Are you switching to pet-friendly artificial turf? installing it at home on your own? To help you with the installation of your pet turf, we’ve produced a DIY guide! You can install K9 turf more easily and with contractor-quality results.
Base Preparation
*Note: According to manufacturer requirements, artificial turf should have road base applied underneath it during base preparation. Most homeowners will use decomposed granite for DIY projects instead. Without the necessity for hiring equipment or heavyweight lugging, this will yield the finest outcomes.
1. Before installing decomposed granite, remove any natural grass and soil from the area. Use a sod-cutting knife to complete this task. Manufacturers advise removing about 2 inches of dirt, but depending on the roots in your area, you might take less. More soil around the edge should be removed. This will aid in weed control and turf security later on during installation.
2. Spread weed killer liberally across the area. This will lessen the likelihood of weeds developing later. We DO NOT suggest putting a weed barrier while installing pet grass. Weed barrier is a material that resembles cloth and will capture and store microorganisms, inadvertently causing strong scents as pets use the restroom over time.
3. Place 1 inch of crumbled granite on the ground. To grade the surface, grade the DG along the area with a heavy-duty roller and push brush. To make sure the area is level, repeat this procedure two or three times.
4. Stabilize the DG by using a decomposed granite stabilizer. As a result, the surface will become more solid and be able to support the nails used to install the turf. To calculate how many containers you’ll need, divide the area’s square footage by 50 as one container typically covers 50 square feet. The nails won’t be secure if you skip this stage, and the turf will eventually start to raise on the edges. Prior to continuing, give the area time to completely dry.
5. Cover the area with a layer of lawn deodorizer (Zeofill). This will lessen the likelihood of odor developing in pet relief regions below the surface. On average, 2-3 bags are applied to every 300 square feet of turf.
Pet-Friendly Turf Installation
1. Spread your drainage layer over the top. Plan appropriately to make sure you get the right amount of drain core, which is sold in sheets measuring 4 x 50 and covers 200 square feet. To keep the drain core firmly fastened beneath the surface, nails will need to be driven into its sides. Complete pet-friendly systems must have a drain core since it allows for cleaning below the material and ventilating artificial turf.
2. After 30 minutes in the sun, unfurl the turf roll. The material will become softer as a result, making it easier to handle. When rolling out the turf, be sure to face the blades in the same direction if there are many pieces.
3. Only if you have many turf pieces is this step required. Use professional adhesive to sew the pieces of the artificial grass together once they have been measured and cut to size. Use a zipper or the S technique to hide the seams for the greatest results.
*Note: Manufacturers advise against using nails when installing pet-friendly turf. This is because it’s possible for dogs to pull up turf and take out nails. They advise creating a frame around the perimeter as an alternative, then stapling turf to it. This installation is a lot safer. The majority of households continue to use nails, although manufacturers are not responsible for any turf damage.
4. Every two inches, stretch and secure the turf around the perimeter. In order to avoid wrinkles, it’s crucial to stretch the artificial grass. Ensure that the sides are securely fastened to the ground and that all nails are concealed. Dogs won’t be able to dig at the turf as a result of this. For additional security, we also advise nailing the surface every two feet. Any surplus on the edges can then be trimmed from there.
5. Fill the surface with antimicrobial sand. This will help keep the surface clean, free of microorganisms, and cooler for your dogs. Using 1 pound per square foot Sand infill is usually where people cut shortcuts, yet it’s crucial for the longevity of your new installation. Sand should be spread out evenly throughout the surface using a push brush.
Pet Turf Maintenance
Even while pet grass systems give additional drainage and ventilation below the surface, cleaning is still necessary. To keep the scent under control, pet turf needs to be often cleaned and sanitized. Prior to extensive cleanings, make sure to brush the grass to assist redistribute the sand infill and improve the flow of the cleaning solution. Read our other articles to find out how to defeat odor! Check out our page here to learn more about common cleansers.
