Don't Let Your Lawn Go To the Dogs
Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn is difficult enough – throw in a rambunctious puppy and you're looking at an almost impossible task. If your landscape has gone to the dogs, don't throw in the towel just yet. Increased irrigation and some clever lawn care maintenance adjustments could help save your lawn from persistent puppy paws.
Understand Your Ground Cover
Some ground covers simply can't handle the chemical make-up of dog urine. Unfortunately, grass is one such ground cover. Which leads us to the unsightly issue of dog spots. Dog spots are caused by the high consistencies of nitrogen and salts in dog urine. Over time, these nutrients will discolour certain grasses, creating patchy yellow spots on your lawn.
If your lawn is riddled with dog spots, it might be time to consider introducing a different kind of ground cover into your Burlington lawn. Clover, for example, doesn't stain the way grass does. This enables clover to stay greener, longer.
If your less worried about dog spots and more worried about persistent paws print, consider including some Kentucky bluegrass in your spring overseeding treatment. This cool-season grass is extremely hardy, making it a great match for four-legged friends.
The Importance of Irrigation
When it comes to caring for a pet-friendly lawn, never underestimate the importance of irrigation. One of the best ways to prevent the onset of dog spots is to increase the frequency of your Burlington irrigation services. Pay close attention to your dog's daily habits. If your pouch tends to piddle every morning at 7 a.m., set your Burlington inground irrigation system to turn on at 7:05 a.m., once you're safely back inside. This will help dilute the dog urine and reduce the affects it will have on your lawn.
Include Hardscaping in High Traffic Areas
If you're losing the battle against dog spots on your Burlington lawn, consider taking drastic matters and replace some of your lawn with hardscaping. Popular pet-friendly hardscaping options include crushed-stone mulch, and the installation of brick, concrete or flagstone patio. Stone and masonry are especially useful landscaping options for dogs. Hardscaping will not only provide you with a low-maintenance alternative to grass, but it will also help dissuade your dog from digging.
Take the Path of Least Resistance
Dogs are territorial by nature; so don't bother trying to fight their tendencies. Instead, plan your yard and irrigation around your dog's inclinations. For example, if your dog has created unsightly "dog paths" over the years (these are normally most visible around the outskirts of fenced in yards), don't try and fix them. Instead, consider installing a stone walkway over these ugly paths. It's a win-win situation: not only will your dog still have a path, you'll enjoy a nicer looking lawn!
Landscaping when you have a dog can be difficult. Between the dog spots and the affinity to dig, you'll definitely have your work cut out for you. However, with a little foresight and proper irrigation planning, you can greatly improve the health and vitality of your Burlington property.