5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Lawn Pet-Friendly

Maintaining a lush, green lawn can be challenging when you’re a pet owner. From digging and playing to urine damage, pets can do a number on our lawns. To add to the challenge, the lawn products used to fix the damage might not be safe for pets.

At Greener Grass, one of the most common questions we get about our lawn care services in Calgary is, “Are your lawn care products safe for my pet?” The straightforward answer is yes, we can use pet-friendly products when we complete your lawn care services.

However, if you’re planning to use your own products in between your professional lawn care services, you want to make sure you’re using pet-friendly methods. Here are some of our top tips to keep your lawn beautiful and your pets safe.

1. Choose Pet-Safe Fertilizers

Not all fertilizers are pet-friendly, and some can be harmful if ingested. Look for organic or pet-safe fertilizers specifically labelled as non-toxic to animals. Be cautious with any fertilizer containing synthetic chemicals or pesticides, as these can be dangerous if ingested. Applying natural compost is one of the safest and most effective ways to nourish your lawn.

Tip: After fertilizing, give your lawn a good watering and wait at least 12 hours before allowing pets back onto the grass to reduce the risk of exposure.

2. Protect Your Lawn From Urine Damage

Pet urine, particularly from dogs, contains nitrogen, which is the cause of the unsightly brown or yellow patches on your lawn. While nitrogen is beneficial for grass in small amounts, the high concentration in urine can cause damage.

You can prevent urine damage by:

Designating a potty area – Train your pet to use a specific section of your yard to minimize widespread damage. Use gravel or mulch in this area to make it easier to clean.
Dilute with water – Pouring water into the area immediately after your pet urinates can help dilute the nitrogen, minimizing the risk of damage.

Now that winter is approaching in Calgary, lawn care services are shifting focus to prepare your yard for the colder months. Many pet owners assume that during winter, when snow covers the ground, their pet’s urine won’t affect the lawn underneath.

However, even in colder months, nitrogen in pet urine can still penetrate through the snow and impact the grass, leading to patches that become visible as the snow melts in the spring. In winter or summer, we recommend designating a potty area or diluting it with water if your pet does urinate on the lawn.

3. Use Pet-Friendly Weed Control

While weeds are one of the most annoying things to deal with for any lawn enthusiast, many weed killers contain chemicals that can be extremely harmful to pets. Instead of traditional herbicides, you can try the following safe weed control methods:

Boiling water – Carefully pour boiling water directly onto the weeds to kill them at the root.
Vinegar solution – Mix vinegar, a little salt, and dish soap to make a simple and effective weed killer.
Manual removal – Though labour-intensive, pulling weeds by hand can be one of the safest and most effective methods to keep your lawn healthy.

If you’re unsure or are nervous about damaging your lawn when removing weeds, your best bet is to call professional Calgary lawn services.

4. Manage Digging and Rough Play Areas

Dogs often dig in the yard out of boredom, instinct, or simply for fun. To protect your lawn from digging damage, set a designated “digging zone” with loose soil or sand where your dog is allowed to dig, using positive reinforcement for training.

Tip: Create a defined pathway using stone pavers or gravel around the yard’s perimeter to help direct your dog’s running patterns and preserve the grass in the centre.

5. Keep Up With Regular Lawn Maintenance

Keeping a pet-friendly lawn looking its best requires consistent care. Additionally, a well-nourished lawn is more resilient to damage and can ‘bounce back’ quicker. Routine maintenance tasks like watering, mowing, and aeration are key to keeping your grass healthy.

If you’re looking for professional lawn care services in Calgary, reach out to Greener Grass. Our team specializes in helping you achieve a lush and healthy lawn that is safe for your whole family to enjoy, including your four-legged friend!

Call Greener Grass today to learn more.