If you have pets that spend time outdoors, keeping your lawn looking nice can be a challenge. From digging and rolling in the dirt to leaving unwelcome “presents” around, animals can wreak havoc on a beautiful lawn. But there are some tips you can use to help maintain the perfect outdoor space despite your furry friends. You can create an oasis for yourself and your animal family members with extra effort and dedication.
1. Replace Grass with Turf Grass
Turf grass, or pet turf, is designed to withstand pet activity’s wear and tear. It’s a thicker type of grass that can withstand digging, running, and other pet-related activities. Turf is also great for dogs who love to play in the water and dirt since it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Additionally, it is pet-friendly and non-toxic, so you can rest assured that your pet won’t be harmed by playing on it. And if you live in an area with plenty of rain or snow, turf grass will dry faster than regular grass, so your pet can go outside as soon as the weather allows.
2. Fence Off Certain Areas
A pet fence is a great way to keep pets from digging up your lawn or destroying flower beds. It’s also useful for keeping them out of areas where they might be tempted to eat something dangerous or harmful. If you do choose to install pet fencing, make sure it’s high enough that your pet won’t be able to climb over it and has small enough openings that they can’t squeeze through the bars.
3. Invest in Low-Maintenance Plants
While flowers and plants can be a great addition to your lawn, they don’t always stand up well to the roughhousing of pets. To reduce maintenance time, consider investing in low-maintenance, hardy plants that are unlikely to be damaged by your pet’s activities. Choose native vegetation when possible, as they generally require less watering and care than non-native species.
You can also opt for succulents, which are extremely easy to maintain and require little water or fertilizer. If you’re feeling creative, create your pet-friendly garden boxes to plant various hardy plants that will last through whatever your pet throws at them.
4. Train Your Pet
Training your pet can help you keep your lawn looking nice and also help keep them safe. Teach them basic commands like “no,” “stay,” “come,” and so on to make sure they understand what behavior is expected of them when they are outdoors. Having a well-trained pet will reduce the damage they cause and give you peace of mind that they won’t get into trouble while unattended.
5. Keep Things Clean
Cleanliness is essential to keeping your lawn nice, regardless of whether you have animals. But when it comes to pets, regular cleanings become even more important. Make sure to pick up any messes your animal leaves behind and remove any debris scattered across the lawn. If you’re having trouble cleaning up after your pet, consider investing in a quality vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair and messes.
6. Re-Seed Regularly
If your lawn has taken a beating from your pet’s activities, don’t despair. You can easily restore it by reseeding regularly. This will help keep the grass thick and healthy, making it harder for animals to dig up or damage it. By seeding regularly, you can create a vibrant green lawn that can withstand the elements and maintain its beautiful appearance all year round.
Additionally, if you find certain lawn spots are having a tough time growing back, consider aerating and overseeding those areas. This will help the grass flourish and make it easier to keep your pet-friendly lawn looking nice year-round.
7. Protect Your Lawn from Pests
Pests like fleas, ticks, and mites can wreak havoc on your lawn. Treat your pet with anti-parasite medication regularly to keep these pests away, and bathe them every few weeks. Also, use natural pest repellents such as cedar chips or lemon juice around the perimeter of your yard. This will help keep those pesky pests away so your pet can enjoy their outdoor space without worrying about being bitten.
Conclusion
Having pets in the yard doesn’t have to mean that your lawn is off-limits. Like any other part of your home, with a few simple tricks, you can keep your lawn looking nice while allowing your pet to enjoy it too. From investing in low-maintenance plants to regularly reseeding, these tips can help ensure your lawn stays beautiful and pet-friendly.