For many homeowners, an exciting part of having a lawn is a place for your dog to play. Dogs can have a lot of fun running around, and the reality is that the joy of your pup can also lead to some landscaping damage.
If you have a dog, here are some things you’ll want to consider for your landscaping.
Dog Paths
Just like us humans, dogs will follow walking patterns throughout your yard. Over time, you’ll likely notice that grass is more worn in certain areas.
In particular, dogs love exploring around your fence. If you know that there’s a specific spot your dog loves to visit, it might be helpful to add a walkway to your yard. You can add stones or other hardscaping that follows your dog’s path from the patio to their favorite spot against the fence.
Walkways in your backyard can be used in a variety of ways where your dog likes to frequently walk.
Dog Barriers
Depending on your dog’s recall, you’ll likely want some sort of fencing around your yard. You can decide if you want fencing that you can still see through, so you don’t disrupt the view or if you’d prefer the privacy that a fence can provide.
However, you may also want a specific area set aside for your dog. If you have a garden or some bushes that you don’t want your dog to get into, consider making a special area for your dog.
You can even add in some fun features like a dog splash pool, some shade from outdoor lounging, sand for digging, or a separate spot for freshwater. It will feel like your dog gets a unique backyard that can be customized to how your dog enjoys being outdoors.
Dog-Friendly Plants
One of the most critical parts of your dog-friendly landscape is making sure that your plants are safe for your furry friends. You’ll want to avoid including things like Easter Lily, Stinging Nettles, Lantana, and more plants that are toxic when ingested. There are also plants that are prickly or may cause damage to your dog. Ensure that you’re careful when picking the types of plants you want in your yard.
You can also add plants that are beneficial to your dog. Things like catnip, marigolds, rosemary, and sage can actually help repel fleas that might come into your yard.
Grass Spots
The most common issue with dogs and grass has to do with the spots that urine can cause in your yard. If you’re diligent, you can dilute the urine when your dog pees by pouring water over the area. However, most people won’t have time to do something like that.
There’s also an option to add an enzyme to the urine spot in your yard. This can help with any odor issues. You can find this product in a variety of gardening or landscaping stores. It’s also something our maintenance team keeps on hand for when it’s needed.
Alternatively, you can keep your dog set to one spot in your yard, as mentioned above. That can help keep the rest of your yard clean.
However, you could also change out the grass that you use. Clover can be a replacement for grass that doesn’t stain. Bermuda grass is another alternative that will be tougher for wear and tear but may not stand up to urine spots as well.
We even work with some people who want to change over to a pet turf installation for their yard. Artificial grass can withstand a lot more wear and tear than traditional grass. Plus, it’s easier for some homeowners to maintain. We work with Synthetic Turf Northwest for this option.
Need Help With Your Landscaping?
If you need help with your landscaping to ensure it’s perfect for your pup, reach out to our team.