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How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Pet Friendly Artificial Grass – Introduction Video 

Do you have a pet that loves to run around outside and enjoy nature? If so, you may be looking for a way to create a little oasis for them in your backyard. Installing pet-friendly artificial grass is the perfect way to do this! Not only will your pet love it, but you will love how easy it is to maintain.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire installation process step by step. We will also discuss some benefits of artificial grass for pets. 

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Benefits of Artificial Grass and Pet Turf

When I first got my dog, I didn’t know anything about fake grass for dogs or how to install turf for dogs. I had a regular grassy yard for him to play in, and it was always such a mess. He would track in mud and dirt, which was always difficult to clean up. 

Plus, the smell of his waste would linger in the air. I knew there had to be a better way. I also used to worry about my dog’s muddy paws ruining my sofa after playing in the yard, but I’ve since learned a few tricks for protecting my furniture. 

That’s when I did some research on installing fake grass for dogs, and I found that pet turf for dogs has many advantages and I learned about pet-friendly artificial grass installation.

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Pet turf advantages include:

Drainage: Synthetic grass reduces muddy pawprints indoors. Drainage reduces your dog’s exposure to dirt and water, decreasing messes. Mud-free paws!

Odors: Pet-friendly artificial grass is frequently antimicrobial to minimize pet waste smells; this may be done by using specific antimicrobial fibers or high-performance infill.

Easy cleanup: Most pet messes on turf are simple to clean up. Use the hose to remove liquid waste.

Your dogs and cats won’t catch fleas or insects or bring them inside if they have less area to hide, nest, and multiply.

It’s been such a game-changer for us after learning how to lay artificial grass for dogs. My dog loves playing in his new “yard,” and I love not having to clean up after him constantly.

If you have a pet, I highly recommend looking into how to install artificial pet turf specifically designed for them. It will make your life so much easier!

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

How much Does Artificial Grass or Artificial Lawn for Dogs Cost

How much Does Artificial Grass for Dogs Cost? As a pet owner, you may wonder about the artificial grass cost for dogs. How much does it cost to replace your whole lawn with artificial turf?

How much would it cost to simply install a dog run? How much does artificial grass save you in the long run? Here, we’ll answer all of your questions about the cost of artificial grass for dogs.

The good news is that it quickly pays for itself, as you’ll save on seed, sod, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, and water over the course of 10+ years.

You can also finance your artificial turf purchase and convert upfront costs into monthly payments. Artificial turf costs around $3 – 6 per square foot on Amazon. So the math is easy, just multiply the square feet needed by $3. 

How to Install Pet Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Pet Turf vs. Regular Turf

Synthetic turf, also known as artificial grass, is a popular choice for dog owners who want to maintain a green lawn without the hassle of natural grass. Synthetic turf is made from synthetic materials, such as polyethylene, that are designed to look and feel like real grass.

Unlike real grass, synthetic turf does not require watering, mowing, or fertilizing; it can be used in all types of weather. Synthetic turf is also available in a variety of colors and textures, so you can choose the type of turf that best suits your needs.

Synthetic turf is a great option for pet owners who want to keep their yard looking its best without the hassle of natural grass. 

How to Install Pet Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

How to Install Artificial Grass

It’s essential to make sure your fake grass is pet-friendly before having it installed, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. It is essential to improve airflow and drainage.

Base Preparation

When properly laid, pet turf looks and feels like real grass. The crew will dig out a depth of two to three inches from the structure’s foundation. Next, two inches of class II road foundation will be spread out and compacted. Lawn deodorizer should then be used. After cleanings, water circulation is improved by installing a drain core along the surface.

Cutting, seaming, securing

When the base is complete, fake grass may be installed. A frame will be used to attach the finished product once it has been cut, seamed, and attached or stapled. Nails should be removed from dog-friendly areas. If you must use nails, space them out every two inches along the border and every two feet on the grass. You can keep the grass from wrinkling by stretching it out in the sun.

Nailing Down Turf for Pet Turf Installation

Applying infill

Once the artificial grass has been laid out and stapled down, infill may be added. Grass won’t wrinkle or buckle, thanks to the infill, and the blades remain standing and are less likely to mat down. An infill of antibacterial sand makes pet-friendly grass cooler and protects pets from pathogens. 

