All dog owners with a natural lawn know the struggle too well: you let your dog pee in a few spots in your yard and before you know it, the grass is dead. That’s because of nitrogen overload in dog urine. In small amounts, nitrogen is a fantastic fertilizer. But when too much accumulates in the soil, it essentially “burns” all vegetation in that area.
But what if you have synthetic grass in Houston, TX? Can dog urine damage artificial turf, too?
Artificial Turf and Dog Urine
The short answer is no, artificial turf is 100% immune to the damaging effects of dog urine. Your dog can pee on it as much and as often as they want and synthetic turf will stay green and lush. Toxicity in dog urine that kills natural grass doesn’t affect synthetic turf.
The only effect that dog urine has on synthetic turf is in terms of odor. While urine won’t destroy artificial grass, it can still leave a distinct, unpleasant smell behind. That’s why we recommend regularly rinsing off the area your dog pees before letting them back into the house and regular cleaning with soapy water solution your pet’s usual peeing spots to keep the odor under control.
How About Dog Poop?
Similar to urine, dog poop won’t do anything to damage synthetic grass for pets in Houston. It will, however, leave ‘gunk’ behind. That’s why it’s important to clean up after your dog in the yard when they’re done defecating.
Old urine and feces can attract pests, create unpleasant odors and make your lawn unsanitary if left to sit.
The good news? It takes very little time and effort to manage pet waste on artificial grass.
Use these tips:
• Pick up after your dog as soon as they’re done.
For urine, use a simple mixture of 3 oz. white vinegar, 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 gallon of water to dissolve any leftover residue. This will deodorize the area, disinfect it against disease-causing bacteria and make it safe for your dog to use again!
As for dog poop, pick it up using a plastic bag. Flush out any residue using the cleaning solution we mentioned above.
You can also use pet enzyme cleaners to deodorize and sanitize the area.
P.S. Want to learn more about dog safety on artificial grass? Read this.
• Establish a regular lawn maintenance routine.
Since pet artificial grass comes into contact with waste often, it’s important to have a consistent schedule for lawn maintenance. Clean your lawn at least once a week and more often if you have multiple dogs or the one in your care is elderly, sick or experiencing diarrhea. This will keep your lawn looking perfect and smelling fresh while also protecting it against damage.
• Try training your dog to pee and poop in the same place, every time.
This makes it easier to establish a routine for artificial lawn care.
FAQs
1. Can dogs pee on synthetic grass in Houston, TX?
Yes, dogs can pee on artificial turf with no ill effects. The only concerns with dog urine are odor and potential build up, which doesn’t affect synthetic grass whatsoever.
2. How often should I clean my artificial grass?
As often as you can! The more your pet uses a certain area, the faster it will accumulate waste.
3. What kind of detergents are safe for artificial grass?
Look for pet-friendly detergents that do not contain bleach and other harsh chemicals. Look for natural enzymes and bacteria-fighting ingredients to kill germs and reduce odors.
Got More Questions About Synthetic Turf for Dogs?
We at Houston Artificial Grass Pros hope that this article has been helpful in clearing any questions you may have had about dog urine and other animal waste on synthetic turf!
If you have any more questions or would like to request a quote for artificial turf installation in Houston TX, give us a call at 866-309-8873.
You can also get started by filling out our online form. We look forward to helping you create the perfect lawn with artificial turf!