The problem with artificial grass and dogs is the potential build-up of URINE underneath the turf carpet.
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Dog wee will pool and coagulate underneath your artificial turf and cause an almighty stink.
If you have dogs, artificial grass is NOT maintenance free.
You’re going to have to clean your garden regularly.
If you have multiple dogs on a small area, you may even have to clean your lawn daily. Find out more here
When we say clean, we mean removing solid waste but also using either an enzyme cleaner or a biocidal cleaner to break down any uric acid build-up from the dog wee.
Are you prepared to do this?
If you’re not, you will end up with a urine odour problem and maybe artificial grass is not the best option for you.
How easy is it to clean dog urine from artificial grass?
If an installer says the rain will just wash it away, there’s no need to clean it, he’s not the right installer for you. If the installer says it’s maintenance free then he doesn’t understand the science behind the smell and you’ll be left with a stink.
If he says you to need to regularly use a cleaner on your grass, then he’s a person who knows what he’s talking about.
Do they use sand in their installation?
At Top Dog Turf we know that sand will hold onto the uric acid crystals in the dog wee, and in time your grass will smell. For dogs you need a sand free fast draining sub-base and no sand added to the surface of the grass as an infill.
Oh, and NEVER EVER let an installer talk you into using a foam matting or shockpad base under your grass unless you hate your neighbours. This is smell worse than a dead whale on a tropical beach in about 3 weeks. Nasty.
Check out a Top Dog Turf installation here
Do they have a latex free / polyurethane grass?
Latex backed grass, the black rubbery backed grass you’ll find in DIY shops will degrade over time allowing the dog urine to seep into the latex rubber and start smelling. Ask an installer if they have a polyurethane backed grass option. Many of them won’t but they can get them from us!
Find out more about latex free grass here
Do they use a weed membrane?
Ask them if they’ll use weed membrane directly under the grass carpet. Weed membrane is another thing that will trap the dog urine and cause an odour problem. We never use a weed membrane on doggy installations.
Want more information on 40mm Artificial Grass? Feel free to contact us.
Do they provide maintenance?
What will they do if the grass starts to smell? Ask what cleaners they would recommend and if they have a maintenance option.
In some ways this is a little unfair because it’s going to be up to you to maintain your grass.
The landscaper cannot be held accountable for you never cleaning your grass. But we know most dog owners are busy and often forget to deodorise their lawns until it’s too late and there’s a nasty niff.
A maintenance option is very helpful and should include powerbrushing your grass to remove dog hair and debris and deep cleaning with live enzymes on either a biannual or annual basis.
Do not be fobbed off by installers who tell you artificial grass is maintenance free. This is not true and you’ll live to regret it.
Find out more about artificial grass maintenance here
Static is unlikely to be a problem, but as it’s a result of area conditions, it’s not easy to detect or measure. However, in the majority of cases it will eventually go, so don’t worry. In the winter, it certainly won’t pose a problem as frequent rainfall will ensure the garden is properly earthed.
We have a broad range of artificial grass products to suit a variety of needs. This includes:
If you need more guidance on which artificial grass is right for your needs, just get in touch with our friendly team – or take our quiz.
Take measurements across the longest and widest points of your area. You will then need to round these measurements up to the nearest metre. Next, multiply the width by the length and this will give you your square metre requirement.
Artificial grass is popular because it’s incredibly low maintenance compared to the regular upkeep that natural lawns require. However, to keep it looking its best, artificial grass will require professional cleaning, brushing and sweeping at least once a year. Other than that, all you need to do is keep it clear and rinse off any dirt or stains.
While our Easigrass products are highly durable, there are a few areas where caution should be exercised. When barbecuing, just make sure the areas around the barbecue are protected from falling embers. If you are painting a fence or wall in your garden, pop down a sheet to cover the grass and protect it from splashes. Glue, gum and broken glass are other materials that you’ll also want to keep away from the grass.
If you’ve been unlucky and your artificial lawn is damaged, just call our team who may be able to carry out some patch repairs.
Yes, if you have a lot of traffic running over the top of the artificial grass, it will crush and bend just like real grass. But if you want it upright, all you have to do is brush it against the pile to raise it back up again.
In periods of strong sustained sunlight, the artificial grass, being a dark green man-made product, will of course get hot. When this happens, it’s just a simple case of wearing some soft shoes rather than going barefoot. If lying on it, you may well want to place a blanket on top first.
Toddlers might find it uncomfortable when too hot, so they will need to be kept on top of a blanket. The same heat can be experienced on a sunny beach when sand temperatures can rise rapidly when exposed to periods of strong sunlight. It’s also worth noting that the grass is fully UV-protected, so it will not fade.
If you have artificial grass, clearing up after pets is simple. Just pick up the waste and then give the area a quick hose down. Don’t worry about wee as it will drain away, thanks to the in-built perforation.
Artificial grass makes it much harder for fleas and ticks to live within the blades, although their total elimination cannot be guaranteed. The lack of soil in artificial grass makes it tough for fleas and ticks to nest. All you need to do is keep your artificial lawn free from collecting debris or other organic matter – this way, you reduce the insects’ ability to nest.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Outdoor Turf For Playground. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.