Most people are aware that artificial grass means far less maintenance, water, and worry. However, while there are a great many advantages of installing artificial grass in your backyard, those are elevated to a whole new level if you happen to own a dog.

Here are a few examples why:

  • No chemicals – Harsh chemicals in fertilizer and pesticides are bad for your dog, but organic alternatives tend to be more expensive. Artificial grass requires none at all.
  • Far fewer ticks and fleas – Even without chemicals, artificial grass is far less inviting to these little pests.
  • No bacteria – Brown spots on your grass lawn aren’t the only problem resulting from your dog urinating in the same area over and over. Bacteria forms in those places over time. Neither of those are a worry with artificial grass.
  • No digging – Just one beautiful, completely level lawn, all the time.
  • No mud after rain – Not having to worry about muddy paw prints is like a dream come true.

You may even be able to get a little assistance in paying for an artificial grass installation in your yard. HouseLogic.com says that some water companies in drought-prone areas will offer a cash rebate for artificial grass, up to $1 per square foot.

Is Artificial Grass Too Hot for Pets?

In short, no.

A lot of people make the mistake of comparing an artificial sports field to an artificial lawn which uses products specifically developed for landscaping applications. The significant difference between the two is an infill made from black crumb rubber, which is almost exclusively used for artificial sports turf and rarely found in current artificial lawn installations.

Still, even for those who live in extremely hot and sunny climates, there are choices you can make which will reduce the amount of heat retention in your lawn:

  • Temperature controlled fibers – There are several products which were developed to be particularly resistant to heat. You will usually see these referred to as “cool yarn” or something similar.
  • Less dense products – These allow more air to circulate, which will help heat dissipate faster.
  • Lighter colored fibers – Just as with anything else, darker shades absorb more heat, so lighter colored fibers stay noticeably cooler.

For more information about exactly how much temperature can affect your artificial grass lawn, you can download the free e-book “Artificial Grass: How Hot Does it Get? Choosing the Right Product”.

Foundation Filling

According to ArtificialGreens.org, heat is not the primary factor to worry about. What you really want to be careful with is choosing the foundation filling. There are certain substances you should avoid using in the bottom layers of your artificial lawn which make up its draining system.

  • Mulch can damage your dog’s liver if it is ingested
  • Pea gravel may harbor sharp objects that can be painful or dangerous to your pet
  • Pea gravel and decomposed granite are often a haven for insects
  • Rubber matting may foster bacteria, hinder proper drainage and make the lawn retain more heat

Instead, the organization suggests using sand or stone. “Stone and sand allow water to move freely while also serving as a firm medium to support the turf layer.”

Artificial Grass Isn’t Just for Outdoors

The fact is, artificial grass and dogs are such a perfect match, that you may even want to bring some of it indoors. Yes, now you don’t have to worry if you are stuck in traffic or sick in bed. There is even artificial turf designed especially for those times when it is impossible or inconvenient for your dog to go outside.

Want to find out more about how you can save water (and money!) by trading up your natural lawn for an artificial grass one? Contact us today to request a quote.

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