April 6th

By Mutt Mulligan

Watch for TurfMutt Tips This Saturday on “Lucky Dog”

TurfMutt’s human, Kris Kiser of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), is featured in this week’s episode of “Lucky Dog” on CBS. It’s a show that stars dog trainer Brandon McMillan who rescues shelter pets and trains them to become loving members of their fur-ever families.

This week, we’ll meet Scarlett the Golden Retriever who was found roaming the streets of LA. (She’s a former street dog just like TurfMutt!). Scarlett is sweet, but very high energy.

What technique will Brandon use to help Scarlett improve her manners? And what part will the lawn at Scarlett’s new home play in her ability to be adopted? Tune in to find out what Kris has to say about the living landscapes at Scarlett’s new home.

Remember, living landscapes are as important for pets as they are for people! Drought-tolerant lawns help kids and pets run off energy by giving them a place to play. Living landscapes also benefit the environment by reducing storm water runoff, decreasing the heat island effect, cleansing the air of impurities, and generating oxygen (just to name a few!).

It is possible to have a yard even in cities impacted by drought. You just have to select the right trees, shrubs, plants and grass for your climate. For example, buffalo and Bermuda grass are drought-tolerant options that will survive foot traffic, children’s play and pets.

And even though it may be tempting, plastic grass isn’t a good option, especially if you have pets! Plastic grass may not “use” water to sustain itself, but it must be washed off with water periodically to remove dust, dirt and pet waste.

Some people also hose down their plastic grass to cool it off so it won’t burn the feet of their children and pets. The runoff of this dirty, unsanitary water winds up entering the sewer systems, or draining directly to the ocean.

Watch this weekend’s episode of “Lucky Dog” to learn more about TurfMutt’s tips for pet-friendly living landscapes. And for more info about how living landscapes benefit us – and a better understanding about how to have a living yard even in a drought – click here.