Artificial Grass Tips for Dog Owners
Thinking of getting artificial grass for dogs? Follow our five handy tips below to avoid costly mistakes that can lead to a smelly lawn. In order of priority from most important to least essential but remember the smaller the lawn and the bigger the size and number of dogs the more important these aspects will be.
1. Fast Flow Backing
A fast flow backing like our Lux Pawrous featured on our Canine Grass has 500% times faster than traditional hole-punched PU or latex-backed grass. Quicker drainage means a cleaner surface. The grass is the most important aspect if you use cheap grass you will have issues regardless of how good your base work is. Not all grass is created equal, regardless of the backing make sure it drains well before buying, drainage holes should be no more than 4″ apart, with a minimum drainage rate of 60 litres per minute metre per metre squared (60 L / Min / M2).
2. Non-woven Geotextile
A cheap weed membrane (usually thin rippable black fabric or woven plastic) can drain six times slower than a non-woven geotextile preventing urine from soaking through your groundwork. Using a weed membrane rather than a non-woven geotextile directly under the artificial grass is especially bad as this will keep urine on the surface for longer. A good quality non-woven geotextile will exceed the drainage rate of most artificial grass.
3. Granite Base
Groundworks are incredibly important using a cheap sharp sand base will hold onto urine for longer and create more issues with odours. Whilst granite is better draining and holds onto smells less it will not save you if you have bought a low-quality grass and a cheap weed membrane.
4. Medium Pile Grass
Around 30mm is ideal. Longer grasses not only suffer from flattening quicker turning them into a grass mat, which will slow down the drainage, they also make it more difficult to remove softer stools. Too short a grass and there will be insufficient protection for your pet and the base of the turf.
5. 100% Polyethylene Yarns
Polyethylene yarns are softer and less abrasive than polypropylene. They also give better recovery and longevity.
Each of the tips above will help to produce the best artificial lawn possible for your pooches.