Pets bring immense joy and happiness to their families, but it’s undeniable that they can also cause damage to their lawn. Our soil scientists believe you don’t have to choose between a beautiful lawn and happy pets.
Follow these strategies to maintain a lush, green lawn that you and your pets can enjoy together!
Manage Pet Waste
One of the most straightforward yet essential steps in lawn care for pet owners is managing pet waste. Here are a few tips:
- Pick Up Waste Promptly: Leaving pet waste on your lawn can lead to brown spots and potential health hazards. Make it a habit to clean up after your pet daily.
- Designated Waste Areas: Train your pets to use a specific area for their bathroom needs. This can be a gravel or mulch-covered spot that’s easy to clean and won’t affect the rest of your lawn.
Prevent Urine Spots
Dog urine can cause unsightly yellow or brown spots on your grass due to its high nitrogen content. Here’s how to minimize the damage:
- Water the Spots: After your pet urinates, water the area to dilute the urine and prevent nitrogen from burning the grass.
- Diet Adjustments: Sometimes, changing your pet’s diet can reduce the concentration of nitrogen in their urine. Consult with your vet for appropriate dietary adjustments.
- Lawn Repair Products: Use lawn repair treatments specifically designed to neutralize urine spots and promote grass recovery.
Discourage Digging
Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs but can wreak havoc on your lawn. Here’s how to keep their digging in check:
- Create a Digging Zone: Designate a specific area in your yard where your dog is allowed to dig. Fill it with loose soil or sand and bury toys or treats to encourage them to dig there.
- Training: Teach your dog commands like “no dig” and redirect them to the designated digging zone. Positive reinforcement is key.
- Physical Barriers: For persistent diggers, consider installing barriers like chicken wire or garden fencing around your flower beds and other vulnerable areas.
Prevent Trampling
Pets running and playing can cause wear and tear on your lawn. Here’s how to minimize the impact:
- Durable Grass Types: Choose hardy grass varieties that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and fescue are great options.
- Rotate Play Areas: If possible, rotate your pet’s play areas to give different sections of your lawn time to recover.
- Pathways: Install pathways in high-traffic areas to direct your pets to designated play zones. Use materials like stone, gravel, or mulch.
Additional Tips
- Regular Lawn Maintenance: Mow, water, and fertilize your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and resilient.
- Pet-Friendly Landscaping: Incorporate pet-friendly plants and features in your landscaping design. Avoid toxic plants and opt for hardy shrubs and flowers that can withstand rough play.
- Professional Help: If lawn damage is severe, consider partnering with Blades of Green. We offer specialized treatments to repair and rejuvenate your lawn. Most importantly, we’re also big animal lovers too!