Pets & Your Lawn: What You Need to Know
Almost everyone has a furry family member such as a dog or a cat! They may be a person's best friend but they are not your lawn's best friend. Learn how pet urine damages your grass and what you can do to fix it.
How Pet Urine Damages Your Lawn
If you have outdoor cats or you let your dog go outside to use the bathroom, it's actually very detrimental to your lawn. The pet's urine can actually burn the lawn and leave the grass with bare spots or discolored grass.
High Nitrogen Levels
Dog and cat urine have high amounts of nitrogen and other hazardous compounds that can leave serious damage to your grass.
Bare & Discolored Spots
Some spots could be in one single location or in multiple depending on if your dog is male or female. These spots can spread across your lawn over time.
May Not Self-Resolve
Some lawns will resolve the issue on their own but in most cases, your lawn will need professional help to fully recover.
How to Fix the Damage
There are ways to fix the damage your cats or dogs may create. Follow these steps to restore your lawn to its healthy state.
Step 1: Test the Soil
Make sure the pH levels in the soil are where they are supposed to be. Soil tests will most likely come into play in this case.
Step 2: Remove Dead Grass
Remove any dead grass caused by your pet before moving on to repair. Clearing the area prepares it for new growth.
Step 3: Reseed & Fertilize
Put down seed to help that area grow and apply starter fertilizer, which helps the seeds germinate and encourages healthy regrowth.
Preventing Further Lawn Damage
Designate a Bathroom Spot
Try to have your pets go in the same spot so it doesn't kill any of the other grass. Consistency limits the spread of damage across your lawn.
Use Natural Wood Mulch
You can pick a designated area in your lawn and use a natural wood mulch. Be sure it's not one made of cocoa bean hulls since that is toxic for your furry friends.
Fertilizer Safety for Pets
Wait Before Letting Pets Outside
Fertilizer is not safe for pets after it is immediately applied. You should wait a minimum of 4 to 6 hours after the treatments are applied so your dogs or cats stay safe and avoid becoming sick.
Pet-Friendly Fertilizers
There are pet-friendly fertilizers available; however, they can still be harmful to pets due to their ingredients. Be mindful of what fertilizer you use and whether it's pet friendly.
Have Questions About Pets & Lawn Care?
If you have any questions about your pets and lawn care, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to help you maintain a healthy lawn while keeping your furry friends safe.