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Drainage Under Artificial Turf for Dogs

Turf Deodorizer Layer

Turf Deodorizer Layer is essential to having a healthy and beautiful lawn. This layer helps to prevent the buildup of pet urine odors, and it also helps to release those odors when the turf is washed.

Turf Deodorizer Layer is a heavy-use pet relief spot. It is recommended for installation in areas where dogs are known to relieve themselves.

French Drain System

French drains are an excellent way to reduce pet area odors. They are especially beneficial for pet daycares, motels, or regions with drainage concerns. This procedure involves digging a trench and installing a drainage pipe to divert water away from your grass.

Before starting foundation preparation, fill the trench with gravel, and this option speeds up water percolation and trash treatment. 

Installing artificial grass is recommended for pet owners since it is easier to clean up dog urine. However, real grass is an option if proper drainage is installed. A French drain system is a great way to ensure that your grass stays green and fresh-smelling, even with dogs in the area.

Drain or air drain installation

Without this layer, pet turf will stink. Pet-friendly grass requires sufficient drainage to avoid smells and bacteria buildup. Artificial grass that can’t flush urine is a concern. 

Grid (air drain) or plastic sheet cores are offered (drain core). Air drain is quicker and stiffer but more expensive to install. Drain core is the most popular pet grass drainage solution because it’s less expensive, easy to install, and offers good drainage. 

We recommend installing artificial grass on a slope or with a Drainage tile system for proper drainage. A minimum of 1% slope is recommended for Drainage tile systems. If you live in an area with high rainfall, you may need a Drainage tile system with a higher capacity than the minimum 1%. 

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Maintaining pet artificial grass.

Sanitizing pet turf

An artificial turf is a great option for pet owners because it is easy to clean and maintain. However, it is important to sanitize the turf regularly to prevent lawn damage. Dogs should rinse the turf twice a week and increase the water flow to create a powerful stream.

Immediately sanitize the turf with Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator and water. Overall, proper care of artificial turf will ensure a safe green lawn for your pet.

Minimizing dog relief areas

Minimizing dog relief areas can be accomplished by teaching your dogs to utilize a limited place to relieve themselves. A fake fire hydrant or mailbox might help with training and will look fantastic!

This is the cleanest method to maintain your front or backyard, but it requires training. Another key element of minimizing dog relief areas is proper drainage. This can be accomplished by installing a drainage system beneath the artificial grass or by using decomposed granite as a base material.

Natural grass is not recommended for pet owners due to the amount of maintenance required and the fact that dog urine will kill the grass. 

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Final Thoughts

A lovely green grass is irreplaceable. Most folks can’t do it, particularly with water constraints. Pet turf customers usually have similar reasons: Dead and uneven grass. Dogs and foot traffic track in dirt and other impurities.

Natural grass may be hard to regenerate and convert your lawn into a swamp. However, with the installation of artificial turf, you will have a lawn that always looks lush and green- no mowing, no watering, and no worries about dogs tracking in dirt and mud.

In addition, an artificial turf is also a great option for pet owners as it provides a safe, clean environment for pets to play in without the worry of urine damaging the grass.

If you are considering installing artificial turf, we recommend researching to find a reputable company that can provide you with the high-quality product and installation needed to create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. 

How to Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Install Pet Friendly Artificial Grass – FAQ

How do I stop my pet turf from smelling?

There are a few things that you can do to help stop your pet turf from smelling. The most important thing is to ensure that the turf is properly drained.

You can do this by installing the turf on a slope or with a drainage tile system. Finally, you can minimize dog relief areas by teaching your dogs to use a limited place to relieve themselves.

Can dogs poo and wee on synthetic grass?

Yes, dogs can poo and wee on artificial grass. However, it is important to sanitize the turf regularly to prevent lawn damage.

How do I stop my synthetic turf or grass from smelling dog urine?

The best way to stop your artificial tuft or grass from smelling dog urine is to ensure that the turf is properly drained. You can do this by installing the turf on a slope or with a drainage tile system.

What is the difference between pet turf and regular turf?

The main difference between pet turf or artificial lawn and regular turf is that pet turf is made of synthetic materials that are resistant to damage from urine. Regular turf is made of natural materials that can be damaged by urine. 

How to Install Pet Friendly Artificial Grass: A Guide

Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly

There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home. 

When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.

In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.

Click here if you want to learn more about Havenly or book an interior designer and get 25% off your design package if you click here!

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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