If you're a happy dog owner and you think about upgrading your garden with fake grass, you might wonder: Can dogs mess up fake grass? It's a good thing to ask— after all, muddy feet and unexpected "gifts" can mess up real grass. But here's some good news: new fake grass can deal with the mess that dogs make. Whether you're looking at artificial grass wholesale options or searching for the best deals in Artificial Grass Bradford, knowing how dog-friendly your grass is can change a lot. In this blog, we'll look into the messy tales, how tough it really is, and all you need to know before you let your dog play on the soft green.
1. Dog Pee & Spots:
Myth: Dog pee will turn the grass yellow or burn it.
Reality: Most good fake grass is safe from UV light and won't fade in color, so short touches with pee won’t make it light—if you wash it often.
Why It Happens:
Dog pee has nitrogen salts, which, on real grass, work like fertilizer for the plants (sometimes too much). On fake grass, salts can pile up in the bits and threads, giving off smells and a bit of a hard feel.
Quick Fix:
Fast Rinse: After your dog goes, spray the area to water down the salts.
Enzyme Spray: Use a safe enzyme cleaner every week to get rid of smells from the start.
Often Wash: Every month, soak the whole yard with a soft spray.
Pro-Tip: Have a little spray bottle with weak vinegar (1:10 mix) ready. A fast spray takes away smells in a safe way—no strong things needed.
2. Digging Trouble: Why Dogs Dig & How to Stop It:
Myth: If your dog likes to dig, no grass will last.
Reality: Good set-up and a few tricks can keep digging low.
The Science Behind Digging:
Dogs dig as play, for ease, or because they catch a scent from below (think, small underground animals!). Fake grass stands strong and often stops deep digs—paws just glide over it, not gripping like in dirt.
Ways to Stop Digging:
Cementing the Edges: Fix edges of turf with firm strips or concrete so dogs can't lift them up.
Make a Dig Area: Set up a space with soft dirt or sand for digging. Call it the "sandbox" for your dog.
Toys and Training: Use fun toys or puzzle feeders to take diggers' minds off digging.
Pro-Tip: Rub some orange or lemon peels on the edges of your lawn. Dogs don't like that smell, and it keeps them away safely.
3. Clawing & Chewing: Can Turf Be Ripped?
Myth: Sharp claws or fun bites will rip up the turf.
Reality: Good turf has strong polypropylene or polyethylene fibres that fight off rips—but even the best grass isn't for chewing.
Can It Handle Chewing?
Though fibres don't tear easily during play, too much biting—mainly at the edges—might hurt the base.
How to Keep Safe:
Edge Covers: Put in place soft or hard covers on the edges to keep them safe.
Pet-Friendly Repellents: Use a spray that tastes bad, but is safe, on corners to stop biting.
Give Other Options: Hand out tough chew toys or teeth treats to keep their teeth busy.
Pro-Tip: When you see your dog chewing, clap hard (not at your dog!) to stop and swap the thing they chew with toys. Doing this often really helps.
4. Lots of Use & Wear: Can Fake Grass Take That?
Myth: All that running will press down fibres and wear out the grass.
Truth: Fake grass is made for lots of walking (and paw) use, but you need the right pile size and fill.
Picking Strong Fake Grass:
Pile Size: 25–35 mm gives a mix of soft feel and toughness.
Thick: Aim for 10,000+ stitches/m² for good use hold.
Infill Mix: A mix of sand and coated rubber bits helps fibres and stops squashing.
Taking Care of It for a Long Time:
Brush Often: Each month, use a stiff-bristle brush to stand fibres up and move infill around.
Add Infill: Every 6-7 months, put some new infill on paths used a lot.
Pro-Tip: Make "pathways" with stepping stones or mats in busy spots (like door spots, eating spots) to keep grass good in other places.
5. Fleas, Ticks & Bugs: Can Fake Grass Harbour Pests?
Myth: Fake grass calls for bugs.
Truth: No real soil means fake grass won't feed flea young or ticks, but small bits of leaves or animal hair might give bugs short cover.
Stay Clear of Pests:
Clean-Up Debris: Blow or sweep leaves every week to stop piles of rot from gathering.
Water Often: Use a hose every month to wash off dust and fur that bugs like.
Pet Care: Brush your dog often and use flea control to keep bugs off the grass.
Pro-Tip: Toss some diatomaceous earth around the edge of your lawn. It's safe for pets and kills bugs without strong chemicals.
6. What to Do When Pets Make More Than Just Pee Messes:
Myth: Solid waste will always leave a mark or bad smell.
Reality: Fake grass is easy to clean—if you do it fast.
Easy Cleanup Steps:
Take Away Solids: Grab or scoop up the mess right away.
Cool Wash: Use a hose to wash the spot and get rid of leftovers.
Enzyme Spray: Put on a safe pet cleaner, let it rest, then wash off.
Dry: Use old towels or mop softly to stop slips.
FAQs:
1. How much should I wash my fake grass if a dog uses it?
Try to wash areas where the dog goes most (like where it pees or eats) every week. Give the whole yard a good soak with a sprinkler every month to keep it clean and safe.
2. Is it okay to use a power washer to clean up after pets?
Yes, but only on a gentle setting (less than 500 psi) and with a broad spray tip, and keep it at least 30 cm away from the grass. A hard spray can push out the infill and hurt the base.
3. Can fake grass hide pet hair?
Dark or mixed color grass can hide hair, but the best way to stop fur from sticking is to brush it often and vacuum every week (no beater bar).
0 Comments