03/21/2023
Happy Spring!
Getting ready for the Warm weather Season!
Tips and Tricks for Clients with Pets that are as cute as naughty!
Current Situation, Behind the Scenes ! "She is SO worth every single compromise . Hoping to save others from the struggles with these tips! Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
For us and many of our clients that are dog parents, keeping our homes landscaping with dogs in mind does present challenges that may require some compromises. Be prepared to perform a balancing act between what the designer in you wants and what owning this kind of pet requires.
If you allow free roam, you'll probably have to make adjustments in terms of what you have on your property and how you maintain it. If you fail to make some accommodations, the dogs may make a mess of your yard.
'When Yellow isn't your favorite Color"
One of the biggest warmer weather questions in dry weather is how to Avoid Urine Spots With Hardscape. Dogs and lawn grass do not mix well. For small areas, consider switching from a grassy expanse to hardscape, which consists of non-living landscaping materials such as bricks, concrete pavers, and stones.
The advantages of hardscape go beyond solutions to landscaping with dogs, since hardscape offers a low-maintenance alternative to grass that obviates lawn care, which can be not only labor-intensive but also expensive. Stone and masonry are especially useful for pooch owners because they minimize the mess dogs make through digging, urination, and plain old wear and tear. (Need help with hardscaping, reach out we are happy to offer a referral.)
Make liberal use of crushed stone mulch. If you grow plants in such mulch in a sunny area, select drought-resistant plants, since stone gets hot in the summer. Do not place the stone mulch directly up against the plants.
Understand your grass types:
If you prefer grass and reject the idea of incorporating hardscape, consider switching to a different type of grass. Some grasses hold up better to foot traffic, paw traffic, and various other forms of abuse. Among the warm-season grasses, Bermuda grass is among the toughest. If you need a cool-season grass for landscaping with dogs, try tall fescue grass. (BEWARE however, pups loving chewing grasses so keeping toys on hand and encouraging outdoor play is very useful)
Green Grass Alternatives:
Installing a tougher type of grass will solve only one lawn-care problem encountered in landscaping with dogs: namely, wear and tear on grass. It will do nothing to solve the problem posed by canine urine. Sometimes called "dog spots" or "puppy spots," these are the unsightly yellow stains or "burns" on grass caused by the nitrogen and salts in dog urine. Consider products on the market that can help which contain enzyme.
Diluting Dog Urine:
If you can't bring yourself to renounce the fragile type of grass that your pup is currently inflicting damage upon, you can still prevent urine spots with vigilance. When you see a dog has gone on the grass, rush to the garden hose. Turn it on and bring it over to the area where your dog has just gone. Douse the area with water, thereby flushing it and diluting the harmful elements in the urine.
Fences for Dog-Friendly Yards:
One way to keep dogs away from the delicate plants in your yard is by building fences around them. Fenced-in gardens have a charm all their own, enjoying something of a courtyard feel. Wooden picket fences can be especially attractive, as can wooden lattice fences. Plant some perennial flowers behind a white picket fence, and you're well on your way to creating an English country garden that will supply you with endless delight.
Alternatively, you could use fencing to create a designated area within which your dog is allowed to roam.
Addressing Dog Path Issues:
If a fence surrounds your property, do not try to grow any plants in the area immediately adjacent to the fence. Dogs are territorial, and their favorite walkway in a fenced-in yard will be right along the fence, resulting in unsightly "dog paths."
Rather than fighting your dog's predictable tendency, you can choose to install stone walkways over existing dog paths. Now everyone will be happy: the dog still has its path, and you get to have a better-looking yard. Stone walkways exude charm and are a desirable addition to your landscaping regardless of dog problems.
One option is to train your dog to restrict its potty space to a designated area. To facilitate clean-up, make sure that the designated area has a surface of dirt or gravel.
Some experts have suggested that a change in a dog's diet (for instance, mixing a bit of tomato juice into dog food) may neutralize the harmful elements in canine urine before it ever has a chance to harm your grass. Since having Luna, who is a VERY picky eater, we have found making our own dog fresh dog food with natural veggies and protein has been an easier option to add in some juice.
Plant Toxicity Awareness:
Learn your poison plant list:
If the plantings in your yard possess any significant degree of diversity, there's a good chance that you're growing poisonous plants without even knowing it. You would be surprised at how many of the most common landscape plants and native volunteers contain at least some parts (leaves, berries, etc.) that are toxic.
Need help with your space, hardscaping, Plant design, or color paint consulting, inside/outside design, you have come to the right space! Give us a text! 484 995-0660 Or lisa.tangerinesky@gmail.
