Page 7 - Valley Home & Garden March 2019

ogs love spending time outdoors. Dog owners can withstand dog damage better than others. Local
Dwith yards know that dogs benefit greatly from climate will dictate which types of grass are likely
some exercise in the backyard. While that time might to thrive in a given area, so speak with a professional
be great for dogs, it can take its toll on lawns. landscaper about the viability of planting new grass.
Dog urine and feces can adversely affect the look
and health of a lush green lawn. Nitrogen is essential Install fencing.
to healthy soil, but only at certain levels. When those Pet owners with expansive yards can install
levels are exceeded, the result can be lawn damage. fencing that allows dogs to spend time exercising
According to The Spruce Pets, an advisory site outdoors without granting them access to the entire
that offers practical tips and training advices to pet property. Large dogs will need more room than small
owners, this is what happens when pets frequently ones, but try to build fenced-in areas that allow dogs
urinate on grass. Urine is naturally high in nitrogen, to run freely and get the exercise they need to stay
so when pets urinate on lawns, the grass might turn healthy.
yellow or brown due to the excess nitrogen content.
Nitrogen also is present in lawn fertilizers, further Work with a dog trainer.
exacerbating the problem for pet owners who fertilize Dog trainers might be able to work with dogs
their lawns. so they only urinate in certain areas of the yard,
In addition to urine damage, dogs can trample greatly reducing the damage they can cause to a lawn.
frosted grass, contributing to problems that may not Trainers also might help curb digging and clawing Simple ways
become evident until spring, and get into areas like behaviors that can damage lawns as well as gardens.
gardens where they wreak additional havoc. to prevent
Pet owners who want to let their dogs run free Consider hardscaping.
in the yard but don’t want damaged grass may be Hardscaping might be most effective for pet
tempted to put their pooches in diapers or confine owners with small properties. Hardscaping does not DOG-RELATED
them to crates when letting them outside. But such include grass and can add visual appeal to a property
an approach isn’t necessary. In fact, some simple while saving pet owners the headaches of dealing with LAWN
strategies can be highly effective at preventing dog- dog-related lawn damage.
related lawn damage. Dogs need time outdoors, and homeowners can DAMAGE
take various steps to protect their lawns from dog-
Speak with a landscaper about planting new grass. related damage.
Certain types of grass, such as Bermuda grass, (Metro Creative Connection)

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