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How To Keep Your Lawn Healthy
And Green
Even If You
Have Dogs
By JENNY LYNCH
Mowing
Cut only a third of the grass blade height when you mow. The ideal height should fall around 3 to 4 inches for cool season grass and 2 to 2½ inches for warm season grass.
These heights are good base markers because dense, tall blades will keep your dog’s urine on the surface rather than letting it permeate down toward the roots of the grass.
Less Nitrogen
Dog urine is high in nitrogen, which you may recognize
as one of the 3 major components in grass fertilizer. So rather than fertilizer,
use compost instead.
Play Area
Creating a designated play area for your pups lets the rest of your lawn stay nice. Fence off part of the lawn and replace it with synthetic material for easy cleanup.
Flush Urine
Dousing the lawn with a ton of water will help flush out dog urine in a pinch. Don't wait until you see yellow patches of dying grass — do it right after your dog goes.
Natural Fertilizer
Dogs can be allergic to chemicals in fertilizer and, in a worst-case scenario, suffer through complications of
the central nervous system, comas, and even death.
The compromise is switching to all-natural, dog-friendly, and organic fertilizers to keep your grass green. These are safe for pets and children if you follow label instructions.