With artificial grass becoming increasingly popular, we have recently had numerous pet-specific queries from those who have fluffy loved ones. Explore some of the most frequent questions we get regarding artificial grass for dogs in.
IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS?
Yes! Artificial turf is safe for pets — cats and dogs alike. Pet turf is developed to be much more durable than both regular grass and traditional artificial grass. You won’t need harsh pesticides or fertilizers, either, so you won’t be exposed to those chemicals like you would with organic grass. Your pooch can be allergic to grass pollen, so when you make the change to artificial, you might even see Fido encounter fewer allergies, too.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE PET WASTE?
Canine can use the grass as their bathroom like they naturally know how to do — the real difference here is the cleaning process is easy for you. It is much easier to remove pet waste off synthetic turf, and the grass won’t lose color or become stained from pet urine or feces. Southwest Greens pet turf is created with a sophisticated backing system under its surface that helps urine and other liquids to drain more effectively than real turf. For solid waste, simply let it dry a little before disposal for best results. If you’re left with marks, a quick spray with the hose will eliminate any residual waste.
WILL IT SMELL BAD FROM DOG URINE?
Artificial grass is odorless, so if any smells do occur, it’s typically caused by dog urine specifically. Many pets favor to use one area of the lawn to do their business, so sometimes, you can get a little more of a build-up of odor. Southwest Greens turf system is antimicrobial, which can reduce the smell, but there are methods to ensure no smells linger. We recommend you use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to spray Fido’s favorite bathroom area. Let it dry to remove any lingering smell.
CAN DOGS DAMAGE ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
Because synthetic turf is created to endure heavy, recurring use, it makes it very difficult for dogs to damage. Digging is virtually impossible for them on synthetic grass. No more dirty paw prints being tracked into your house as well!
DO FLEAS AND TICKS LIVE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
Because artificial turf is manufactured from a non-organic material, it is extremely difficult for fleas, ticks, and other pests to live in the grass. While there is no guarantee that your lawn will be 100% flea-free, you can count on the fact that they will be mostly eliminated. Because there’s no dirt to sustain their nesting, but you must keep an eye out for any accumulation of leaves or debris that might create a good breeding environment for fleas and ticks. As long as you clean your synthetic yard regularly, there will be hardly any pests.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN ARTIFICIAL GRASS FOR PETS?
Make sure to remove waste as soon as possible to eliminate any smell. To keep everything neat and looking great, we suggest you hose the turf down weekly. This will help keep your lawn free from any odors. Remove any leaf or other loose debris to safeguard your backyard unhinibatblefor fleas and ticks.
HOW MUCH DOES SYNTHETIC TURF COST?
This will totally depend on your project, so it’s difficult to offer an accurate estimate. A few factors that might affect the price are:
- Size/dimensions of the area being converted from natural grass to synthetic
- Inticracy of design and layout you want to install
- Type of synthetic turf products you're looking to get
- How much work needs to be done (removing old turf, even out the surface, etc.)
Tread cautiously with contractors who give you a set price for a project, in spite of how much work it involves. This is usually a tell-tale sign that they aren’t utilizing high-quality materials.
HOW LONG WILL ARTIFICIAL TURF LAST?
Pet turf is estimated to last between 10-20 years, depending on use. Southwest Greens's earliest installations are 20 years old and have maintained the lush green color and texture of natural turf. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products look and work like new because they are developed to withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year round use. All installations come bundled with a one-year workmanship warranty and a manufacturer's warranty that covers fading.