Dog Owners LOVE Artificial Grass: Find Out Why
Artificial grass is quickly becoming the preferred option for dog owners looking to create a safe and comfortable area for their pets to use as toileting. Not only does artificial grass provide a great surface for dogs to do their business, it also eliminates the need for costly and high-maintenance upkeep that comes with natural grass.
We all know that artificial grass has many advantages over natural grass: it requires no mowing, no weeding, and no additional fertilizers or pesticides. You may not know that artificial grass has many other advantages for dog owners.
No More Dead Patches
Artificial grass is a durable surface that can withstand heavy wear and tear from your dog, meaning it won’t easily become patchy or uneven. If you have dogs and natural grass then you probably already know that female dog urine kills grass. This leads to dead patches in natural grass lawns that can either spread or result in muddy areas when it rains.
These dead patches are very difficult to repair in natural grass. Re-seeding a dead patch caused by dog urine rarely works, as the dog’s urine seeps into the ground and kills the grass before it can sprout. Also your dog will most likely still prefer that spot to do their business, which will make the whole re-seeding exercise pointless.
Artificial grass, on the other hand, can be easily replaced when necessary (see our guide on replacing patches of artificial grass). This makes it the perfect solution for dog owners looking to avoid dead patches. If you choose artificial grass tiles, then the job of replacing one or more tiles is very straightforward.
No More Mud
When it rains, natural grass can become either very muddy or waterlogged. This means that your dog will likely track mud and dirt into the house after their bathroom or play breaks. Artificial grass, on the other hand, absorbs little moisture and drains very quickly (if installed correctly). This means that when it rains, your artificial grass and your dogs will stay dry and free of mud.
How well your artificial grass will drain depends on the quality of the installation. So take care to hire a professional installer or read our installation guide. Whatever you do, don’t just lay artificial grass over the top of your existing grass, as this is likely to cause drainage issues (amongst other things). The other top tip for dog owners is to avoid using crumbled rubber as the substrate (the material that goes under the artififcal grass). This is because it can heat up quickly in the sun.
If you have dogs, poor drainage is likely to cause some bad smells, so it’s important to get it right.
Speaking of smells… read on to discover how to clean up after your dog.
Easy to Clean Up After Your Dog
When it comes to cleaning up after your dog, artificial grass is a lot easier than natural grass. All you need to do is remove any solid waste, and then give the area a light rinse with water. You can use a hose or watering can to do this.
For more persistent messes you may need to add an enzyme-based cleaning solution to the area. This will help to break down any organic matter, making it easier to remove and leaving your artificial grass looking as good as new.
If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can combine a cup of white vinegar with two cups of water and spray this mixture onto the affected area. This should help to remove any odors, as well as breaking down urine and feces. Good drainage is absolutely key when you have dogs and artificial grass.
Infill is a grainy material that goes on top of the artificial grass after it has been installed. The good news for pet owners is that you can get special types of infill material that help manage odours. Check out our guide to artificial grass infill materials for more information.
Regardless of whether or not you have dogs, it’s a good idea to give your artificial grass a good rinse with a hose or watering can once every couple of weeks. While this isn’t mandatory it does help keep the artificial grass looking at its best.
Good drainage is key if you have pets. Check out our series of installation guides that explain all you need to know.
Deters Digging
Natural grass and the dirt beneath is very inviting to dogs wanting to dig, whereas artificial grass simply isn’t. If your pup is destroying the lawn, consider installing artificial grass and you may find that they lose interest in digging up the yard.
However, be advised that the more mischevious ones won’t be deterred!
Less Pest Control
Natural grass is a haven for bugs and ticks which can attach to your dog. This can cause your dog health problems, or the bugs can be brought into your home and onto your carpet, sofa or bed! On the other hand, artificial grass deters fleas and ticks, meaning your dog can play in the yard without you having to worry about them picking up any bugs.
With fewer ticks and fleas you will no longer have to use chemicals to manage the little critters that pooch brings into your home. Keeping your artificial grass clean and well-maintained is key to keep pests away. Read more in our guide to keeping your artificial grass looking and feeling its best.
The Verdict
For dog owners, artificial grass is a great choice with many advantages over natural grass. Not only does it look great, but it has many practical benefits:
- Artificial grass deters digging and eliminates tracking in mud, and
- It’s easy to clean up after your pup, and
- It helps keep pests away from your pet and interior of the house.
All these factors make artificial grass an ideal solution for those looking for a low maintenance yard that their four legged friends can enjoy too.