Your Lawn’s Best Friend

I believe it is true that a dog can be a man's best friend. I also know that man's best friend can cause a lot of trouble when it comes to lawn care. But, with a little practice, patience and care, having a nice lawn and having a dog can really work. 

Lawn Burn

During seeding season in the lawn care business, one thing I often hear about is dead patches. Lawn burn can happen for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is due to dog urine. Dog urine is high in nitrogen. So when your furry friend finds one spot in the yard that he really likes to use, that spot becomes over saturated with nitrogen and kills the grass. Luckily there are some simple steps you can take to avoid a dead patch.

Pet-Friendly Grass

If you know your dog likes to go in the same spot, pick a grass that is less sensitive to nitrogen. Choose a seed that blends well with the rest of your lawn but is more durable for your pup!

Marking Post for Pets

If you want to avoid reseeding altogether, create a marking post. Marking posts are easy to make and can actually look like a part of your landscaping. Use pea gravel in a corner of your yard and train your dog to go in the same place. Your dog does not need to own your entire lawn, create a designated area for him.

Walk Your Dog to Save your Lawn

To really avoid damaging your lawn at all, set designated times to take your dog on a walk. Not only does this train your dog to go potty at the same time every day, it also gives him the much needed exercise he craves and deserves. Plus, you get a little exercise yourself!

Install a Fence

Installing a fence can be a great benefit for you, your dog and your lawn. There are two ways you can utilize a fence. The first is to try fencing in your entire yard. Dogs usually urinate in the same area to mark their territory. When your yard is fenced in, it keeps other dogs out. A certain spot may continually be getting marked because another dog is coming into your yard and remarking it.Don't want to invest the time or money to fencing in the entire yard? Create a space for your dog. If you have a large yard, fence off a section of it just for the dog. This space allows your dog the freedom he needs to run, potty and the fresh air he desires. This also allows you to keep your entire lawn looking nice and clear of unwanted dead patches and holes.

Holes from Pets

The other big complaint I often hear about our four legged friends is their ability to tear up a yard by digging holes. And wouldn't you know it, because of the smell, one of their favorite places to dig usually seems to be the flower bed. The best way I've found to avoid a mulch mess is to install concrete curbing around the edges of my trees and flower beds. Concrete curbing blocks dogs from digging at the base of a tree and on the edges of the flower bed.The best way to avoid holes all together is to investigate the reason behind the digging. Is it a smell, boredom or are they hiding something? Getting to the bottom of the digging will help you better train your dog to stop.Dogs don't have to be your lawn's worst enemy. With some time, care and proper puppy training your lawn can still look as good as it did before you got your pooch!