September 22nd

By Mutt Mulligan

Celebrate fall by planting a pet friendly yard

Beautiful autumn trees, wooden footpath and fence

Happy first day of fall from TurfMutt! The environmental super-dog knows autumn is the perfect time to review your yard for improvements. Here are the top TurfMutt-approved tips for your fall lawn makeover.

Consider Fido’s Needs
What kind of dog do you have? What is her activity level? Does he need a place to play and run around? Or is a shady outdoor area more his speed? Re-assess where things are planted now, and what you can do to enhance your pet’s outdoor area.

Reseeding? Choose Dog-Proof Ground Coverings
Grass is an incredible ground cover if you have dogs because it is hardy and can handle the wear and tear that comes with pets and children. Buffalo and Bermuda grasses are great choices, and they’re drought-resistant, too! Bonus points for grass – it delivers health benefits to your family. Grass produces oxygen, sequesters carbon, and captures, filters and harvests rainwater.

Put the Right Plants in the Right Places
In addition to planting Fido-friendly grass, you’ll want to make sure the right living landscapes are placed appropriately in your yard. For example, plants with soft foliage is a good choice in areas near your garden paths. One important note: check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants for advice on what known toxic plants to avoid. Also, don’t forget to check the climate map so you can choose the right trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants for your climate zone.

Avoid Plastic Grass
Plastic grass, or known as artificial turf, is not a good choice for your yard. It gets too hot for humans and pets. According to a 2002 Brigham Young University study, synthetic-turf surface temperatures were 37 degrees higher than asphalt and 86 degrees hotter than natural turf. Plastic grass is also hard to keep clean, and it doesn’t provide the important environmental and health benefits that living grass does.

To learn more about the importance of living landscapes and how to have them even in a drought, go to LivingLandscapesMatter.com.