Is Fake Grass Good for Dogs?
Although most people imagine expansive, dark green grass when they think of their dream lawn, there’s nothing that says that grass has to be real. In fact, there are many reasons to choose artificial grass over natural grass. Perhaps you want a lower-maintenance lawn or a yard that’s green year-round. Maybe real grass simply doesn’t grow well in your yard. Too much shade — and in some cases, not enough shade — can have a significant impact on how well grass grows.
Sustainability is another reason to turn to artificial grass. An artificial lawn in Austin, Texas, is much more eco-friendly than a real one since it doesn’t require harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. There’s also water to consider. The EPA estimates that Americans use 9 billion gallons of water to irrigate lawns and landscaping every single day. Artificial lawns rarely need to be watered, resulting in a significant reduction in water consumption.
There are some clear benefits to putting in an artificial lawn, but there’s something else to consider for many people: Is fake grass safe for pets? LawnPop offers smart, sustainable lawn solutions in Austin, including pet-friendly fake grass. Understanding that pets are members of the family, we’ve put together a guide on just how safe artificial lawns are for them.
Not All Fake Grass is Created Equal
There are many different types of artificial grass, and not all of them are pet friendly. Dogs and other pets frequently lick and may even chew or dig the ground, so it’s important for artificial grass to be non-toxic. While it’s uncommon, some artificial turf uses backing that contains lead. Pet-safe turf, such as the varieties LawnPop uses, is completely lead-free.
Drainage
One of the most important considerations for pet-friendly artificial turf is its drainage system. All pets urinate frequently, and it’s essential that urine has somewhere to go.
Some fake grass is made of nylon, which is moisture-absorbing. But you actually want a lawn material that does not absorb moisture. Having a permeable or perforated backing and base under the grass, such as crushed granite, can help to effectively drain urine and other moisture, such as excess rain or irrigation water.
What Lies Beneath Counts
The turf needs to look nice, sure, but its backing and infill are just as important. They are responsible for quickly diverting moisture from the surface to the soil below, preventing odors and potential damage to the artificial turf. Underneath fake grass, LawnPop uses Durafill sand, which is nonabsorbent and inhibits the growth of mildew and bacteria.
Allergies
Many pets — and people — are allergic to natural grass. Not only does installing artificial turf eliminate that problem, but it also reduces other allergens such as mildew and mold. Since artificial grass also doesn’t require the use of any harmful chemicals, there is further peace of mind that a pet won’t have a potential allergic reaction if he ingests some of the turf.
Durability
Have you ever seen a yard filled with natural grass that has spots or paths that are completely bald? Those are likely the areas where pets frequently run, play, or urinate. Real grass simply doesn’t hold up very well to pets.
Fake grass is far more resilient than real grass, ensuring that you have a lawn that looks great no matter what your pet throws at it. No more bald patches or yellow or brown spots. Artificial lawns in Austin can have a lifespan of up to 20-25 years, so it’ll look good for a long time too.
Temperature
Many people are concerned about artificial turf getting hot under the sun. Although this is true of some types of fake grass, Durafill helps to regulate the temperature. It does not heat up like traditional rubber infill or backing does, meaning the individual blades of grass don’t get hot themselves.
With so many benefits to installing artificial grass in your yard when you have pets, it’s easy to make the switch. To create a tailor-made plan that best suits your home and pet, contact LawnPop for a free estimate today. Our professional team emphasizes customer satisfaction, and we will work closely with you to make sure you get the lawn of your dreams. The time you’ll save on lawn maintenance and the enjoyment your whole family will get from your new green LawnPop yard will reassure you that you made the smart decision for your home.