Follow these simple steps for protecting your sod from your dog.
While you likely love your furry companion, your dog can be a threat to the health and looks of your new or established sod. Dog urine is high in nitrogen and salts and can lead to patches of dark green turf. In extreme cases, the centers of those patches will wilt, turn brown, and die, sometimes over just 24 hours.
All animal urine has this effect on sod, though if you start seeing the telltale patches of dark green and brown, your dog is the likely culprit. But that does not mean you have to banish your dog from your outdoor space. Instead, follow these simple steps for protecting your sod from your pet.
Keep Your Dog Off New Sod
The roots of freshly laid sod are close to the surface and much more susceptible to damage from animal urine. Keep your dog completely off your lawn until the new sod is established. Instead of letting them out in the backyard to expend energy, take your dogs on regular walks or visits to the dog run. That way, they’ll have less energy to put towards tearing up your lawn.
Create a Safe Space for Your Dog
Consider a dedicated space away from your lawn for your dog to play and relieve themselves, especially if your dog tends to dig, which can cause obvious problems for the sod.
Build your dog a fenced area near the lawn and cover it with smooth stones or natural mulch, such as cedar chips. Make sure, however, to avoid any chemically treated or dyed mulches, which can be poisonous to pets.
Wash Away the Urine
A well-watered lawn will resist damage from animal urine better than one that is dried out. You can also hand-water the areas where your dog urinates right after he or she goes, which can help dilute the urine’s damaging nitrogen and salts.
Take Care of Your Lawn
Of course, you should always research the best irrigation and fertilization methods for your sod. But that becomes even more important when you need to grow turf strong enough to accommodate your pets. And while most fertilizers will not harm dogs if they are applied according to the package instructions, you should wait 24 hours after fertilization to let pets – and humans – back onto the turf.
Your new lawn should be a space the whole family can enjoy, and that means your dog as well. Knowing the dangers pet urine poses to sod and recognizing the signs of damage in your turf will help you take steps to keep your lawn healthy.
Get Your Yard Ready for Winter!
Since our inception from a humble 30-acre field to over 4,500 acres of turf grasses, Quantico Creek Sod Farm is now the LARGEST SOD FARM IN THE TRI-STATE AREA. Our service areas cover Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC Delaware, Virginia and Northern North Carolina. Order early and order often to ensure the best service possible. Contact us through our online page. Please find us at 27616 Little Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. Our phone number is 410-726-6103, and our fax number is 410-742-6550. Speak to Jason Anderson for Turf Grass Sales. Reach him by email at jason@quanticocreeksod.com. Finally, follow us on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, and our blog