Dog-Resistant Turf

Understanding the Problem

• The most common problem with dogs damaging turf is the presence of feces and urine on the lawn. Urine removes excess nitrogen from the body through the kidneys. Nitrogen is a waste product of protein breakdown in the body, and because carnivorous animals such as dogs have high protein requirements, their urine nitrogen content is high. Although nitrogen is good for grass, the amount delivered when a dog urinates, particularly a female dog that squats close to the lawn, is stronger than the lawn can handle at once.

Basic Grasses

• Fast-growing grasses are good basic lawn grasses because they have deep roots and are hardy enough to stand up to a certain amount of rough treatment. Results of a study conducted by Dr. A.W. Allard, a veterinarian in Colorado, reported that the grasses most resistant to urine effects were Festuca sp. var. Kentucky 31, or fescue, and Lolium perrene, or perennial ryegrass.

Grasses for Repair

• In all regions, the grass most likely to grow quickly and repair the lawn is one that is native to the area, and seeds mixed with these fast-growing grasses provide a tough lawn. A grass that grows well in the cool and humid northern regions of the U.S. is Kentucky bluegrass, while buffalo grass is common in the arid desert zone. Mix 55 percent Kentucky bluegrass with 30 percent fescue and 15 percent perennial ryegrass for a lawn that will be easy to grow and thrive from the spring through the fall.

Eco Grass

• Eco grass is a new, ecologically friendly turf grass. It is a mix of six different types of tough, fine fescue seeds and some short grasses that are relatively hardy. It produces a soft, fine turf, is drought-resistant and salt-tolerant and needs little watering compared to traditional lawns. Its mowing needs are also low, and the grass can be grown indefinitely, making it ideal for parks and public areas.

Artificial Grass

• Artificial dog turf offers a new solution to an old problem. "Faux" grass is guaranteed to stand up to the most energetic dog traffic, including running, rolling and other forms of play. The artificial turf does not fade or show burn spots the way natural grasses do. Manufacturers claim that the grass will remain green and bright no matter how often dogs use it to do their business. It is installed above a layer of crushed rock that helps with drainage, and an artificial turf deodorizer is applied as a top dressing to help control odors. The turf is made of polyethylene blades and comes in shades of green and bright colors for areas such as children's playgrounds.