Small Backyard/Dog Run
I just bought a home in Southeast Minnesota. I have a small. very narrow (7' by 50'), fenced in backyard. I am interested in suggestions for grass varieties. With three dogs, it needs to be pretty tough, tolerate full sun during the day, and Minnesota winters. Any suggestions would be great. I plan on putting a patio in on one end, just enough for two chairs and a side table as well as a pergola or sail shade for a break from the sun (only over the patio). The dogs are only outside for exercise and potty breaks and I hate mowing so this property was great. I have turned the front yard into mostly flower beds so all I have is this little patch in the back. The dogs are destroying the weeds back there now so every time it rains it is a mud pit (which also gets tramped into my kitchen). I would love something that grows pretty quick, I know I will have to keep them off it for awhile and leash walking them kind get tiring. I am open to suggestions. I just want it to look appealing as well as function well for the dogs. Thank you for your ideas! (and for reading my scattered thoughts!)
Kommentarer (10)
C F
7 år sedanGood luck with this. Not sure how big your dogs are, but my dogs' urine destroys all grass no matter what. It has been a constant struggle for us. Our landscaper has been trying to talk us into this stuff called Porous Pave for our dog run area. I hope someone has better suggestions!
Trish S thanked C F
Judy Mishkin
7 år sedani'd keep your patio next to the house, and then the back can go (more) to the dogs. perhaps a trellis sort of screen at the back of the patio before the dog run.
but you cannot own dogs and not clean up their feces; the urine cannot be helped. there must be websites also that suggest paving ideas good for their feet, good for drainage (it must NOT run off into abutters yards or they will hate you) and buy a long hose to wash the surface down after doing scoop patrol.
dogs take a lot of work and energy. its why i own a cat!
Trish S thanked Judy Mishkin- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
7 år sedanThere is actually a fake grass made for dog runs it is called K9 grass
Trish S thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting 
PROLandis Garden Design
7 år sedanDog urine will create brown spots on all natural turf, and many shrubs, as well. Ultimate Grass is a realistic looking artificial turf product. It will have a drainage layer, made with sand and rock base, and if you hose off the turf, the drainage will help to dissipate the remaining urine, so that it won't kill any downslope neighboring plant material. You could also try putting out a large piece of driftwood, or some other like object in the back corner, which will act as a magnet for the dogs. This area could even be made entirely of sand or mulch, and after the dogs mark this area, you may find that they return there to do their business. Dogs will also need shade, so if there is not a tree already... you could consider planting one!
Trish S thanked Landis Garden DesignTrish S
Författare7 år sedanI have a pretty good pooper scooper and have no problem cleaning up after them. I'm really interested in od school, plain old grass. I have been just adding seed to the brown spots and it grows back slowly. I was hoping someone knew of a variety that is possible more tolerant to the urine spots.
With the yard being so narrow I think I might just have to stick to what I have. I cannot plant a tree since the yard runs along the back side of my house. I don't want to cause foundation issues.
Thank you for your suggestions-I might visit the local nursery to see if they have any suggestions on a better grass seed to fill in with.
PRORevolutionary Gardens
7 år sedanCheck with your local garden center or extension office (a free service) to find out what the best varieties are for your area, and then to minimize TTD (time till dawg) I'd sod it. 350 sq ft is a tiny area.
In terms of urine damage, ask your vet if there are supplements that offer enzymes to reduce the damage. I've heard of such things but I have no experience with them - I was blessed with a Landscape Dawg whose urine seems to have no effect on grass.
Trish S thanked Revolutionary GardensTrish S
Författare7 år sedanI have one dog that likes to go "potty" right off the patio area. Her urine seems to be my lawn killing culprit. I thought about adding a border of pea size rocks to eliminate that issue. I've been looking at lots of pictures online and have a pretty good plan figured out. I am heading towards fescue for the lawn, pavers with a rock edging, some flowers along the house and a shade sail over the patio. I hope it turns out! Thanks for all the ideas!!!
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
Exciting Windows! by Spring Creek Designs, LLC