Artificial Turf & Your Pets

Artificial turf is becoming all the rage for homeowners. The rise of drought-friendly landscaping has increased the demand for artificial turf because artificial turf requires less upkeep and maintenance. It doesn’t need any water, meaning it can be enjoyed all year long. One of the most common questions surrounding artificial turf is whether it is safe for pets.

Yes, artificial turf is safe for your pets. Artificial turf is not just safe for your pets but is typically more durable and resistant to the wear and tear caused by dogs and cats than natural grass lawns. 

Why Artificial Turf?

Digging 

One of the major problems dog owners experience with their lawns is their dog burrowing and creating holes in their beautiful yard. Digging not only causes patches and bald spots in your lawn but can also bring unwanted dirt and mud into your home when your dog comes back inside after he finishes excavating your yard. However, with artificial turf, you will not experience this problem because the nylon / polypropylene fibers that are used for the mesh backing and the blades of grass are very durable, meaning even if you have the most industrious dog, he will not damage the turf. 

Dog Poop

A major misconception about artificial turf is that it's difficult to clean and maintain, especially when your dog goes number 2 on the lawn. But on the contrary, your pet’s droppings are much easier to clean on artificial turf than on natural grass. To clean your dog's poop, scoop it up as you would with natural grass, then rinse the spot with the hose. If you notice a lingering smell after cleaning up the poop, you can always wipe down the spot with a water-vinegar mixture.

Dog Pee

As all dog owners know, the biggest issue your lawn has to deal with when it comes to your dog is their urine. Dog urine contains high amounts of nitrogen, which causes dead spots because the urine burns the grass all the way to its roots. However, with artificial grass, you will not experience that problem because the permeable backing allows urine and fluids to flow through. If your dog prefers to urinate in a specific spot, you can spot clean the area with a simple vinegar-water solution every week to disinfect the area. If your dog doesn’t have a preferred spot or you do not know where he goes you can hose down the yard every week. 

Bugs

One of the major pros of having an artificial lawn is that there will be no more fleas or other bugs in your yard. Artificial turf forces the bugs to migrate to a different yard because the artificial turf eliminates their food, so bugs cannot survive if they stay in your yard. Hence, you will not need to spray your yard with toxic pesticides. 

Artificial turf is an excellent investment for your home and your pet. But make sure you do your research and you install the turf properly. If you need help understanding which options would be best for your yard, pet, and yourself, fill out our contact form for more information and free.