark.
- Try not to spread the mulch too thick, as this can suffocate the grass.
- Remove any weeds before you spread the mulch, as they will only continue to grow under the layer of mulch.
Once you’ve spread the mulch, be sure to water it well so that it can start working its magic!
Adding Pet-Friendly Plants To Your Landscaping
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to keeping your lawn green with dogs,
You may consider adding some pet-friendly plants to your landscaping.
Several plants are known to be resistant to dog urine – such as clover, thyme, and grasses.
You can also try planting trees or shrubs to create a barrier between your lawn and your dog.
Lastly, keep an eye on any plants you add to your landscaping, as dogs may try to dig them up!
And remove any weeds that pop up.
Regularly Checking For Urine Spots And Repairing Damage Caused by Them
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, your dog may still urinate on your lawn.
If this happens, it’s important to act quickly.
First, remove any solid waste. Then, soak up as much urine as possible with a paper towel or a cloth.
Finally, rinse the area with water to remove any remaining urine.
If the damage is severe, you may need to replant the affected area.
Choose a grass known to be resistant to dog urine – such as clover, thyme, or fescue. You can also try using a pet-friendly fertilizer to help the grass recover.
Using Artificial Turf As An Alternative To Grass
If you’re struggling to keep your lawn green with dogs, you may consider using artificial turf as an alternative.
Artificial turf is a type of synthetic grass that is made to look and feel like real grass.
It’s a great option for dog owners, as it is resistant to urine and other types of damage.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing artificial turf.
First, choose a type made from safe materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
Second, select a type with a drainage system, as this will help prevent the build-up of urine and other liquids.
Finally, be sure to choose a comfortable type for your dog to walk on – as some types can be quite prickly.
Installing artificial turf is a big job, so you may want to hire a professional to do it for you.
But once it’s installed, you’ll have a lawn that will stay green – no matter how much your dog urinates on it!
Final Verdict!
Having a well-manicured lawn is important, but it’s not always easy to achieve with dogs running around.
Understanding your dog’s habits and adjusting your watering schedule can keep your lawn looking green and healthy all year long.
Mulching also helps maintain moisture levels in the soil, so be sure to add this step to your routine!
How do you keep your lawn looking great despite having dogs?
Share your tips in the comments below!
