Having pets can be fulfilling and frustrating at the same time. These furry friends become part of your family, and just like a family member need special love and patience from time to time. Especially when it comes to the havoc they can wreak on your lawn. Dogs can destroy a beautiful lawn in no time, but by following these tips, and understanding what is the root cause of the brown spots, you can restore your lawn back to its original glory. Taking your pets to a public area to handle their business will save your lawn all together, but sometimes that is not possible.
First we must understand what exactly is causing the grass to burn, and then we can start implementing some solutions to the underlying problem. Brown spots, or urine scald, are caused by high nitrogen levels in the dog’s urine. Nitrogen is a by-product of protein digestion, so naturally animals have concentrated nitrogen levels in their urine as a result of their protein rich diet.
If you are experiencing brown spots in your lawn, you need to rule out a couple of more serious problems before treating for urine scald. Have your lawn care provider check for grubs, pests, or fungus to rule out these causes before assuming it is your dog causing the discoloration in the grass. Once it has been determined that your lawn is being scalded by your dog’s urine, then you can move forward with these steps in preventing more brown spots.
Dilution is the Best Solution
This old adage still holds true today. The best way to reduce urine scald is by diluting the nitrogen concentration in the urine itself. To do this, simply pour water over the areas where the dog has just left its mark immediately after they have finished their business. Depending on how large your dog is, or how many you have, you will probably need to switch to a lower nitrogen level fertilizer for your lawn as well. If you have several large dogs, and practice dilution, you may not need very much nitrogen at all in your fertilizer.
The second way to dilute your dog’s urine is by encouraging him to drink a lot of water. Keeping the water cold with ice cubes is enticing, and always having ample fresh water in their bowls inside and outside. Dehydration is not only unhealthy, and potentially dangerous to your pet’s health, but it also drastically increases the nitrogen concentration in their urine.
Landscaping
{{cta(‘328bb889-3043-460c-a57e-aea698d39d01′,’justifyright’)}} If following your dog around with a watering can does not appeal to you, you can always design and build a ‘run’ for your dog in a designated area of your property. Smooth gravel, mulch, or artificial turf are doggy friendly mediums for their paws, and cause no damage to your lawn. They can be decorated with borders of flowers, shrubs, or other foliage you enjoy. With a little bit of training your dog will use the ‘run’ on its own.
Medication
This option is a cautionary tale. We do not recommend giving your dog supplements, or medication to alter the nitrogen levels in their urine. Nitrogen occurs naturally, and cannot be avoided. These products will never change the inevitable fact that dogs pee, so rather than attempting to alter nature, just put some thought and energy into creating an environment that is suitable to your dog’s needs, and your lawn’s well-being.
When you made the decision to have a dog, you put your luscious green grass at risk, but it need not be a death sentence for your lawn. With a little bit of effort, and creativity you can prevent those unsightly brown spots on your lawn, and return it to its previous glory.
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– Common Lawn Issues in the Southeastern United States: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
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