There are some members of your family that loves to bask outdoors and just roll around in a lush field of grass. If you own a pet, chances are they like playing outside on your lawn. And while it’s all well and good for your furry friends, your lawn might be taking quite a beating. Some lawn varieties might look beautiful, but can they withstand the constant action from your pets? Wear and tear, digging, and soil compaction are some common problems lawn owners face.

Your pets can be rough on your lawn, especially large dogs. They can cause urine burns, dig holes, and just wear down the grass in general. Today we’ll be discussing proper lawn care maintenance for pet owners so that your pets can run around your lawn guilt-free.

General wear and tear

Some areas of your lawn might appear worn out than others, especially if your pets constantly run around outside. This can be prevented by placing obstacles like a plant pot on the track to reduce traffic and force them to take another route. Soil aeration may be required to give the lawn a chance to repair itself while also addressing soil compaction. If your children and pets play regularly outside, a routine maintenance program should be in order.

Compaction

Compaction is a common issue among lawn owners with pets. The soil gets compressed due to heavy foot traffic and it prevents an adequate supply of water, oxygen, and essential nutrients from reaching the grass roots. Soil aeration helps alleviate this issue and allows for better flow of these resources to help your lawn grow. When the grass roots gour lawn stays nice and healthy. Ideally, you’d want to choose a type of grass that’s resilient to foot traffic. A good example is a soft-leaf Buffalo grass. The grass blades feel soft to the touch but are tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear.

Digging

Some dogs love to dig outside which can be a problem for your lawn. If this is the case, then choose a self-repairing lawn with a dense growth habit. Another way to prevent digging is to play with your dogs outside. Digging is usually a sign of boredom and playing with your dogs is one way to keep them entertained.

Newly laid lawns are susceptible to damage and need time to establish. Buying a few toys for your dog will help prevent them from digging up sections of your lawn.

Safe fertiliser use

When using fertiliser, it’s a good idea to choose organic types or liquid-based ones if you own any pets. Keep your pets inside the house when you fertilise your lawn and water it really well so it gets absorbed quickly. When using herbicides, make sure its dried up and absorbed before allowing your pets to run around your lawn.

Lawn care maintenance requires a bit of a different approach when you own any pets. These tips will help keep your lawn in good condition while allowing your furry friends to enjoy their playtime outside. Remember to aerate your lawn regularly and choose a lawn type that’s resilient to wear and tear.