Updated on
August 2, 2022

Can you have fake grass with dogs?

Landscaping
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Fake grass with dogs

Homeowners face a dilemma. They want to have grass to keep their furry friends happy. But they also wish to have a good-looking lawn. Unfortunately, dogs can damage natural grass, smearing mud across the lawn and bringing dirt inside the house. Their urine can create dead or dark spots in the yard. There is an alternative though, using artificial grass. But how will this be the right choice for your pets?

Benefits of Synthetic Grass for Dogs

There are plenty of reasons why dog owners will love using synthetic grass. Let's look at some of these advantages:

Easy to Clean

One of the least enjoyable parts of being a pet owner is dealing with dogs' pee and poop. Thankfully, it's easy to maintain artificial grass. Most artificial turf is designed to drain easily, so dog urine won't stain the grass. Even better, you can choose an infill material that will help to neutralize unpleasant pet odors.

Plus, when you get artificial grass for dogs you no longer have to worry about muddy paws traipsing dirt through the house. Not to mention, if your dog is a digger; your dogs will find it quite difficult to dig a hole in artificial turf.

No Need for Pesticides

If you want to keep your real grass looking green and healthy, you'll have to keep pests and weeds away. This means the use of pesticides and herbicides, which (although helpful) can can become an added layer to the maintenance of a natural yard.

The good news is that artificial grass doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to keep it in good condition. Fleas or parasites are much less likely to be lurking in fake grass. Plus, you don't need to worry about invasive grasses or weeds as a properly installed lawn will act as it's own weed barrier.

Maintains a Soft Texture

The good news is that your pets will also love using synthetic turf. The grass blades will maintain the right height and texture for years to come, no matter how long your dog lies on them.

Downsides of Using Artificial Grass For Dogs

There are plenty of reasons why both dog owners and their furry friends will love using synthetic grass. But there are a few minor cons to be aware of.

A Small Amount of Maintenance Will be Required

As we mentioned, there are drainage holes in the grass, to help remove dog urine. This helps control the smell. But you should still consider rinsing the areas your dog is known to have gone. This simple task will help to fully remove the smell and any remaining residue. If there are any remnants of feces stuck to the grass blades you will need to use a stiff brush to remove them. Don't use any alcohol or bleach-based cleaning products as they can damage the grass blades.

Most of the time, though, a spray of water should bring them unstuck. This article has some tips on how you can keep your synthetic turf clean.

There might be a little wear and tear on the grass. But as long as you are cleaning it regularly, it will be able to last for a long time. It should be able to last for between 20 to 30 years.

Cost

Initially, the cost of synthetic turf will be significantly higher than using real grass. But it's important to think of the turf as a long-term investment. Don't forget you'll be able to save on mowing, pesticides and lawn fertilizer. Plus, you won't need to worry about the cost of fuel and maintenance for the lawn mower. Once you factor in these expenses, artificial grass works out to be the obvious choice.

Heat

Finally, artificial grass can store heat during the summer months, so it might feel a little hot underfoot. But this tends to be a minor inconvenience. If you want to cool the turf down, you can spray it with some water.

How to Find Artificial Grass For Dogs

In many cases, the benefits of synthetic turf will outweigh the downsides. It's a great choice both for pet owners and their furry friends. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing pet friendly artificial grass.

Texture

Fake grass comes in a wide variety of textures. Some people prefer harder grass with shorter blades for their front lawn. But, when you have dogs, you'll need something that will feel soft beneath their paws. These artificial grasses will often have longer grass blades.

It's also a good idea to look at the shape of the blades. Look for something with an M or W shape. This will be easier to clean. Any debris should slide right off and wash away.

Face Weight

Face weight is the term used to measure the number of fibers per square yard. The higher the face weight, the higher the quality of the grass. When selecting artificial grass for dogs it's best to choose a minimum face weight of 60 ounces. This ensures that it will be durable enough to withstand a playful dog.

Infill

Next, it's time to consider the type of infill you want your synthetic grass to have. This will help hold the artificial grasses in place. Though there are many types of infill on the market, dog owners will want to choose something that is anti-microbial. This will help dampen potential smells.

Just make sure that is non-toxic, in case your dog accidentally ingests some. If you have hot summers in your area, you can get an infill that has cooling properties, so the grass doesn't get too hot.

Durability

Dogs love running around the backyard, putting your fake grass through its paces. They might even try to dig into it. You'll need to find a pet friendly artificial grass that will be able to handle this punishment.

The good news is that you don't need to hunt for the right fake grass on your own. The team at JC Landscapes will be able to help you along the journey. We'll discuss your needs and help you find the ideal type of synthetic grass to suit your pets.

Conclusion

Artificial grass is very popular with homeowners. It lets you have a perfect yard, year-round while being low maintenance. The good news is that our furry friends will love synthetic turf. It will feel just like real grass beneath their paws and it will make cleaning up after your pets a breeze. Because of this, fake grass is the ideal choice for pet owners.

If you are looking to add artificial turf to your property, get it done right with JC Landscapes! We are professionals with 20+ years of experience and can't wait to help.