A
lush, green yard is a serene sight at the end of a stressful day.
However, one obstacle can prevent you from achieving your dream lawn:
your canine family member. Dogs can cause notable damage to your lawn
in a short period. Check out these lawn care tips so that you can
create a beautiful, dog-friendly yard.
Opt
for Grass or Sod Variety Suited to Your Pet
Certain
species of robust grass and sod are better suited to the stress
caused by your furry family members. You don't have to completely
re-seed your existing yard if it already has established grass.
However, if you plant a new lawn or want to thicken your current
grass, select a hardy variety that can withstand any stress your dog
causes.
Many
pet owners favor Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass not only
grows rapidly but also is resistant to frequent pet traffic. It
thrives in multiple growing regions.
Local
climate informs which
grass will grow
best
in your yard. Perennial ryegrass is a good selection if you reside in
a cool climate, as this variety rapidly establishes a strong root
system and boasts a quick growth rate.
Bermuda
grass grows well in areas with frequent warm weather (55 degrees or
above) and requires little irrigation. Though Bermuda grass will turn
brown during extended cold spells, it quickly regains its color once
warm weather returns.
Get
Your Dog's Digging Under Control
Many
dogs love to dig, but this behavior is one of the most common causes
of pet-related damage to lawns. If your dog likes to dig holes or
bury toys, it's vital to get these habits under control before your
yard suffers even more damage. You have a few alternatives to deter
your dog when they decide to dig.
One
solution is to provide your dog with more exercise or invest in a few
new, interesting toys. Some dogs dig because they're bored or have
excess energy. Try adding longer walks to your exercise routine or
give your dog puzzle toys that challenge their brain. When your dog
starts to dig, tell them "no" and offer an acceptable
alternative, like an interesting toy or bone.
Another
option is to make your dog's favorite site an uncomfortable place to
dig. You can place rocks or citrus peels in and around areas where
your dog tries to dig. A motion-activated sprinkler system in favored
digging areas is another option for dogs who are deterred by water.
An additional benefit of the sprinkler system is that you can use it
to water your lawn during dry spells.
Know
When Dog Urine Is Problematic
It's
a myth that dog urine is guaranteed to cause an unhealthy lawn. Some
pet owners mistake fungus-related brown or yellow spots as damage
from pet urine.
Determine
whether your lawn damage is from pet urine or a grass fungus by
attempting to pull the grass up; if the grass comes up easily, your
lawn likely has a fungus. When the grass remains firmly planted, the
discoloration may come from pet urine.
If
you believe pet urine is discoloring your grass, make sure that your
pet consumes ample amounts of water, as concentrated urine is more
likely to discolor grass. Another option is to reduce the amount of
protein in your pet's diet. However, don't make any dietary changes
without consulting your dog's veterinarian.
You
can also train your dog to urinate in the same spot. This keeps the
damage contained to one area and makes it easy to replace the damaged
portions with sod as needed.
Need
to reverse lawn damage caused by your dog? Contact
Novasack
Turf Farms to learn how sod can help you transform your yard.