Request a cost estimate for the best K9 turf materials below whenever you’re ready to get your project started and have a fresh clean and green lawn for you and your pets. We’ll help you get the ideal lawn for your needs and aid with all the installation-related accessories. We are eager to get going!
For my dog, what can I place underneath artificial grass?
For canine artificial grass, you can add a layer of infill. Select an infill from sand, silica granules, or crumb rubber. To treat their furry best companions, the majority of pet owners opt to spend a little bit more on silica granules.
Despite the fact that pets may like roughhousing on outdoor turfs, our unique synthetic grass provides the ideal balance of aesthetic appeal, comfort, durability, and resilience, making it a great playground for your entire family and cherished pets.
Can dogs urinate and defecate on fake grass?
The answer is that dogs can relieve themselves on fake grass just like they would on real grass. The good news is that your fake grass won’t need to be cleaned of urine. It dissipates similarly to how precipitation does. However, just as you would when your pet makes a mess on regular grass, you must pick up and discard dog waste. To properly remove any remaining waste, it is also advised to hose down the area where the poop was spilled.
Can dogs tolerate artificial grass?
If your dog enjoys digging and scratching, installing artificial turf will be a significant letdown, we must say. The mesh backing and blades of artificial grass are made from incredibly robust nylon/polypropylene fibers. If your dog persists in trying to dig, he won’t harm the turf because they are more than a match for even the most diligent canine.
On the other side, if you can get him to use his energy in another way, he won’t dig in your flower beds. It’s possible that you will need to replace some infill material that becomes loose while he learns a new, more appropriate skill. Depending on the kind and thickness of the filler that is utilized, this won’t be a huge concern.
How can I remove the odor of dog poop coming from my artificial grass?
Dog owners adore artificial grass because it offers a convenient, dirt-free area for animals to play and relieve themselves throughout the year.
Most dog owners rarely clean their fake grass because they think the rain will take care of it. Unfortunately, urine that seeps through the synthetic turf blades seeps beneath the grass and congeals between the carpet of grass and the weed barrier below. The scent of dog urine gets worse as accumulation develops.
Long after the liquid has been thrown away, the odor may still be there. If not adequately treated, it may last for months. Many products merely cover up the odor, but to truly get rid of the odor you must stop it at the source.
You’ll need a cleaning product with enzymes and living bacteria that break down the cause of those strong ammonia scents to remove urine odors from artificial turf. The Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator eliminates scents at their source by using safe, naturally occurring bacterial microorganisms.
How are artificial grass pee pads cleaned?
You’ve made the decision to allow your small dog to relieve himself within your home or perhaps outside on a patio utilizing dog grass. For little dogs living in high-rise residences or even in cold climates, this system is great. Dog owners who work long hours, are rarely home, or even have older dogs that aren’t as mobile or able to hold it as long as they once were will find doggy grass pads to be the ideal option. But in order to keep your dog utilizing it, keep him safe, and keep his bathroom location hygienic, you’ll need to maintain this dog grass pad clean.
The Artificial Turf Method
Clean up any feces residue on the grass. Every time your dog poop, remember to do this, but especially before you clean the pad.
Empty the urine from the tray base and remove the toilet grass, genuine or fake. You may easily flush the urine away by emptying it into the toilet. After being emptied, wash the base tray with soapy water.
Clear the pad of the grass. Wash the turf thoroughly with warm water and mild soap if it is artificial grass.
Before putting the unit back together, let the artificial grass and base tray dry.
If kept clean frequently, artificial grass only has to be changed every two months.
The Real Grass Method
Before taking the grass out of the tray, make sure you eliminate any feces heaps.
Real grass will allow urine to pass through and collect in the tray beneath it. Remove the grass and wash the tray in warm, soapy water to make it clean.
The grass shouldn’t be sprayed with water or cleaned with it. However, you may make sure that the blades are free of any faeces.
To trap pee, you can put a puppy pad beneath the grass in the tray, but you should change it every day.
