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You’ve heard of the benefits of pet turf and are thinking of installing it. However, you’re unsure which artificial turf is best for your dog. What do you look for when buying fake grass for dogs? Pet turf installers advise you to consider turf density, drainage, color, antimicrobial properties, and resilience as the main factors when buying pet turf.
This article will delve deep into these factors and introduce you to other important terminologies in the world of pet turf so that, by the end, you’ll know what to look for when shopping for fake grass for your dog! Contact us if you’re looking for someone to help with professional fake grass for dogs installation services.
Why Use Fake Grass for Dogs?
Before considering what to look for when buying fake grass for dogs, let’s look at why you install pet turf.
Easy to Clean
One of the main reasons to consider using pet turf is its ease of cleaning. Pet turf doesn’t absorb urine. It has drainage holes that quickly drain urine and any other liquid. All you need to do is spray the artificial grass with water from a hose to clean it. Cleaning pet poop is as easy as scooping it up and disposing it in the trash.
Low Maintenance
Another reason to use pet turf is that it’s low maintenance. Once you install it, you don’t have to do much to take care of it. You don’t need to water or fertilize pet turf as you do with natural grass. Fake grass also doesn’t grow, so you don’t have to mow it! Pet turf is an excellent option if you live in an area with harsh winters because it doesn’t die when covered in snow.
No More Holes From Digging
Dogs love to dig. It’s in their nature. Unfortunately, your dog can quickly ruin a natural grass lawn by digging holes everywhere. If you install pet turf, there will be no more holes. Fake grass is also more resistant to wear and tear, so your dog can play on it without damaging the turf.
Fewer Insects and Pests
Fake grass doesn’t attract insects and pests the way natural grass does. This is because they have no food or water on the turf. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your dog picking up fleas, ticks, or other parasites when playing on artificial grass. You also don’t have to worry about using pesticides and other harmful chemicals that may harm your dog.
Bacteria-Free Play Area
Fake grass is also cleaner for your dog. Because it doesn’t absorb urine, there’s no risk of your dog tracking bacteria and other germs into the house on their paws. And because you can easily hose off pet turf, your dog won’t be as likely to roll around in dirt and mud when playing outside.
No Muddy Paws
You don’t have to worry about your dog tracking mud and dirt into the house if you have pet turf. Fake grass doesn’t get muddy like natural grass, so your dog’s paws will stay clean even after playing in the rain
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fake Grass for Dogs
The Turf’s Ability to Withstand High Traffic
If you have a dog that loves to play fetch or run around, you’ll need to get a turf that can withstand high traffic. The best type of fake grass for high-traffic areas is one with a short pile height (The length of the grass blades from the backing to the tip). While a higher pile height gives a more realistic and luscious look, it’s more likely to get matted down with high traffic.
Turf with a short pile height (between 22 mm–30 mm) is less likely to get matted down and will be more durable. Fake grass with a shorter pile height is also more comfortable for your dog to lie on and is less likely to cause skin irritations.
Another factor to consider when looking into a turf’s ability to withstand high traffic is its face weight (the weight of the yarn used to make the artificial turf).
Turf with a higher face weight is more durable and is likely to do well in high-traffic areas. Turf with high face weight also looks more luscious and denser, giving your backyard a more natural look. When choosing pet-friendly artificial residential turf, we recommend you go for one with a face weight between 50-80 ounces.
Another factor influencing your pet turf’s ability to withstand high traffic is its density (number of blades per square inch). The higher the density, the more durable the turf will be. A high-density turf will have a tight weave that’s more likely to withstand high traffic.
The Turf’s Ability to Drain Liquids
Another essential consideration when buying turf is its ability to drain water and pet urine from your lawn. Without proper drainage, your fake grass ends up with mold, mildew, and a host of bacteria resulting in nasty odors. When choosing artificial grass for dogs, go for one with a flow-through backing, as this drains liquids faster than turf with hole-punched backing.
Color
When choosing pet-friendly artificial turf, it’s best to choose one that looks like the surrounding grass species. This helps your turf blend in with the rest of your landscaping and looks more natural. Other than color, make sure to use high-quality thatch to give our lawn a more realistic look and feel.
The Material Used in Turf Construction
The type of yarn used in the construction of your turf also matters.
Nylon is one of the most popular types of yarn used in artificial turf. This is because it’s durable and has a natural look. Polyethylene (PE) is another common type of yarn used in the fake grass. It’s less expensive than nylon, tends to be softer, and is as durable as nylon. Polypropylene is the cheapest type of yarn but doesn’t stand up to heat as well as the other types of yarn.
If you want a more natural look, go for yarn made from nylon or PE. If you’re looking for something more affordable, go for polypropylene turf.
Antimicrobial Properties
While this isn’t a major consideration when choosing artificial turf for putting and sports field, antimicrobial properties are essential when selecting fake grass for dogs.
A turf with antimicrobial properties is less likely to develop an odor from the dog’s urine. Such a turf is less likely to have bacteria, mold, and mildew.
UV Protection
The biggest threat to artificial grass is sunlight. Synthetic grass without UV protection is likely to fade and discolor over time. The lack of UV protection also breaks your turf’s backing, which causes blades to come off your turf. To avoid such issues and ensure the longevity of your turf, go for one with UV protection.
Resilient and Springy Fibers
A good quality artificial turf doesn’t mat when your dog lies on it. The blades always return to an upright position even after intense activity on the lawn.
When choosing fake grass for dogs, go for one with resilient and spring fibers. You should also use a high-quality infill to ensure the turf has a good rebound.
Make Sure to Choose a Reputable Pet Turf Installer
And when it comes to installation, you should always use a reputable pet turf installer. Here at The Perfect Lawn, we offer professional pet turf installation services to help you create a safe and comfortable environment for your pets.
We understand the importance of choosing the right pet turf, so we only use high-quality, pet-friendly artificial grass. Our team of experts will work with you to ensure your artificial turf is installed correctly and meets your specific needs.
Want to Learn More About Our Services?
If you’re interested in our pet turf installation services, contact us today! We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions on how you can make your compound safer and more comfortable for your furry friend.
Call us at (972)757-1575
Fake Grass for Dogs FAQ
How much does it cost to install fake grass for dogs?
The cost of installing fake grass for dogs varies and depends on the size of your lawn, the quality of turf you choose, and the level of grading needed. In most instances, installing pet turf is usually costlier than regular grass. However, the long-term savings in terms of water and maintenance costs and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment
How do I maintain fake grass for dogs?
Maintaining pet turf is relatively easy and only requires regular sweeping, raking, and occasional spraying with a hose. It's also essential to use an artificial turf cleaner that is safe for pets to keep your lawn looking its best.
You should also add infill once a year to keep the turf springy and fresh.
Can I install fake grass for dogs on my own?
While you can technically install fake grass for dogs on your own, it's best to hire a professional.
Installing artificial turf is time-consuming. Unless you have experience, it's easy to make mistakes that can be costly to fix.
A professional turf installer has the knowledge and experience to ensure that your lawn is installed the first time correctly. Additionally, most reputable installers offer a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong.