Turf for Dogs: A Guide to Choosing the Best for Your best friend
The Perfect Solution for Dog Owners:
In recent years, the convenience of pet turf has become a game-changer for pet owners. The prospect of a yard that is both easy to maintain and cost-effective has brought a sense of relief. They’ve discovered that pet-friendly artificial grass can handle the digging, mud, and brown spots that often trouble natural grass lawns, providing a stress-free outdoor solution for their pets.
Turf versatility:
With the multitude of artificial grass options available, choosing the best one for your home can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of natural grass compared to pet turf. We’ll also delve into the different features of various artificial grass products, ensuring you make an informed and confident choice for your yard.
How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Dogs
Artificial turf has clear advantages when comparing natural grass with artificial grass for pets. Modern pet-friendly artificial grass offers a range of benefits, including durability and environmental friendliness, making it a better choice than natural grass, concrete, or gravel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best artificial grass for your dogs:
- Do Your Research
- Understanding Your Options: Artificial grass is a significant investment, so it’s crucial to research different types and brands. Each brand has its quality, drainage capabilities, and features. By creating a list of what you need for your lawn, budget, and pets’ needs, you’re taking a proactive and responsible approach to choosing the best artificial grass for your dogs.
- Learn Key Terms
- Yarn: The fibres that make up artificial grass come in several materials:
- Polyethylene: This is the most common material used for artificial grass. It’s soft, looks great, and is very durable.
- Polypropylene: This material is cheaper but doesn’t handle heat as well. It’s often used for putting greens and as a base layer in landscape grasses.
- Nylon: Nylon is the strongest and most expensive material but can be stiff. It’s usually used for sports fields and golf greens.
- Thatch: Some artificial grass includes a layer of curly, brown fibres called thatch. This layer mimics the look of dead grass under natural grass and adds a comfortable, springy feel. It’s not always necessary, but it is a sign of good-quality turf.
- Density refers to the number of blades of grass per square inch. A higher density means a better-quality product that looks fuller and can handle more foot traffic without showing wear and tear.
- Pile Height: This is the length of the grass fibres. Different heights serve different purposes:
- Short Pile Height is better for high-traffic areas because it won’t flatten out as quickly. It’s also easier to clean and maintain.
- Tall Pile Height: Gives a lush, realistic appearance but may not withstand heavy use.
- Face Weight: This measures the weight of the material used to make the artificial grass, expressed in ounces per square yard. A higher face weight usually indicates a more durable and high-quality product. Remember, this doesn’t include the weight of the backing.
- Yarn: The fibres that make up artificial grass come in several materials:
With these details, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the best artificial grass for your dogs and home.
Comparing Features of Pet-Friendly Turf Products
When choosing artificial grass for your pets, it’s important to find options that offer extra features for their comfort and safety. Here’s a detailed guide on what to look for:
1. Turf Backing
- Primary Backing: This is the first layer of the artificial grass, made from a woven polypropylene grid or netting. It’s where the grass fibres are sewn in.
- Secondary Backing: This layer is attached to the back of the primary backing. It helps keep the grass fibres securely in place.
- Backing Weight: The combined weight of the primary and secondary backing affects how well the turf stays in place and resists stretching or buckling. Look for turf with a backing weight of at least 26 oz. to ensure durability.
2. Pet Turf Drainage
- Importance of Drainage: Artificial grass needs good drainage to be practical for pets. This means that both water and pet urine should pass through the grass, down through the base, and into the soil below. Proper drainage prevents issues like bacteria, mould, and bad smells.
- Cleaning: To maintain your artificial grass, pick up any solid waste and hose off the area to wash away liquids. The turf can become a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and odours without proper drainage.
Types of Turf Drainage Systems
- Hole-Punched Backing: This type of backing has small holes that allow liquid to drain through. It’s good for areas with less rainfall but may not be ideal if you don’t clean it frequently, as liquids can pool and cause odours.
- Fully Permeable Backing: This backing allows liquids to drain quickly and completely, which is great for wet climates or high-traffic areas. It prevents standing water and helps keep the turf clean.
- DUAL FLOW Hybrid Backing: This advanced backing combines features of both hole-punched and fully permeable backings, allowing maximum drainage efficiency. It can handle large amounts of water, making it a top choice for homes with pets.
Focusing on these features can help you choose the best artificial grass for your pets, ensuring that it is durable, easy to maintain, and comfortable for them to enjoy.
