Having a house with a perfectly groomed lawn and pets running around the yard is pretty much the American dream. Unfortunately, if you have natural grass, that lawn isn’t likely going to look its best during certain parts of the year. That’s where artificial grass comes in.
Pet-friendly artificial turf is the best idea for anybody that wants to enjoy a representative lawn at all times. Since it doesn’t need much watering, you won’t have to worry about sunny, dry weather ruining your yard when you have outdoor fake grass.
Of course, many dog owners wonder which is the best artificial turf for dogs and is it safe to have outdoor fake grass if you have a pet. Well, we’ll explain everything.
Read on if you want to know more about dog safety, the benefits of having artificial grass for pets, and the durability of outdoor fake grass.
Is Outdoor Fake Grass Safe?
Naturally, safety is your number one priority when it comes to your family and pets. So, before you install it, you need to check if artificial grass for pets is truly harmless.
The rise for concern comes from older versions of artificial turf that had alarming lead levels. Since many health problems can occur from exposure to lead, something had to be changed in making artificial grass for pets. And, the necessary changes were made in 2008. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) and leading turf manufacturers agreed to no longer include lead in the grass-making process.
Nowadays, most of the fake grass you can get is actually pet-friendly artificial turf. Make sure to pick a manufacturer you can trust, so you don’t have to worry about your pets’ safety.
Of course, if you buy a house with artificial grass whose origin you aren’t aware of, it’s best to do a lead levels test since the previous homeowners may have installed the lawn before 2008.
Should You Worry About Chemicals and Bacteria?
Natural and fake grass requires pretty different treatments, so you can expect different results regarding chemical intake and levels.
So, how do you treat natural and artificial grass?
- Natural Grass Needs Chemical Treatment
Just like any other plant, grass needs chemicals to keep the bugs away. You’ll need pesticides and fertilizers to keep a conventional lawn looking fresh. Of course, there are some organic solutions for these problems, but it may be harder to keep track of if a company is taking care of your yard for you. So, if your dog likes to chew and dig around, this might not be the best option for you.
- The Best Artificial Turf for Dogs Doesn’t Require Chemicals.
Not using any chemicals to treat your grass means having one thing less to worry about. And with artificial grass, that is precisely the case. You don’t need any chemical treatment to ensure the beauty of your fake lawn.
Bacteria is another thing you might have in the back of your head regarding pet safety. Your dog will probably have favorite spots in the yard to do business. Those spots are dangerous areas for bacteria harboring. With natural lawns, that is.
On the other hand, fake yards usually don’t have an issue with bacteria. And, if you want to be extra cautious, you can spray down the dirtiest spots with a mix of vinegar and water.
Pet-Friendly Artificial Turf Benefits
There are numerous reasons why someone would choose fake over natural grass for their lawn. That’s why many homeowners are making that choice nowadays.
Some of the most useful benefits of having artificial grass are:
- Low Maintenance
Since maintaining it is a piece of cake, having fake grass will save you time and money. Even veterinarians, dog parks, and kennels use artificial grass since it’s easier to take care of.
- It’s Cleaner
Forget about paw prints all over your house as soon as you see a few drops of rain. With fake grass, that won’t happen.
- It’s More Durable
Regular lawns wear out if you have multiple pets playing around on them. Plus, you can forget about holes in the grass and visible dirt in your yard.
- Fake Grass is Eco-Friendly
- It’s Easier to Install
Real vs. Fake Grass
Of course, real grass has its advantages. The feeling you get when walking on top of natural grass isn’t something that can be replaced. However, fake grass is coming quite close to that.
Artificial lawns come with grass blades of different colors, lengths, and textures, which help create that special feeling natural grass has. Only the best eye can notice the difference between a fake and a real field from a standing point.
When you add that type of quality to grass, you don’t have to mow weekly, spray with chemicals, or water a couple of times a day; you see why getting the best artificial turf for dogs is the best move for your lawn.
Where Can I Install Pet-Friendly Artificial Turf
Because of its versatility, there aren’t many limitations to where you can install artificial turf. You can do it both indoor and outdoor, as well as decks and patios, dog parks, and front yards. Wherever you feel the need to have fake grass, you can install it.
Fake Grass Maintenance and Cleaning
This is where the most significant difference between real and fake grass occurs. With artificial grass, you can forget about all the mowing, watering, edging, removing the bugs and the weeds, and whatever else needs to be done with real lawns. Homeowners with fake grass spend more time enjoying their yard than grooming it, unlike those with real grass.
Watering down your fake lawn once or twice a week will be enough to keep it green all year long. All you need to do to keep it clean is pick up your dog’s leftovers, and you’re good to go.
How Long Will a Fake Lawn Last?
Depending on a few factors, your artificial lawn can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The longevity varies based on
- How well the grass is maintained
- How many pets you have
- The quality of the installation
What to Look For In Artificial Grass
Just like everything else, there are artificial lawns of different qualities. And before you install fake grass in your yard, it’s important to know how to differentiate the good from the bad.
Make sure to check these characteristics:
Not all manufacturers have it, but a warranty signifies that the company believes in its product.
- Durability
The heavier products tend to last longer.
- Affordability
Before anything else, make sure you can afford what you intend to buy.
- Fully Permeable Backing
You’ll need it if you have pets. And it will save you from the odors.
Get Artificial Grass for Your Lawn
Now that you know how valuable artificial grass is, what are you waiting for? Contact Cricket Pavers and schedule yourself an installation. We’ll provide you with the best service and make sure your lawn is looking better than ever.
