WHAT IS THE BEST LAWN TYPE FOR PETS
Believe it or not, almost half of all households in Australia have at least one dog.
Many Aussies consider their dogs to be important family members, but they may occasionally damage our prized grass. Dogs love spending time outdoors, but it's important to find a way to keep them and your lawn happy. In this article, we will look at some ways to achieve both...
General Wear and Tear
If your dog gets the zoomies and runs around your lawn crazily, your turf can take quite a beating. Especially for families with larger dogs, this can be an ongoing fight to help the grass survive the excitement. If you're experiencing this issue, turf reinforcement mesh may be the best option for you. This type of mesh will give your grass extra support so that it can handle more wear and tear, which in turn reduces damage. These meshes are often made from high-density plastics and can be placed over an existing lawn. The plastic structure will quickly disappear within a few weeks as the turf grows back over it. These meshes also help to stop chickens from scratching throughout the lawn.
De-compact Your Soil
If your dog spends the majority of its day on the lawn, the soil base might get compacted. Compaction happens when an area of grass is continuously used. Compaction can cause your lawn to be less healthy. Compaction reduces the soil's ability to absorb water, as well as the grasses' grip on the soil profile. You may use a garden fork or a core aerator to help fracture up the soil profile and allow for better moisture and nutrition access to your lawn's roots.
Digging
So, what can you do if your dog is a digger? Let's explore the possibilities by first examining why dogs might dig in the first place. Some dogs may enjoy it as a form of entertainment, while others might be trying to escape their current environment or seek protection. In some cases, it could simply be that they're playing. There are a few things you can do to assist your four-legged companion to avoid digging up your entire yard. Chew toys or treat balls are excellent sources of entertainment and may keep your dog occupied while you're not at home. Regular exercise will also help your dog expend its energy and keep it healthy.
Sandpits
If your pooch enjoys digging, create a space in your yard where they can do so without harming the grass. You might even add their favourite snacks or chew toys to this designated space as an extra incentive for them to use it. A few beams or a kid's clamshell can be used to make these sandpits, and they're very simple to build. Just remember to jam it down so that the sandpit doesn't shift across the yard after you've had your fill of digging.
To learn how to build a sand pit from scratch, check out our guide here.
Choosing The Right Turf Variety
Not only is it important to consider your own needs when choosing the best turf variety, but you should also take your pet's needs into account! If your dog enjoys spending time outside on the lawn, it is best to choose a turf with a high wear tolerance.
Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo has a sturdy leaf that can stand up to lots of wear and tear! It's also great in hot weather, standing up well to drought conditions. Sir Walter is a versatile turf variety that does well with high traffic from kids and pets. Another excellent choice for homes with animals is TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. Not only does it have a dense growth habit which makes it difficult for URI (urine) scorching, but the plant will quickly repair any done by your beloved pet
Urine Burns
If your dog is a burner of the lawn, there are several things you can do to prevent or alleviate urine burns on your grass. Dog Rocks is one of the most popular choices, with evidence to back it up. Water filters get rid of impurities like tin, nitrates, and ammonia. Filtered water works similarly to dog rocks. Also, it helps if you train your dog to use one area of the lawn or a potty mat. That way, there won't be as much damage to your property.
