For many families, the biggest lawn lovers are the furry ones. Dogs, cats, and other pets thrive outdoors, tearing around, digging, or simply lounging in the sunshine. But with all that activity comes a challenge – not all lawns are built to handle the wear and tear that pets bring. Choosing a turf variety that is both tough and pet-friendly makes life easier for you, your pets, and your lawn.
Wear and Tear
Dogs, especially larger breeds, can be tough on grass. From well-worn paths to zoomies across the yard, heavy traffic quickly shows up on sensitive lawns. To help, try placing pots or obstacles across worn tracks so your dog is encouraged to change its route, giving the turf time to recover. Compacted soil is another common issue with high traffic. Aerating regularly will help relieve compaction, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots so your lawn stays strong. For households with active pets, a turf variety that is hardy and tolerant of heavy use – like a soft-leaf buffalo grass – is the best choice.
Digging
A favourite pastime of many dogs is digging – but unfortunately it wreaks havoc on your lawn. Newly laid turf is especially vulnerable, so try to keep pets off fresh areas until the grass has established. If digging is an ongoing issue, consider a self-repairing turf variety with dense growth that can recover quickly. Often digging is a sign of boredom, so providing toys, shade, and stimulation can help curb the habit.
Urine Burns
One of the most common pet-related lawn problems is urine burns, which show up as yellow patches. While most lawns will recover in time, a product like Dog Rocks, which is added to your dog’s water bowl, can help prevent new burn patches forming.
Safe Lawn Care Around Pets
When fertilising or applying weed treatments, it’s important to keep pets safe. Always follow the product’s safety instructions, and keep pets inside until the fertiliser has been watered in or herbicides have dried completely. If your pets are prone to nibbling at the grass, organic or liquid fertilisers may be a safer option.
The simplest way to protect your lawn from pet damage is to start with a variety that’s made to cope. Look for turf that offers high wear resistance, fast recovery, and a soft but durable leaf. A tough soft-leaf buffalo is a great all-rounder – gentle on paws, resilient under pressure, and visually lush enough to keep the whole family happy. If you need help, have a look at our handy turf comparison chart.
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