As much as we adore our dogs, they can inevitably cause some wear and tear to our lawns. The extent of the damage largely depends on the breed and size of the dog.
The main concerns are dealing with their waste and minimising digging behaviour.
Dog Urine and Patches
The high nitrogen content in dog urine can create brown, scorched patches of dead grass, especially if your dog has a particular spot they prefer. Interestingly, the areas surrounding these patches may become lush and green due to the more diluted urine acting as a natural fertiliser.
Bitches tend to cause more damage than dogs because they squat in one spot, resulting in a higher concentration of urine. Male dogs, on the other hand, tend to mark their territory more frequently but in smaller amounts, which generally doesn’t cause as much harm in any one place.
It’s also important to remove dog excrement from the lawn promptly, as it can cause dead patches and pose a health risk if it comes into contact with human eyes.
Repairing Dead Patches
When dead patches appear, we recommend the following steps to aid recovery:
1. Rake the area thoroughly to remove the dead grass.
2. Create a tilth by loosening the soil, and consider adding some fine soil or top dressing to the patch.
3. Scatter lawn seed over the area.
4. Firm the seed into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
5. Water the area at least twice a day, keeping it moist until the seed has germinated.
How to Minimise Digging
Certain breeds are naturally more inclined to dig, but digging is often a sign of boredom or excess energy. Here are some tips to help reduce this behaviour:
– Avoid leaving your dog alone in the garden without any distractions. Spend time playing or training with them, or leave toys around that are more appealing than digging.
– Regularly rotate toys to keep them interesting, and consider toys that challenge them mentally, such as those with hidden treats or that require specific actions to release the reward.
– Ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise. Most dogs should be walked twice a day, and more active breeds will require additional mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom.
– Digging can sometimes be a sign of anxiety. Providing your dog with plenty of attention and a safe, comfortable space of their own can help alleviate this behaviour.
Some owners have found success by making the digging area unappealing. A common method is to sprinkle cayenne pepper, though bear in mind that it will need to be reapplied over time as the weather washes it away.
The Solution
Taking your dog for a morning walk helps establish a good routine and ensures that the most concentrated urine of the day isn’t deposited on your beautiful lawn. However, this isn’t always practical, so keeping a bucket or watering can handy to dilute the urine as soon as possible is the next best option.
Some owners have success in training their dogs from a young age to urinate in a designated area of the lawn, containing any potential damage. This area can then be re-turfed periodically.
If you’re thinking about reseeding or re-turfing your lawn, consider using more resilient grass types, such as Dwarf perennial ryegrass. This variety is hardwearing and now available in finer-leafed types, offering better durability.
