Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they often cause more headaches than good when it comes to your
lawn and
landscaping. From chewed up plants to running tracks along the fence, our canine companions can make maintaining a great looking yard feel impossible.
It is possible to have happy pets and a healthy lawn, however. With proper planning and a little extra vigilance on your part, your landscape can thrive right alongside your four-legged friend.
Choosing a resilient grass for your lawn helps it to withstand the wear and tear that comes with a playful or curious dog. Bermuda grass is a great warm-season option, while tall fescue is one of the sturdiest cool-season grasses. Either of these will withstand more paw traffic than most other species, allowing your dog to frolic, roll, jump, and bask in the sun without harming your lawn.
Even the strongest grass will not survive constant, heavy use, however. If your dog loves to run up and down a specific fence line, consider installing a paving stone path along his or her favorite route. Instead of a dirt track in your yard, you’ll have added a durable and attractive design element to your landscape. Your guests will never guess that your gorgeous
garden path actually serves a very practical purpose!
Another of the biggest lawn issues that dogs cause is yellow stains. Dog urine contains high levels of nitrogen, which can “burn” your grass, causing it to turn yellow or even die. While you could follow your pup around with a garden hose every time he relieves himself so you can wash the urine down into the soil before it causes harm, there is a much easier way to protect your lawn.
Though it takes a small investment of time in the beginning, training your dog to only use a certain small section of your yard as his bathroom will protect the rest of your grass for the rest of your dog’s life. If you have an out-of-sight area that you don’t mind sacrificing, train your pet to only urinate here. You can also create a landscaping element that doubles as a dog potty - a nicely defined patch of clover (which does not stain the way other ground covers do) or a small rock garden is perfect for this.
All these methods will help protect your grass, but what about other landscaping plants? The best way to protect both plants and pets from harm is to separate them with a fence or wire cage. Depending on your dog’s personality, a charming little picket fence around your garden might be all it takes to save your plants. Even wire netting can be incorporated in ways that are both effective and visually appealing!
While maintaining a stunning lawn and landscape takes a little more work if you live with a dog, it is very possible. You don’t have to choose between your pet and your plants - call us today for a dog-friendly landscaping solution for every situation!
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Richmond, BC, Canada