While we all love our canine friends, keeping your lawn lush and healthy when you own a dog can be challenging. From territory-marking to digging, your pet may have your lawn looking a little worse for the wear. If this is the case, read on for our tips on how to keep your southern lawn looking its best.
If you’re noticing yellow or brown dead patches in your yard or spots with more growth than the rest, your dog’s urine could be to blame. Dog urine contains nitrogen and salts, and too much of these materials can damage or kill your turf. Here’s how to help.
- Flush the spots with water. Keep an eye on the areas where your dog tends to do his or her business and then wash them off with a hose or watering can. Flushing these spots can help reduce the concentration of the urine and protect your grass. While this is more of a temporary solution, it can help mitigate some of the damage.
- Install a marking post. Train your pup to use a specific spot outdoors. Place a decorative rock or special stake for this purpose in a discrete spot in your yard. Encourage your dog to use this spot, and praise him or her when they do. Hopefully they will soon learn to do their business there and not on your grass.
- Keep grass a little higher. Make sure your grass isn’t mowed too short. If it’s a bit longer, you are more likely to be able to disguise the discolored patches or the overgrown spots.
If your dog is a digger, it’s likely because of natural instincts. He or she may be hunting for pests or simply exerting extra energy. There are a couple of tricks that might help your yard withstand damage from digging.
- Schedule exercise. If your dog is often inside, constant digging might be a sign that he or she needs more exercise. Schedule time to let your dog walk and run, and encourage playtime that doesn’t include digging.
- Limit digging to one area. Since some dogs simply like to dig, it can be helpful to have a specific place in the yard where this is allowed. Monitoring Rover, rewarding him when he digs in that spot, and discouraging digging in other areas can encourage the behavior you prefer.
Finally, scheduling routine lawn maintenance can help keep your lawn healthy despite the damage from your furry friend. We love dogs — and we love seeing healthy lawns that both people and animals enjoy.