Benefits Of Going Grassless
Typically, we landscape around our homes with grass but environmentally, its a very poor choice, explains Dr. Amy Attas, DVM of New York-based practice City Pets. Grass requires a lot of water to look its best. When your dog pees, you will need more water to dilute the urine and prevent that from discoloring or killing the grass.
A grassless yard utilizes alternative materials such as mulch, concrete paving stones, or synthetic turf. Since many dogs are allergic to grass, going grassless in the back or front yard is beneficial to dogs with sensitive skin or a history of allergies, says Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM, a veterinarian at Fuzzy.
Grassless alternatives make it easier to pick up and dispose of solid waste. They can save you money on fertilizers, pesticides, and other yard materials harmful to dogs. Concrete pavers, for instance, prevent dogs from digging holes and tracking mud inside the house.
If you have your heart set on a lush, green lawn, synthetic turf is a good option for reducing soil erosion and flooding. Synthetic turf cuts down on water usage and can drastically reduce your water bill, says Ed Ball, the founder and CEO of Ed Ball Landscape Architecture. Without the organic elements of turfgrass, the insect population will relocate.
Getting The Big Dogscaping Picture
Before you launch into the nitty-gritty details of petscapes designed for canine comfort, step back to consider the space as a whole. Colorado-based landscape architect Kristin Heggem, an expert in pet-friendly landscape design, explains that approaches may vary significantly based on the size of your dog. Large dogs need space to run, while smaller dogs use space differently, she says. Retrievers and terriers, for example, differ in their backyard needs.
Heggem suggests watching your dogs route when you let them out. They may run straight for the fence line to check for intruders, or they may shoot for the back corner where their favored potty area lies. By watching their movements, you can discover the spaces theyve already chosen for dog paths and other purposes and work those into your overall plan.
Family Friendly Backyard Ideas
Family movie night snack board ideas. Games outdoor game summer activities diy friendly backyard. Backyard games outdoor fun summer diy bowling game activities ever kid family friendly backyard ideas
Yarn Painting For Kids – Happy Hooligans. 9 Images about Yarn Painting For Kids – Happy Hooligans : 15 family friendly backyard games for the whole family. These DIY, Backyard Ideas for Dogs | Dog friendly garden, Dog friendly backyard and also Horseshoe Pit Dimensions Diagram | Horseshoe pit, Horseshoe pit.
Also Check: How To Build A Patio Couch Out Of Pallets
Keep Landscaping Toxic Free
There are a huge number of plants that are highly toxic to dogs. Its important to remember which plants should never be kept within a dogs reach. Be sure that your dog is not able to ingest any of the following highly toxic plants:
Sago Palm, Tomato Plant, Aloe Vera, Ivy, Amaryllis, Gladiola, American Holly, Daffodil, Babies Breath, Milkweed, Castor Bean, Rhododendron, Tulip, Chrysanthemum, Begonia, and Oleander. Consumption of any plant material can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in dogs, but be sure to check a full list of the toxic and non-toxic plants for your dogs before planting. If you think your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, be sure to contact your vet right away.
What Landscaping Risks Are There To Dogs
Of course, you dont want anything in your yard to cause harm to your best buddy. However, backyards can pose a variety of dangers to a curious pup.
For example, anything that might catch on your dogs collar, leash or longline is a potential choking hazard. You dont want your pup wrapping themselves around a tree, or getting their collar caught in a bush. If your dog is curious and strong enough to pull over tall plants or decorations, then falling items may become a hazard, too. .
Or, if you have a particularly determined digger, your best pal may even expose and chew on underground wires or cables. Lawn ornaments, decks or siding have the potential to become chew toys if youre not careful, and any small pieces that break off may be swallowed.
You may assume your pup can doggy-paddle, but any ponds, fountains or swimming pools can still pose a drowning risk. Not all dogs are confident swimmers, and some breeds are built in such a way that they sink like a stone. .
Be especially cautious with any chemicals you may use in your backyard, such as fertilizers or pesticides. Heavy rain can also wash even more dangerous chemicals off driveways and into your lawn, such as antifreeze.
Also Check: What Is A Louvered Pergola
Know Your Grass Types
If you prefer grass and reject the idea of incorporating hardscape, consider switching to a different type of grass. Some grasses hold up better to foot traffic, paw traffic, and various other forms of abuse. Among the warm-season grasses, Bermuda grass is among the toughest. If you need a cool-season grass for landscaping with dogs, try tall fescue grass.
Create Borders To Protect Garden Areas
If the rosemary isnt enough to prevent your dog from tearing your garden up, you may need to consider installing a physical border to keep them out. There are many different options to suit any style or décor, including stone barriers, rusting wooden logs, a short picket fence, cement block barriers, and more.
