If you have a dog, you know that keeping your yard clean is a never-ending job. There’s always something to pick up and clean up. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and preparation, you can keep your yard beautiful without spending all of your time cleaning up after Fido.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your lawn while keeping Fido happy:
Consider putting in artificial turf
Artificial turf is easier to maintain and less expensive than natural grass; however, some dogs find it harder on their paws than natural grass. If you choose artificial turf, make sure it has drainage holes so water doesn’t pool up in one spot or create mud holes that could injure your pet’s paws when he runs through them.
Make sure all plants are safe for dogs
If you have a flower garden or other plants in your yard, make sure that there are no toxic plants that might harm your dog (or any other pets). This includes azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilies. It’s also important to keep them away from fertilizer, which can contain dangerous chemicals.
Clean up after your pet
This might seem obvious, but making sure your pet always has a place to go potty outside is essential for maintaining a clean yard. You don’t want to step on “gifts” left behind by your pet! Be sure to pick up any waste immediately so it doesn’t attract pests or become smelly. You should also consider keeping dog waste bags on hand so you won’t forget them when heading out for walks with your pup.
Mow the Lawn Regularly
If you have a large yard, it is important to mow regularly so your grass does not get too long and become overgrown. This will help prevent ticks and other insects from living on your lawn and potentially harming your dog or children when they play outside.
Use organic fertilizers
You can choose one of these organic fertilizers: compost or manure. Both of them are very effective for improving soil quality and increasing its fertility. They also help decrease weeds in your garden. However, if you have a small yard, compost may be too expensive for you to buy regularly and use as fertilizer for your lawns.
Soak Urine Spots with Water ASAP
If you notice urine spots on the grass or in other areas of your yard, soak them with water as soon as possible. This will dilute the spot so it doesn’t smell so strong or attract flies. You also want to avoid letting these spots dry out; this could cause them to turn brown and create an even worse problem later on when it rains or snows again.
Plant Pet-Tolerant Grass
If you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider planting pet-tolerant grasses. These varieties include fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. They tend to grow slowly and require less water than more common types of grass.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aerate your lawn once a year to promote root growth and improve drainage. You can use an aerator attachment on a power drill or rent a machine at most home improvement stores. The process is simple: Drive the tool into the ground in several places around your yard, then pull it out to expose some soil and create holes for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass plants.
Create a Designated Pet Area
The easiest way to keep your yard clean is by creating an area where your pet can run and play without getting into too much trouble. Make sure the area is well-fenced so that your dog does not wander off into other areas of the yard or even get out of your property.
If you’re worried about digging up flowers or plants, then consider purchasing some bark mulch for this area. The mulch will blend in nicely with any existing landscaping, and it’s also easy on paws.