Artificial grass for dogs: Advantages & Installation
Pet Turf vs Regular Artificial Grass
Artificial turf isn't always suitable for areas with high pet activity. Regular landscape artificial turf prioritizes aesthetics and a soft texture, making it difficult to withstand frequent scratching and trampling by pets. Pet-specific artificial turf (i.e., dog-specific artificial turf), on the other hand, is a synthetic turf optimized for pet needs, especially suitable for dog activity environments.
This type of turf typically has shorter grass fibers and a firmer texture, possessing wear-resistant, slip-resistant, and weather-resistant properties. It can withstand high-intensity activities and is suitable for home yards, indoor pet areas, as well as commercial settings such as dog daycare centers, commercial dog parks, and kennels.
Furthermore, dog-specific artificial turf uses environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials, free of chemicals harmful to pets, and has excellent drainage, quickly fading rainwater and pet urine, preventing water accumulation and odors. The turf combines softness and realism, allowing pets to play, rest, and train safely and comfortably. It is also easy to clean and maintain, significantly reducing the need for watering and mowing compared to natural grass.
What are the benefits of artificial turf for pets?
Save water
Replacing natural grass with artificial turf can significantly reduce the need for watering, thereby significantly reducing water bills. This is not only helpful for your budget, but it is also an environmentally friendly lifestyle that reduces the water waste required for daily maintenance of natural turf.
Durable, dig-proof pet turf
Pet-friendly artificial turf provides pet owners with a low-maintenance and highly durable playground. Our turf is designed to withstand daily use, whether it is digging, scratching or running, it can remain intact. Compared with the disadvantages of natural turf that is easily damaged by pets, artificial turf shows excellent wear resistance and is not easy to fall off or damage. Therefore, pet owners can rest assured that this turf will remain strong and durable even after long-term use, providing a reliable play space for their pets.
Reduce maintenance costs
After installing artificial turf for pets, there is no need to mow, fertilize or reseed. Compared with the tedious maintenance of natural turf, artificial turf eliminates these troubles and saves time and energy. Even if your pet uses it frequently, the condition of the turf will remain the same.
Clean and beautiful lawn experience
Artificial pet lawns completely say goodbye to the trouble of mud and dirt, so that your pet will not bring dirt into the house after playing. No matter what the weather is, the lawn always remains clean and beautiful, and green all year round. It not only improves the overall appearance of the yard, but also creates a comfortable activity environment for your pet.
Pest-free, allergy-free healthy lawn
During the installation of artificial turf, cleaning and compacting the base can effectively remove the environment where pests live and prevent mosquitoes and pests from breeding. In addition, the allergens in the natural lawn will disappear, no longer causing allergic symptoms in family members, so that pets and family members can enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind.
How to lay artificial grass for pets?
When laying artificial grass for dogs, it is important to choose the right base material to ensure the functionality and safety of the lawn. Here are some common base materials and their benefits:
Stone layer
Before laying artificial grass, you first need to lay a base layer. This is usually made of crushed stone or broken bricks, which can provide good drainage and prevent water accumulation. The base layer also increases the stability of the lawn, making it less likely to deform or settle.
Sand layer
On top of the base layer, a layer of sand is usually laid. This layer of sand fills the gaps between the base layers and makes the ground more flat. In addition, the sand layer can help water drain away quickly and keep the lawn dry.
Weed cloth
In order to prevent weeds from penetrating the artificial lawn, it is necessary to lay a layer of weed cloth on top of the sand layer. This layer of cloth can effectively prevent weeds from growing, and it will not affect the drainage performance of the lawn.
Buffer layer
On top of the weed cloth, you can choose to lay a buffer pad. This cushioning layer is usually made of rubber or foam and provides extra comfort and safety, especially for active dogs who love to run and jump. This cushioning layer not only reduces pressure on your dog's joints, but also prevents them from getting injured.
Artificial turf glue
When laying artificial turf, you need to use a special glue to fix the turf to the cushioning pad or ground. This glue has good adhesion properties and can ensure that the turf does not loosen or shift under the dog's activities.
By choosing the right base material and professional laying methods, you can create a safe, comfortable and easy-to-maintain artificial turf for your dog. This not only allows your dog to play freely, but also reduces the cleaning and maintenance workload for the owner.
How much does pet lawn cost?
The price of pet lawn varies depending on the material and specifications, but generally the material price is between $2.50 and $6.20 per square foot. The installation cost is about $10 to $15 per square foot.
How to prevent your pet lawn from smelling?
To prevent odors from accumulating, it is recommended to rinse regularly with plenty of clean water and use a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria. For light cleaning, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar; or choose a cleaning tool with a hose disinfectant attachment.
For the best odor prevention effect, it is recommended to choose a complete pet lawn solution, which includes antibacterial padding, lawn deodorizer and drainage system. Continuous cleaning and care can effectively keep the lawn fresh. It should be noted that if the odor has penetrated the lawn seriously, it may be difficult to completely remove it, so daily maintenance is very important.
What is the best artificial turf for dogs?
