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Groundcovers for dog urine resistance? #680903

Asked February 15, 2021, 9:42 AM EST

Hello there, Do you know of any groundcovers, 'steppables' that also will be resistant to dog urine. My client has grass and the dogs are too messy for grass, and they want to address water absortion. I was thinking of a native groundcover, or even a non native but at least not invasive, that will help them, make the yard look nicer than their current spotty grass alternative.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

There is no variety of turf or plants that are resistant to dog urine or traffic.  If you have dogs, the turf variety that holds up best to wear and tear is turf type tall fescue with a small percentage of blue grass mixed in. This grows best in full sun to part shade. However, you will have to do periodic seeding in the fall.
Look at our website for information on dog urine and ways to lessen injury. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/dog-urine-lawns

You can try to vary the urine location if possible or make a mulched area.  If you go this route, you can try mulching with a large bark mulch. The shredded hardwood gets stuck in their fur. You may want to experiment with a fenced area as soon as they come out of the house where they can do their business. 

Other options include artificial turf but avoid a rubber filler due to drainage issues. One of our specialists has dogs and has good luck with artificial turf.

There are no easy answers. Here is some information on sod and an article on lawns and dogs https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/sod
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-08-02-dog-gone-lawn

 If you want to plant groundcovers, you will have to look into fencing. 

Marian

Thank you Marian for the information. I appreciate it very much!

On Tue, Feb 16, 2021 at 8:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied February 16, 2021, 9:38 AM EST

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