Types of Turf Backing for Pets
1. Hole-Punched Backing
- Description: This type of backing has small holes about 6 inches apart, similar to a colander. These holes allow liquid to drain through and into the soil.
- Drainage: It can handle about 50 inches of water per hour, which works well in dry climates with minimal precipitation.
- Cost: It’s the most affordable option.
- Drawbacks: Because liquid can pool between the holes, this backing might not be the best for dog owners. Urine and odours can build up if you don’t clean the turf frequently.
2. Fully Permeable Backing
- Description: This backing is completely open and allows water to drain away quickly. It’s ideal for areas with heavy rain or where water tends to collect.
- Drainage: It can drain around 250 inches of water per hour, making it much more efficient than hole-punched backing.
- Benefits: This backing is better for pet owners because it lets urine drain away quickly and reduces odour buildup.
3. DUAL FLOW Hybrid Turf Backing
- Description: This advanced backing combines the features of fully permeable and hole-punched backings. By integrating both systems, it provides superior drainage.
- Drainage: It can handle 1,500 to 2,000+ inches of water per hour, making it the best choice for maximum drainage.
- Benefits: The DUAL FLOW backing offers excellent drainage and is great for homes with pets due to its effective moisture control.
Additional Features to Consider
Colour
- Realistic Appearance: High-quality artificial grass comes in various colours and textures to mimic natural grass. This helps make the turf look more realistic and blend in with your neighbourhood.
Infill Material
- Function: Infill keeps grass blades upright, prevents shifting, and enhances the look and feel of the turf. Common infill materials include sand, cork, and rubber.
- Recommended Infill: T°Cool’s Evaporative Cooling Infill is preferred for pet turf. It keeps the surface 30° – 50° cooler than typical infill, protecting pets’ paws from getting too hot.
Antimicrobial Properties
- Purpose: Antimicrobial additives can be included to prevent bacteria, mould, and mildew. Ideal Turf’s Microbe Safe backing helps reduce odors from pet urine and inhibits germ growth.
UV Protection
- Importance: UV protection helps prevent fading and damage from the sun. Turf with UV stabilization will maintain its colour and integrity longer, extending the lifespan of your artificial grass.
Costs, Budget & Financing
When investing in artificial grass, it’s important to consider the upfront costs and the long-term benefits. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the financial aspects:
Long-Term Benefits of Pet-Friendly Turf
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, artificial grass requires little upkeep.
- Increased Home Value: A well-maintained lawn can enhance your property’s value.
- Lower Water Bills: No need to water your lawn, which saves on water costs.
- Improved Curb Appeal: Artificial grass looks neat and attractive all year round.
- No More Digging Holes: Pets won’t be able to dig up your lawn.
- No Dead Spots: No more brown patches from pet urine.
- Fewer Pests: Less chance of attracting insects and pests.
Although the initial cost of artificial grass is higher than planting seeds or laying sod, it’s a good option for homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term. The maintenance, water, and yard work savings can make artificial grass a cost-effective choice. Ideal turf also offers financing options to help manage the initial investment.
Cost of Artificial Grass for Dogs
The cost of installing pet turf mainly depends on the size of your yard. To get an estimate, measure your yard’s area and use a cost calculator to see your expected expenses. While the price might seem high initially, remember that artificial grass can pay for itself within a few years through savings on water, maintenance, and other lawn care costs.
What to Consider When Choosing Pet Turf
To pick the best artificial grass for dogs, keep these key features in mind:
- Foot and Paw Traffic
- Durability: Choose turf that can handle heavy use from pets and children. Look for high-density products with a heavy face weight for better durability.
- Infill and Installation: Ensure you have enough infill and that the turf is installed correctly by an experienced team.
- Resilient & Springy Fibers
- Fibre Quality: Good turf fibres should bounce back after being walked on, keeping the lawn looking full and vibrant.
- Maintenance: Use a Power Broom or turf rake a few times a year to keep fibres upright and looking fresh.
- Realistic Appearance
- Colour and Texture: Choose turf that matches the look of natural grass in your area. Opt for a tall pile height with adequate thatch and infill to create a lush appearance.
- Balance: Consider the pile height for foot traffic. Taller fibres look great but can flatten over time. Regular maintenance will keep your turf looking its best.
- Reliable Installation
- Choose a Trustworthy Installer: Select a reputable installation company to ensure your artificial grass looks great and lasts. Check reviews and ask for detailed information about their products and installation process.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of artificial grass for years to come.
