In recent years, artificial grass for dogs has seen a surge in popularity. Many dog owners are opting to revamp their front yards, backyards, and dog runs with synthetic turf.
There are numerous reasons why people are choosing artificial grass for their landscaping needs. It requires minimal water, is low maintenance, and offers an affordable alternative to natural grass. Plus, it stays lush and green all year round, which is a compelling reason to consider installing it.
Advantages of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Natural grass lawns look amazing when they are well-maintained and watered. However, achieving and maintaining that pristine condition demands time, effort, and money.
If you have an energetic dog, they can easily undo all your hard work. Dogs love to dig into soft grass lawns, potentially causing significant damage.
Additionally, dogs can stain your grass with their bathroom habits. Frequent urination in the same spot can lead to unsightly brown patches.
Running and playing on the lawn can also leave track marks and ruts, further damaging the grass.
Protecting your lawn from your dog’s activities or cleaning up after them can be a constant battle. If you’ve faced these challenges, you might have considered installing artificial grass.
Here are some common questions from dog owners considering artificial grass:
- Is synthetic grass safe for dogs and children?
- What are the benefits of artificial grass for dogs?
- How environmentally friendly is artificial grass?
- Does artificial grass drain well?
- How do you install fake grass?
This article aims to answer these questions to help you decide if artificial grass is the right choice for your dogs.
Is Synthetic Grass Safe for Dogs and Children?
When it comes to the safety of your pets and children, you can’t take any chances. Rest assured, artificial grass is safe.
Earlier versions of synthetic grass may have contained harmful chemicals, but modern manufacturing techniques have improved significantly. Today’s artificial grass is safer than natural grass, thanks to advancements backed by agreements between turf manufacturers and the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) established in 2008.
Always choose a reputable dealer for your artificial grass. If you move into a home with pre-installed synthetic grass, check that it doesn’t predate the CEH agreement to ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals.
Benefits of Artificial Grass
We touched on some benefits earlier, but let’s delve deeper. Dog owners across the country are choosing artificial turf for several reasons:
- Low maintenance
- Cost-effective
- Less mess
- Eco-friendliness
Maintaining Artificial Grass for Dogs
The maintenance required for artificial grass is minimal compared to natural lawns. No more mowing, trimming, weeding, watering, or edging. With synthetic grass, you and your pet can enjoy your yard without the constant upkeep.
Cleaning Your New Lawn
Although artificial turf requires less maintenance, it still needs occasional watering to prevent ammonia buildup from dog urine. Use water and a brush, avoiding pressure washers as they can damage the grass fibers. If you need to get rid of pet odors, a product like Turf Hero will do the trick.
You’ll still need to pick up solid waste, but other than that, maintenance is limited to occasional brushing and debris removal.
The Cost
Switching to artificial grass involves an initial investment, which depends on the area size and turf quality. Additional landscaping may also affect the price.
Expect to spend between $6.16 and $8.98 per square foot for installations ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet. While this may seem high, consider that artificial grass can last over ten years with minimal maintenance costs.
Think about the time and money you spend on maintaining a natural lawn, including water, sprinkler power, and pesticides. With synthetic grass, these expenses are nearly eliminated.
Savings with Artificial Grass for Dogs
- Water Savings: One of the biggest savings is on water. The average American household uses 320 gallons of water daily, with nearly 30% for outdoor use. Artificial grass can significantly reduce this consumption.
- Maintenance Savings: Natural grass requires various tools and energy for upkeep. With artificial turf, you can say goodbye to mowers, trimmers, and other power tools, saving both energy and garage space.
- Time Savings: Homeowners spend about 44 hours annually on lawn maintenance. Installing artificial grass gives you that time back for more enjoyable activities.
Installing Artificial Grass
Installing synthetic turf is straightforward and usually takes a few days, involving several stages:
Prepare the area by removing existing turf.
- Install borders
- Lay an anti-weed layer
- Add base materials
- Lay the artificial grass layer
- Spread infill
- Brush the grass
While DIY installation is possible for small areas, larger spaces may require professional help to ensure seamless joins and a natural look.
We’re here to answer any questions you have about artificial grass for dogs. Feel free to contact us today!