Knowledgebase
Groundcovers for dog urine resistance? #680903
Asked February 15, 2021, 9:42 AM EST
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
You are welcome.
Marian