Dogs and children can wreak havoc on a lawn. Whether it is natural grass or artificial turf, your pets can really make things difficult, especially if they have a lot of energy and like to explore their surroundings. There are a few things you can do to protect your lawn, as well as your sanity, from damage.
Build A Dog Run
If your pet tends to be overly destructive or if you just want to isolate where your pet does his daily business, build an enclosed dog run. It gives your pet the opportunity to run without being tethered to a leash or tie-out and you don't have to be there with them the entire time. Dog runs also make it easy to clean up after your pet. Dog runs are easy and convenient to maintain and will allow your dog the freedom to run and play as they like.
Place Large Rocks Along the Base of the Fence
If your dog likes to dig, you need to protect the area close to the base of the fence so they aren't able to breach the wall and escape. Large rocks placed along the bottom of the fence will prevent them from gaining access to the outside. You can also secure chicken wire to the fence and then pin the wire to the ground. This creates a protective barrier that will prevent the dog from being able to dig or work their way through the fence if there tends to be a gap.
Provide Your Pet With A Cool Place to Relax
Cover a portion of the dog run or make your dog a bed on the patio. Dogs will often dig shallow holes in the surface of the dirt on extremely hot days. The soil is coil and moist and will lower their body temperature. Dogs do not sweat and panting is their only way of releasing excess heat. Laying in the cool ground is relaxing and helps them to stay comfortable. Making them a bed on the concrete or in the shade will help them to stay cool on long, hot summer days.
Clean Up After Your Pets In A Timely Fashion
If you don't have a dog run, you need to clean up after your pets every day. If not, the residue and waste that is left on the ground can wreak havoc on your lawn. If you have a natural grass lawn, the areas of bright green grass may appear and grow much faster than the rest of the lawn. If artificial turf has been installed, prompt removal of the feces will prevent it from drying onto the grass blades. The longer pet waste is allowed to remain on the artificial turf, the greater the chance of discoloration and staining. Once the solid waste has been removed, hose the area down carefully to dilute and wash away any urine that may be present.
Keep Your Pets From Getting Bored
Pets that are bored tend to try and dig holes or chew through anything they think they can play with. Pets who have a lot of excess energy can run constantly and never seem to get bored or tired. The key to protecting your lawn is to give them something to do at all times. Make sure they have plenty of chew toys or rawhide bones. If you are outside, toss a ball or throw a frisbee on a occasion to keep them distracted from digging.
Protecting your lawn from your pets isn't difficult if you know how your dog thinks and what they like to do. Pet runs are great for people who know their pets like to be outside. Practicing simple lawn care and landscaping habits are also an easy way to make sure your lawn is not damaged by your pets.
