Everything You Need To Know About Artificial Grass If You Own A Pet

At Perth Artificial Grass, we often get asked so many questions about what it may mean to install synthetic grass when a homeowner has pets. In this post, we will look at some of these concerns, hoping that at after reading through the it, you will be better informed and that the information herein will address any misgivings you may be harbouring.

Do I have to worry about my pet being exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals?

No harmful chemicals are used in the manufacture of artificial grass. Perth Artificial Grass is very particular on the type of grass we supply and install for our clients, ensuring that it is safe and free of harmful chemicals such as lead.

Apart from being free of disease-causing toxins and chemicals, the material from which synthetic grass is manufactured is also quite allergen-free and you don’t have to worry about hives, a puffy face, redness of the skin, your pet being restless, or any other  such signs and symptoms that accompany an allergic reaction. Additionally, artificial turf does not produce grass pollen which may sometimes trigger seasonal allergies.

Additionally, no chemical inputs such as fertilisers or pesticides are required in the care and maintenance of an artificial lawn.  Your pet will not be exposed to any of these chemicals in the name of lawn care.

Where you may need to use cleaning detergents and other chemicals to clean the artificial grass, supplies with a mild composition will suffice. Such supplies are very pet-friendly as they do not contain any harsh chemicals.

My dog loves to dig out the yard, what now?

It is true;most,if not all dogs absolutely love to dig, and if you have a natural lawn, your pets’ efforts may leave you with unsightly bald patches of earth on your lawn. Whether they are just looking to entertain themselves, burying some hidden treasure, or looking for a prey, it can be quite tasking trying to teach your dog to stop doing it.

With an artificial grass installation, you won’t even need to spend time trying to get your dog to stop digging up holes. Because they can no longer smell the soil beneath, most dogs will stop pawing away at the grass on their own.

Even if your dog still tries to burrow, artificial grass is designed for resilience and durability and there isn’t too much damage that your four-legged best friend can do. However, it is always advisable to actively discourage your pet from engaging in this kind of behaviour,because it may disturb the pile of artificial grass blades,and you will need to brush your grass more often.

What about cleaning up after my pets?

Pet waste will not damage your artificial grass lawn. Artificial grass will not permanently discolour if it comes into contact with pet waste.With a bit of effort on your part when it comes to cleaning, you can look forward to your lawn always looking its best even after your pets are done doing their business.

You will simply need to scoop up the hard pet droppings. After removing the droppings, simply rinse the surface with water. Pet urine on the other hand can, over time, leave a very pungent smell on your synthetic turf surface. To prevent this smell, make a point of cleaning up the urine as soon as possible. Hose off the lawn with water, and if need be, use a water-and-vinegar mixture to eliminate any smells that may still be lingering.

Artificial grass is very easy to clean and regardless of the number of pets you own, you will have no difficulty maintaining high standards of hygiene around your lawn.

What effect, if any, will the artificial grass have on bugs and pests?

Natural lawns, especially those with overgrown grass are a perfect place for ground bees, wasps and other bugs to create their nests. The same cannot be said for an artificial grass installation which has a short pile length. Additionally, because there is no soil through which the bugs can get onto the turf. That said, rest assured that your pets getting stung by these bugs will be the least of your worries when you install artificial grass on your yard.

The same can be said about pests and parasites such as ticks and fleas which will otherwise attach themselves onto your pet, sucking out the blood and causing disease. You had best believe that an artificial grass installation will actually help your pets enjoy better health.

Will I still have to worry about wiping off my dog’s dirty and muddy paws?

Pet owners with a natural lawn know just how tiring it can get to always have to wipe off the dog’s dirty paws before letting them inside and particularly anywhere near the furniture. Artificial grass has superior drainage capacity and because there is no exposed soil, you can confidently consider muddy paws and all the mess that comes with it as a thing of the past.Your pets will not be bringing any any muddy mess from outside.

Will my pet like playing on the artificial grass?

Synthetic turf is comfortable and your pet will have no trouble taking to the new installation.Don’t be too surprised if it takes them a very short time to even map their own favourite play area on the lawn. The artificial grass varieties available in the market today look and feel like the real thing and your pet will be most comfortable and free to run around and pull some stretches. Because there is no exposed soil with artificial grass, your pet will also be able to roll around and play as much as they wish without getting dirt on their fur.

Overly grown out natural lawns can also be quite intimidating for any little pet, and may discourage your dog from going outside, catching the sun and doing a bit of exercise. With synthetic grass, the blades do not grow, and will maintain that pile height without any need of mowing. Your pets will be more than happy to go outside.

Additionally, artificial grass installations have an underlay of shocking pad, which will provide some cushioning for your pet. This means they can run around all day and you don’t have to worry too much about them getting injured during play.

Another question we get asked a lot centres around whether or not the pets playing in the yard will damage the installed turf. The answer? Yes and no. Artificial grass is extremely resilient and it will be a while before you notice any signs of natural wear and tear. However, if your pet likes rough play, such as the burrowing discussed above, then this lifespan will, of course, reduce. Best to keep an eye out on your pet and take away any sharp objects they may be playing with.

Succinctly put, artificial grass is, indeed, very pet-friendly. If you are on the fence about making the switch to synthetic grass because you are worried about what it will mean for the four-legged members of your family, then rest easy. Our team at Perth Artificial Grass will readily answer any questions you may have and help you find an artificial grass variety that both you and your pets will absolutely love.