While you likely love your canine
companion, your dog can be a threat to the health and looks of your new or
established sod. Dog urine is high in nitrogen and salts and can lead to
patches of dark green turf. In extreme cases, the center of those patches will
wilt, turn brown, and die, sometimes over the course of just 24 hours.
All animal urine has this effect on sod,
though if you start seeing the telltale patches of dark green and brown, your
dog is the likely culprit. But that does not mean you have to banish your dog
from your outdoor space. Instead, follow these simple steps for protecting your
sod from your pet.
Pick the Right Sod
For a yard that your family and dog will
use frequently, you will likely already want the toughest turf you can grow.
Keep in mind as well that the damage from dog urine intensifies in lawns that
struggle in hot and dry conditions, so also choose sod known for its heat
tolerance.
Keep Your Dog Off New Sod
The roots of freshly laid sod are close to
the surface and much more susceptible to damage from animal urine. Keep your
dog completely off your lawn until the new sod is established. If that is not
possible, consider laying sod on half the lawn and reserving the other half for
the dog. Switch to sodding the second side once the first is established.
Create a Safe Space for Your Dog
Consider a dedicated space away from your
lawn for your dog to both play and defecate (an especially good idea if your
dog tends to dig, which presents obvious problems for sod).
Build your dog their own fenced area near
the lawn, and cover it in smooth stones or natural mulch, like cedar chips.
Make sure, however, to avoid any chemically treated or dyed mulches, which can
be poisonous to pets.
Wash Away the Urine
As mentioned above, a well-watered lawn
will resist damage from animal urine better than one that is dried out. You can
also hand water with a watering can the areas in which your dog urinates right
after he or she goes, which can help dilute the urine's damaging nitrogen and
salts.
Take Care of Your Sod
Of course, you should always research the
best program of irrigation and fertilization for your sod. But that becomes
even more important when you need to grow turf strong enough to accommodate
your pets. And while most fertilizers will not harm dogs if they are applied
according to the package instructions, you should wait 24 hours after
fertilization to let pets - and humans - back onto the turf.
Your new lawn should be a space the whole
family can enjoy, and that means your dog as well. Knowing the danger pet urine
poses to sod and recognizing the signs of damage in your turf will allow you to
take steps to keep your lawn healthy.
And like with so many landscaping
challenges, prevention - through protection of new sod, dedicated dog-friendly
spaces, and attention to your sod's water and nutrition needs - is your best
strategy for having a beautiful lawn and a happy pet.
At Turf Master Sod Farm, we can
discuss with you the best sod and maintenance plan to create a new lawn that
works for you and your pets. We offer delivery, support, and individualized
attention that will ensure you get the lawn you, and your dog, have always
dreamed of. We look forward to speaking with you about your specific sod and
lawn needs. Please contact us today.