Put the grass back in the tray after it has dried and been cleaned, then tell your dog it is time to use it by saying so. Every week or two, you’ll need to replace the grass with new turf.
Make sure to demonstrate to your dog that it is safe to use the grass pad once it has been cleaned up and is prepared for usage.
Caution & Considerations
- At least once per day, clean the dog grass pad.
- Every time your dog defecate on the pad, think about cleaning it up.
- You may get enzyme cleaners to get rid of odors from your neighborhood pet store.
- If you maintain a high-quality grass pad regularly and keep it clean, you shouldn’t be able to smell any scents.
- For many grass pads to function at their best and remain fresh, the grass on top of the pad needs to be changed every few months.
- Consider replacing the grass on a tray with fresh grass at least once every two weeks.
- Many major cities provide a dog grass pad service that can regularly replace the grass for you.
- Your dog’s grass pad might not be clean enough if they are having accidents indoors.
- Keep in mind that if the grass pad is not kept clean and odor-free, your dog may quit using it.
- In comparison to a dog pad made of genuine grass, your fake grass pad will smell different.
- Real grass needs to be replaced on a regular basis whereas artificial grass needs to be well cleaned.
Conclusion
A grass pad is the best option if your young dog wants to use the restroom inside. But you’ll have to maintain it tidy and prepared every day for use. With his own tiny patch of grass for poop and pee, you can keep your little guy happy and healthy. If he has a neat area of grass in your yard, he won’t be asking for a fire hydrant.
Add a comment to Laker’s experience
Is it advised to wash the artificial grass pee pad in the washing machine (by itself, without any other items in the washer)? Even though we clean the patch twice a week and place it on the balcony, we continue to notice a lot of strong odours, and echo (the dog) rarely seems to mind using the pad to relieve himself. thanks
What are the drawbacks of synthetic grass?
Artificial grass has various drawbacks, and these may influence customers to choose natural grass instead.
- Depending on the manufacturing processes a company employs, the production of artificial grass may occasionally be negative for the environment and result in waste or contamination. Modern, energy-efficient equipment is used in all of our production plants. To ensure quality and environmental compliance, our grass is tufted utilizing cobble tufting machines made in the UK, which also employ yarn from many of the industry’s top internal producers. Along with the FIFA-approved and stringently audited facilities in China, we regularly inspect the site to verify compliance.
- If the turf is of high quality, installation costs may be considerable, but hiring a professional installer is a wise investment because you want your grass installed to the finest standards. Although artificial turf can initially be pricey, it will pay for itself over time and frequently ends up being even less expensive than natural turf because it does not require the significant upkeep that genuine grass requires.
- Some passionate gardeners take delight in the appearance of their gardens and enjoy caring for and maintaining them. Thus, they might consider fake grass to be dishonest.
- Compared to natural grass, it requires more time to install due to the fitting process.
- Some people might view the lack of actual grass’s pleasant, freshly-mowed smell—which they love while mowing the lawn on a sunny Sunday afternoon—as a drawback.
- The fact that it won’t survive as long as real grass may be a drawback for some. Artificial grass is anticipated to last 7 to 15 years on average. This is still a considerable amount of time, giving the customer many years of simple maintenance. However, some people will favor natural grass because it needs less upkeep but lasts longer.
- Even in the hottest conditions, artificial grass shouldn’t burn people. Sand infill can be applied to keep the turf cool. In hotter weather, using common sense can help you stay cool by dousing the grass with cool water, dressing appropriately, and placing a white blanket where you plan to sit.
- Since artificial turf is composed of plastic and not a natural substance that wildlife may dwell in, it might lessen the biodiversity of your garden. However, you can combat the lack of biodiversity, encourage wildlife, and make your garden a habitat for many different species while also providing a secure and useful year-round space for the entire family to enjoy by planting flowers, shrubs, and other plants around your lawn and in other areas of your garden. In this way, you can combine the best of both worlds.
