With artificial turf becoming gradually more popular, we have recently had numerous pet-specific queries from those who have fluffy loved ones. Take a look at some of the most frequent questions we get regarding synthetic turf for dogs in Atlanta.
IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS?
Yes! Synthetic grass is harmless to pets — cats and dogs alike. Pet turf is developed to be much more durable than both natural grass and conventional artificial grass. You won’t need harsh pesticides or fertilizers, either, so you won’t be exposed to those chemicals like you would with real grass. Your pooch can be sensitive to grass pollen, so when you make the change to artificial, you might even see Fido encounter fewer allergies, too.
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF PET WASTE?
Canine can use the turf as their bathroom like they already know how to do — the real difference here is the clean-up process is easy for you. It is much easier to clean pet waste off synthetic grass, and the turf won’t lose color or become stained from dog urine or feces. Southwest Greens pet turf is crafted with a sophisticated backing system under the surface that allows urine and other liquids to drain more efficiently than natural grass. For solid waste, simply let it dry a little before disposal for best results. If you’re left with spots, a quick misting with the hose will remove any remaining waste.
WILL IT SMELL BAD FROM DOG URINE?
Synthetic grass has no scent, so if any odors do occur, it’s probably caused by dog urine specifically. Many dogs favor to use one area of the lawn to do their business, so occassionally, a little odor can build-up. Southwest Greens turf system is antimicrobial, which tends to decrease the odor, but there are steps you can take to ensure no smells ramain. We advise you use a solution of even parts water and vinegar to spray Fido’s favorite restroom area. Let it dry to remove any dawdling smell.
CAN DOGS DAMAGE ARTIFICIAL TURF?
Because artificial turf is designed to stand up to heavy, recurring use, it makes it very difficult for dogs to destroy. Digging is almost impossible for them on synthetic turf. Gone will be the days of muddy paw prints being tracked into your house as well!
DO FLEAS AND TICKS LIVE IN ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
Because artificial turf is created from and inorganic material, it is extremely challenging for fleas, ticks, and other pests to survive in the turf. While there is no guarantee that your lawn will be 100% flea-free, you can trust us that they will be mostly eliminated. Because there’s no dirt to support their nesting, but you must keep an eye out for any accumulation of leaves or debris that might be suitable for a good breeding environment for fleas and ticks. As long as you clean your synthetic yard consistently, there will be rarely any pests.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN ARTIFICIAL GRASS FOR DOGS?
Make sure to clean waste as soon as possible to eliminate any stink. To keep everything neat and looking great, we advise you hose the turf down at least once a week. This will help keep your lawn from smelling bad. Get rid of any leaf or other loose debris to keep your backyard unfavorablefor fleas and ticks.
HOW MUCH DOES ARTIFICIAL TURF COST?
This will totally depend on your project, so it’s difficult to provide you an exact estimate. The following factors that might affect the price are:
- Size/dimensions of the area being transformed from natural turf to artificial
- Complexity of design and layout you want to setup
- Type of synthetic turf products you're going to use
- How much work needs to be done (get rid of old grass, leveling surface, etc.)
Be cautious with contractors who offer you a set price for a project, regardless of how much work it involves. This is usually a good sign that they aren’t employing high-quality materials.
HOW LONG WILL ARTIFICIAL TURF LAST?
Pet turf is estimated to last somewhere between 10-20 years, depending on use. Southwest Greens's oldest installations are 20 years old and have preserved the healthy green color and texture of natural turf. Our UV-resistant synthetic grass products look and function like new because they are engineered to withstand heavy traffic, extreme climate conditions, and temperature fluctuations for all-year use. All installations come complete with a one-year workmanship warranty and a manufacturer's warranty that covers fading.