What is pet friendly artificial grass?

So you’re considering replacing your space with a fresh, time-saving artificial grass but you’re undecided about which artificial grass is best for your four-legged friend, and how you would go about maintaining it.

What does pet friendly really mean?

Since you’re on this page, you know that without proper artificial grass care for your pets, you’ll run the risk of weird smells, even weirder stains, and a bad case of bacteria.

That is why we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide with 5 useful DO’s and DON’TS to maintain your artificial lawn for your pets, and to answer the big question: What makes artificial grass pet friendly?

Misconceptions of pet friendly artificial grass

Before we jump right in, it’s important to know that pet friendly has different meanings for different industries.

When they say “pet friendly hotel” what they’re really saying is “We have a set space for you and your pet to sit comfortably!”. When they mention “pet friendly store” it really translates to “Bring your well-behaved pet as long as they don’t annoy my customers!”. Notice none of them mention the nitty gritty such as safety, bathroom breaks and what about the safety of our wild-spirited companions?

Within the artificial grass industry, the term “pet friendly” is a whole different ball game and something that artificial grass suppliers will try to gloss over. Let us help you spot the truthers and the fakers.

What makes artificial grass pet friendly?

Good news! Artificial turf is actually safe for all pets and dogs alike. The catch is that some turf do a better job than others.

Simply put, the components making up pet friendly artificial grass is non-toxic and safe for all dogs and pets to play. What makes pet turf special is the highly durable, non-absorbent backing underneath the artificial grass that allows for better drainage, eliminating discoloration and odours.

Proper drainage means that pet urination and other liquids flow through and drain away, while faeces will need to be picked up as per the usual. Any remnants will need to be washed away to prevent messes and smells.

We’ll cover maintenance more thoroughly down below.

Pet turf maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts

For a better understanding of the exact guidelines to ensure your pet’s safety, follow these 5 Do’s and Don’ts on how to upkeep a beautiful space and guarantee your pet’s safety.

Can pets pee and poop on artificial grass?

DO: Clean your pet’s waste the same way you would a real lawn.

DON’T: Leave your pet waste there for too long (approx 3 days max).

Proper porous backing allows for easy drainage of pet urine and liquids, so add a quick rinse to be extra certain that there are no remnants left after your pet does their business

Can they dig and play in artificial grass?

DO: Allow your wild-spirited pets to continue their play as before.

DON’T: Use just any products on your turf.

Make sure that any spray or detergent is turf safe before applying it to your artificial lawn. If you have a dog that loves to dig, no need to worry. Artificial grass is a lot stronger than the earth your pet is used to and leaves no mess. If they persist, the pet will eventually sense that there’s no soil beneath the grass and eventually cease digging.

Note: If they STILL persist, provide them with a substitute chew toy or a turf-safe digging deterrent.

Does artificial grass need to be watered?

DO: Lightly spray/hose your lawn once or twice a month. If you choose a pressure washer, make sure to spray from a distance.

DON’T: Jet wash your new lawn. Harsh washes may ruin the grass fibres and the base.

The short answer is no. Artificial grass does not need to be watered. However, to make your space look its best, a light wash once or twice a month is recommended. This prevents your grass from becoming brittle and hard, keeping your lawn smooth and soft.

If you use a high pressure setting when washing your lawn, be sure to spray from a distance.

Can fleas, ticks and bugs live in artificial grass?

DO: Sweep your artificial grass every couple of days and water once every month.

DON’T: Leave food and debris lying around too long.

It’s possible that fleas, ticks and bugs can live in artificial grass. However they are less likely to since they need a damp, living environment to survive and breed. Fallen leaves and twigs are good living matter for any bug, especially in warm climates so be sure to regularly sweep.

Luckily this would take a long time to happen, as artificial grass dries quicker than real grass and is easy to clean. So do a quick sweep and make sure to rinse every month for more confidence, as this washes away any dust and bacteria lying around.

Can I place kennels, furniture or heavy objects on artificial grass?

DO: Decorate your space with beautiful lawn furniture or whatever home for your pet.

DON’T: Park your vehicles on artificial grass or place sharp-edged furniture on artificial grass.

With a proper sub-base installation, heavy objects (but not too heavy) can be put on artificial grass. Avoid sharp-edged furniture for less risk and absolutely avoid parking your car on the grass.

And there you have it folks. Artificial grass provides the benefits of the real thing, without the messes, dead spots and preservation. Now that you know how pet friendly artificial grass really is plus the Do’s and the absolute Don’ts, what’s standing in your way? Browse through our pet friendly artificial grass. Our range

If you looking for artificial grass maintenance we got you covered.