Short turf fibers for easier cleaning
UNIGRASS pet turf is designed with short fibers to simplify cleaning. Short turf is easier to sweep and rinse, while maintaining good appearance and elasticity under frequent pet trampling. Compared with high turf, short turf effectively reduces tangling and ensures freshness and cleanliness. If you prefer plush or high-fiber turf, you can also choose our other products, but it is recommended to strengthen daily maintenance to prevent odor accumulation.
Wear-resistant materials for long-term use
UNIGRASS pet turf uses durable and high-strength blade structure materials with excellent wear resistance, which can keep the turf soft and tough even after long-term use. Whether it is active pets chasing and playing or daily use, the turf is always as good as new.
Low-density design ensures efficient drainage
UNIGRASS has specially designed low-density artificial turf for pet areas. Its excellent drainage performance can quickly penetrate liquids and prevent water from being retained on the surface of the turf. This design is very suitable for places where pets are active, such as pet parks or home courtyards. It is easy to clean and disinfect, giving pets a comfortable and hygienic activity space.
UNIGRASS pet lawns are also weather-resistant and environmentally friendly, providing a safe and comfortable green environment for pets and owners. You are welcome to purchase pet lawns in our online store, or order samples for comparison to find the product that best suits your needs.
How to choose a cool artificial turf for your pet?
While all artificial turf heats up under direct sunlight, some types are cooler than others. If you're looking for a cool-feeling artificial turf, consider the following when choosing:
1. Prioritize cooling materials
Dark-colored grass fibers absorb heat easily, so opt for light-colored turf such as light green or heat-resistant options. For materials, prioritize polyethylene (PE) grass fibers, as they feel similar to real grass and dissipate heat better than polypropylene (PP). Pair them with cooling infill, such as silicone-coated or water-based infill, which absorb small amounts of moisture and release it slowly, providing sustained cooling. This also improves the turf's elasticity, reducing the risk of joint injuries for your pets during exercise.
2. Consider turf structure
Short grass is recommended for better ventilation and heat dissipation. Short grass also makes cleaning up pet waste easier. High-density turf has more grass fibers, is heavier, and therefore warmer and dissipates heat more slowly. Therefore, low-density artificial turf is more pet-friendly.
3. Check safety certifications
Inferior lawns are prone to releasing harmful substances under high temperatures. Therefore, when choosing a lawn, select non-toxic products that have passed safety certifications and must have UV protection. This will prevent the lawn from fading and aging after being exposed to the sun, reduce the safety hazards caused by the material deteriorating due to high temperatures, and prolong the coolness effect.
How to maintain artificial turf for pets?
Although maintaining artificial turf for pets does not require the same tediousness as natural turf, it does require some basic care to keep it clean and hygienic. Here are some maintenance tips for sharing artificial turf with pets:
1. Cleaning up pet feces
When cleaning up pet feces, it is important to do so promptly to avoid attracting flies or emitting unpleasant odors. First, use a shovel or paper towel to clean up solid feces, then wipe with a wet wipe or rinse with a hose to remove any remaining traces. If the feces are hard, soften them with water before washing. If necessary, you can also use soapy water or enzyme cleaners.
2. Dealing with pet urine
Although dog urine can be drained through the lawn's drainage system, the area where the pet urinates needs to be washed regularly to avoid odor. For daily use, you can use a hose to wash the areas where the dog frequently urinates. If an odor has already appeared, you can first wash it with soapy water or spray it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and then rinse it clean with water. For stubborn odors, you can also use commercially available deodorizers.
3. Cleaning up debris
Lawn cleaning requires regular operation, timely removal of fallen leaves, branches and soil to prevent bacterial growth and pest infestation; larger debris can be picked up manually or cleaned with the help of a leaf blower or soft-toothed rake.
4. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is an effective way to remove pet hair and small debris from lawns. For small lawns, a household vacuum cleaner without stiff brushes can be used, while for large lawns, it is recommended to hire a professional team to clean them with commercial vacuuming equipment.
5. Rinse regularly
The lawn needs to be rinsed regularly with a hose, especially in areas where pets frequently play. Rinsing removes dust and hair from the lawn surface, eliminates odors, and keeps the lawn clean and fresh.
6. Brush sideways
Regularly brushing the lawn against the direction of the grass fibers helps keep the grass upright, maintaining a fluffy and beautiful lawn. The effect of brushing is especially noticeable in areas where pets frequently lie down or in areas with high foot traffic.
FAQ
1. Will dog urine damage artificial turf?
Dog urine itself won't directly damage artificial turf, but if not cleaned properly over a long period, it can indirectly cause a series of problems, leading to decreased turf performance and damaged appearance. As long as the right material is chosen and regular cleaning is done, dog urine won't cause substantial damage to artificial turf. The lifespan and condition of the turf mainly depend on the frequency of maintenance and the quality of the material itself.
2. Can dogs dig out artificial turf?
No, if installed properly, artificial turf is virtually impossible to dig up. Our pet turf is carefully designed, manufactured, and tested to be indestructible even by the most stubborn pets, ensuring durability.
3. Can I install the cooling infill myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
While you can install the cooling infill yourself, it's recommended that you consult a professional turf installer. Teams like UNIGRASS include this installation process. Their expertise will ensure you choose the most suitable infill type based on your local climate and turf condition, and guarantee a correct and efficient installation process.
