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Choosing The Perfect Type of Grass For Pets

As a proud pet owner, you’ll want to find a happy medium between your home’s beautiful lush green lawn and a happy, healthy pet. However, with some different Turf Supplies in Sydney, each with their own unique qualities, it can be difficult to know which turf variety is most suitable for your pets and your property.

To help you make the right decision for your property and your pets, it pays to get in touch with an experienced Landscape Supplier in Sydney. Their expertise and knowledge of the many turf varieties available will ensure they can help you select the most appropriate turf for your needs.

What Factors Do Pet Owners Need To Consider When Selecting Turf?

 

As a dedicated pet owners, your choice of turf inevitably becomes more than just a selection based on aesthetics. You want to be sure that your grass can withstand the lively antics of your four-legged companions while also providing them with a safe and comfortable outdoor space. Here are some of the crucial factors for you to keep in mind when selecting turf for your garden.

Pet-Proofing Your Lawn

Let’s face it; our pets can put our lawns through quite the ordeal. The constant running, digging, and even the occasional ‘gift’ they leave behind can take a toll on your grass. To ensure your turf can handle the wear and tear, opt for resilient varieties like TifTuf or Buffalo. These hard-wearing lawns have a remarkable ability to repair themselves, even after a canine romp. Alternatively, consider using turf reinforcement mesh for added strength and durability, effectively reducing the damage caused by your pets’ playfulness.

Soil De-Compaction

If your pets spend most of their time outdoors, the soil beneath your lawn can become compacted. Compaction hinders water absorption and root development, potentially harming your turf. To alleviate this issue, use a garden fork or a core aerator to break up the compacted soil, allowing essential nutrients and water to reach your lawn’s roots.

Dealing with Diggers

For the doggy diggers out there, understanding why they dig is key to curbing this behaviour. Boredom, escape attempts, or simply playfulness can trigger digging. Combat this by providing chew toys to keep your furry friend entertained and ensuring they get plenty of exercise to expend their energy.

Create a Sandpit

If your dog is a dedicated digger, consider setting up a designated digging area. Constructing a sandpit with timber or using a kids’ clam shell filled with sand can provide a satisfying alternative to your lawn. You can even toss in some treats and toys to entice them to dig there instead.

Tackling Urine Burn

Dog urine can leave unsightly brown or bare patches on your lawn. To combat this, promptly water the affected area to dilute the urine’s impact. You can also explore options like Dog Rocks or filtered water to reduce the nitrogen content in your pet’s urine. Training your dog to use a specific area or synthetic pet potty mats can also help prevent widespread damage.

Pet-Safe Fertilising

If your pet enjoys munching on grass, be cautious when using lawn treatments. Stick to pet-safe lawn fertilisers that are free from heavy metals or toxic components to ensure your furry friend stays healthy.

Beware of Grass Seeds

Certain turf types can produce grass seeds that pose risks to your pets, including infection, skin trauma, and digestive issues. Choose a turf variety that minimises the risk of these problems.

Grass Allergies

Pets, like humans, can develop allergies to grass. If your pet is sensitive to allergies, opt for a low-allergenic lawn variety to ensure their comfort.

So What Is The Best Turf For Pets?

 

At Andrew’s Turf Supplies we recommend Palmetto Buffalo grass to any pet owners for the following reasons:

 Hard-Wearing & Fast Recovery

Palmetto Buffalo grass is a tough turf variety that is suitable for high traffic areas, including backyards that are home to pets such as dogs. Common pet behaviours like digging and urination can result in damage to your lawn. But, this is not a big concern with Palmetto Buffalo grass as it grows quickly, allowing it to recover in a short amount of time.

Low Allergenic

Palmetto Buffalo grass is a great selection for pets and people who suffer from allergies, as it is a low allergenic species. Palmetto Buffalo produces less seed heads than other turf varieties, which is generally what allergy sufferers react to.

Soft Leaf

Palmetto Buffalo grass has a soft leaf that is perfect for dogs and children to play on and roll around in. The soft leaf also results in less skin irritation, making it the perfect choice for families with pets and children.

Why Else Might You Choose Palmetto Buffalo Grass?

 

Aside from the above benefits that make Palmetto Buffalo grass a suitable choice for your pets and family, there are many other benefits to enjoy that will make laying Palmetto Buffalo worth your while:

Vibrant Colouring

Palmetto Buffalo grass displays a beautiful deep emerald green colour and has 75% better winter colouring than other varieties of buffalo grass. This means that with proper care and maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy a lush green lawn all year round.

Drought Resistance

Palmetto Buffalo grass is a great choice for Australia’s dry climate. Palmetto uses water efficiently due to its deep rooted system, which increases its drought tolerance.

Low Maintenance

Palmetto Buffalo grass is a low maintenance lawn that is great for those with a busy schedule, as it requires minimal watering. Also, despite its ability to spread quickly, Palmetto Buffalo grass requires less mowing than other buffalo turf varieties, as it grows outwards faster than it does upwards. Palmetto can last relatively long periods without mowing and will not invade your garden even though it tends to grow quickly.

 Highly Resistant to Diseases & Pests

Palmetto Buffalo grass isn’t commonly affected by diseases, though it isn’t completely immune, and is most susceptible to Brown Patch. It is also highly resistant to common pests such as Lawn Grub.

Make The Best Choice For Your Furry Friends

When considering which turf variety is best for your pets, there are many factors to consider in addition to which is most suitable for your pets. Explore some other factors to consider in Choosing between Premium Turf Products or for expert advice, contact the team at Andrew’s Turf Supplies, your local Landscape supplier in Sydney.

At Andrew’s Turf Supplies we offer a full service, from turf supplies in Sydney right through to turf installation. In addition to being reliable landscape suppliers in Sydney, we are also able to prepare soil for turf installation, install turf and irrigation systems, and complete gardening and timber work. Get in contact with our friendly team today for a FREE quote on 0423 385 565 or email andrewsturfsupplies@outlook.com.