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Is it possible to have a lovely lawn when you have a dog? With a bit of planning and the right grass selection, everyone can enjoy a lush carpet of green, free from bare patches. Follow these lawn care tips for dog owners.
As dogs often pace or run along the same route in a backyard, particularly along a fence line, Angie Thomas of Yates suggests erecting a temporary mesh barrier around the area to try to give the grass time to recover, or to repair bare spots with seed or rolls of turf.
“Soil that has become compacted will need to be gently aerated first (using a garden fork) to promote better grass establishment,” she says. “And for dogs that like to dig, consider creating a special area that they can dig in. Try hiding toys in that spot to entice them!”
Lawns can develop yellow patches from dog urine, as it contains concentrated nitrogen that causes the lawn leaves to burn. To help minimise the effects, keep the lawn well-watered – if possible, water the spot where the dog has urinated immediately afterward to dilute the urine. Encourage your dog to drink more (so the urine is less concentrated) by providing multiple sources of fresh water.
Or try Dog Rocks, mineralised rocks that go in a dog’s water bowl, which change the nitrogen levels of the dog’s urine so it won’t stain the grass as much. You could also train your dog to wee in a certain place, not anywhere on the lawn.
For damaged lawns, Angie suggests running grasses, which will self-repair to fill the affected spot. Keep the lawn well-watered and feed regularly to encourage healthy green thick growth. Take note of your climate, however, as Angie says some grasses are better suited to cool or warm areas. Check out this guide.
Couch is a popular running grass with finely textured leaves and is well suited to high-wear areas.
Kikuyu is suited to backyards with pets, as it withstands wear and tear and, being a running grass, can self-repair. Kikuyu grows best in full or part sun.
Buffalo varieties such as Sapphire, Palmetto and Sir Walter are hardwearing, and their runners help to repair bare patches that might be created by dogs.
Zoysia is best suited to warmer areas and its deep root system and runners make it a durable choice.
Check out our D.I.Y. advice on giving your turf the TLC it needs to thrive.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