The key is to find a solution that will keep your dog out, complement your outdoor décor and still allow access to the garden space when needed so that you can care for your plants. If your dog is very determined to get in, you might need to install a taller fence and incorporate a gate for your use.
Don’t Miss: The Backyard At One North
Avoid Urine Spots With Hardscape
Dogs and lawn grass do not mix well. For small areas, consider switching from a grassy expanse to hardscape, which consists of non-living landscaping materials such as bricks, concrete pavers, and stones. The advantages of hardscape go beyond solutions to landscaping with dogs, since hardscape offers a low-maintenance alternative to grass that obviates lawn care, which can be not only labor-intensive but also expensive. Stone and masonry are especially useful for pooch owners because they minimize the mess dogs make through digging, urination, and plain old wear and tear.
Make liberal use of crushed stone mulch. If you grow plants in such mulch in a sunny area, select drought-resistant plants, since stone gets hot in the summer. Do not place the stone mulch directly up against the plants.
Provide Dog Enrichment Toys
The easiest way to keep your dog entertained in the backyard is to provide plenty of chew and enrichment toys to keep them from digging up the grass.
The most well-known of these is the Kong Classic, which can be frozen on hot days. Once you have purchased the main product, filling it can be fairly inexpensive, with common Kong recipes using products from your kitchen such as Greek yogurt, some fruit and vegetables, and of course your dog’s favorite kibble.
Read Also: How To Clean Fabric Patio Furniture Cushions
Backyard Ideas For Dogs That Get Two Paws Up
Did you know that some dogs need more than two hours of exercise every day? Even if your furry friend doesnt require much movement, they probably enjoy getting out, stretching all four legs, and spending lots of time in your backyard.
It can be hard to come up with new ideas to keep pets stimulated, and many dog owners struggle to think of new and exciting ways to encourage their furry friends to enjoy the backyard.
Luckily, there are all kinds of easy updates that make your backyard more fun and inviting for your dog. Whether you have a few square feet of yard in an urban area or a vast tract of wooded land, theres so much you can do. Read on for some amazing backyard ideas for dogs.
Try Your Hand At Container Gardening
The process of container gardening refers to growing your plants in pots, grow bags, and planters instead of planting them in the ground in a more traditional garden setting. This technique allows those in apartments and other urban settings to set up a garden without having a large yard to install a garden bed.
For dog owners, container gardening offers the unique ability to move plants if needed throughout the season. If you notice that your dog is getting into a plant where you had it set up, move it somewhere out of his reach.
Also Check: How To Paint Concrete Patio To Look Like Wood
Keep Your Landscaping Toxin
Some common landscaping plants are toxic to dogs, including sago palms, azaleas, and even lilies. Keep your landscaping dog-friendly by avoiding lethal plants .
Chemicals within landscaping materials can also be problematic for dogs. These include: snail bait, cocoa mulch, chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. If you must use these products, make absolutely sure that your dog can’t get them.
A permaculture designerâs tips on how to keep your pets and veggies safe â naturally.
Fence The People Dogs Run Free
Fun Switch to outdoor dynamics a dog-run makes up the entire backyard with the people space . . . fenced in. When the canine-loving z family invite their friends for a barbecue, their pets are invited too. While they enjoy life inside the fence the dogs can hang together with free rein of the yard. Note the natural grass, concrete stepping stones and river rock in dog area.
Recommended Reading: When Is The Best Time To Water Lawn
Consider An Invisible Fence To Avoid Blocking Your Views
Weve talked about the use of fences a few times on this list, but not every homeowner wants to have their view of the outside world obstructed. One great way to embrace the views that may have been a selling point in your home, to begin with, is to incorporate an invisible fence into your landscaping plans.
Incorporate the marker flags for training in a way that your dog can easily see them, but they arent taking away too much from your landscaping efforts.
Incorporate Decorative Water Dishes
You cant create a pet-friendly outdoor space without considering the importance of freshwater. However, you dont have to make a sacrifice to the overall aesthetic of your yard just to include a functional dish. Instead, make your dogs water dish a decorative element. There are many ways that you can accomplish this.
Consider choosing a boldly colored dish or one that features a unique design. Pay attention to how easy it will be to fill and clean your dish to make it easier for yourself moving forward. If you prefer a basic stainless steel dog dish, try placing your dogs dish inside an urn-style planter to elevate the appearance.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Blinds For Patio Doors
Assign A Designated Dog Play Zone
One of the biggest causes of destruction to a well-cared for and well-manicured lawn is the constant abuse that they take being trampled during puppy playtime. Its not that your dog is doing anything wrong in those moments, it is just running around and playing, but a typical yard wasnt designed for that level of activity.
You can take steps to reduce the running on your lawn, but that requires limiting your dogs ability to play in their yard, which isnt something that many dog owners want to do. Instead, designate one area of the yard as your dogs play zone, accepting that it is likely going to do a number on the ground in that area. You can install a dog run in this space, fence it off, or train your dog to recognize that is where he is supposed to go for playtime.
Let Them Watch The World Go By
Wood fences often create a barrier between your backyard and the rest of the world. Give your dog a view of the outside world without risking escape or injury with a dog windowa simple form of canine enrichment you can do with minimal participation.
Dog windows can be as simple as a hole cut into a fence at your pets eye level. But, covered dog windows allow for an extra layer of protection, allowing your dog to view the outside without risk of escape or coming into contact with a passerby.
Also Check: How Much For A Stone Patio
Build A Dog Run Or Pet Area
A dog run is an ideal spot for your dog to burn off her energy, play, and relieve herself without you having to worry about what shell do to the rest of the yard.
With a dog run, waste is contained in just one spot, and brown urine marks are a thing of the past.
Dog run cleaning and maintenance is simple and straightforward.
If you have a large backyard but cant afford to or dont want to replace the entire lawn with a dog-friendly ground cover, building a dog run is a great alternative.
One of the most common residential artificial turf applications is in dog runs and designated dog potty areas.
Its also great for Texas homeowners who like to entertain outdoors, but need to keep excitable pups away from guests.
Consider Irish Moss Or Creeping Thyme In Place Of Grass
Are you looking for a natural green surface for your yard without dealing with the fragile nature of traditional grass? If yes, then why not cover your yard with something hardy and decorative like Irish moss? Not only is Irish moss safe for your dog, even if he chooses to make it a snack, but its also a healthy snack.
Irish moss contains high levels of fiber, vitamin K, calcium, copper, and other important nutrients and is often used to soothe gastrointestinal upset and help with respiratory problems.
Read Also: How Much To Do A Paver Patio
Pick An Effective Dog Ground Covers
To complete the look of your backyard, you have to pick the right ground cover. It should be a material that could help maintain your dogs cleanliness and is absorbent to its pee. The grass is very common for dogs but there are other materials that you can use for your backyard. Here are your ground cover options:
Stones are ideal ground for dogs especially if youve been having problems with your dog getting dirty on mud.
A fully cemented backyard is not ideal if you are fond of planting and getting a natural vibe out of your yard. Yet, this option is not so bad too if you want an area that is easy to clean.
But, if you want to have greener ground, these options are for you.
It could be a grass alternative since it is safe and pretty to look at. Although it will easily get ruined if your dog decides to dig in different areas.
A thicker and much better alternative option than the grass because it is good with a dogs pee and not easily ruined by your dogs constant running.
Final Thoughts On Creating A Dog
A dog-friendly backyard is not only a safe, inviting place for your pup to romp and play its a place you are happy to spend time in, too.
Creating a canine haven doesnt need to be complicated.
A few simple adjustments like installing a dog run or artificial pet turf can mitigate the holes and urine spots caused by dogs.
You and your pet will both enjoy a cool, maintenance-free lawn year-round.
We have teams of the best artificial grass installers located throughout Texas and in Oklahoma.
At Ideal Turf, we truly believe artificial grass is worth the money, and we are happy to help you explore this decision by answering any of your questions before buying turf.
If youre interested in installing pet turf in your Texas homes backyard, please contact Ideal Turf to get your FREE artificial grass design and installation estimate by clicking GET A QUOTE button, or feel free to give us a call at .
You May Like: Inexpensive Backyard Ideas No Grass
Family Movie Night Snack Board Ideas
Games outdoor game summer activities diy friendly backyard. Horseshoe pit pits dimensions backyard horse outdoor shoe diagram official games build designs google game visit backstop paver diy building. Dining outdoor area seating patio fiore hollywood backyard drought tolerant night landscape pool covered outside landscaping rooms table space landscapingnetwork
Create A Shady Place Away From The Hot Sun For Your Furry Friend
Source:
If you have a dog that likes to spend a lot of time outdoors shade is a must. Tall trees are a great option to add a shady spot to keep your dog cool. Some of our favorite shade trees to add are Autumn Blaze Maple, Japanese Zelkova, and the Eastern Redbud tree. These are all beautiful trees that will help add color, and most importantly shade to your yard. Many people are unsure about which tree will be best for them, but no worries, a quick trip to the garden store will help you know which tree is best for where you live and where you want to plant.
Many people find that they enjoy an even more personalized approach to keeping their dogs out of the sun. You can do this also with the addition of a dog house. Dog houses are a fun way to get your unique design ideas out into your yard. They can vary in size, and the number of walls, they can be DIY projects or premade ones you purchase. Whether you have a small dog or a big dog, I know youll find exactly what you want and most importantly what your pet needs!
You May Like: Do You Need A Permit For Concrete Patio