With synthetic grass becoming gradually more popular, we have recently had a lot of pet-specific questions from those who have furry loved ones. Check out some of the most frequent questions we get regarding synthetic turf for dogs in Flagstaff.
IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS?
Yes! Artificial turf is harmless to pets — cats and dogs alike. Pet turf is created to be much more resilient than both natural turf and conventional synthetic turf. You won’t need harsh pesticides or fertilizers, either, so you won’t be exposed to those chemicals like you would with real grass. Dogs can be allergic to grass pollen, so when you make the shift to artificial, you might even see Fido encounter fewer allergies, too.
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF PET WASTE?
Pets can use the grass as their bathroom like they already know how to do — the real difference here is the cleaning process is painless for you. It is much simpler to clean pet waste off synthetic grass, and the grass won’t lose color or become stained from dog urine or feces. Southwest Greens pet turf is manufactured with a sophisticated backing system under the surface that helps urine and other fluids to drain more effectively than organic turf. For solid waste, simply let it dry a little before disposal for best results. If you’re left with spots, a quick splash with the hose will eliminate any remaining waste.
WILL IT SMELL BAD FROM DOG URINE?
Artificial grass has no scent, so if any odors do occur, it’s probably caused by dog urine specifically. Many dogs prefer to use one area of the lawn to do their business, so sometimes, a little odor can build-up. Southwest Greens turf system is antimicrobial, which helps cut down on the odor, but there are things you can do to make sure no smells linger. We recommend you use a solution of one-to-one parts water and vinegar to spray Fido’s favorite bathroom area. Let it dry to destroy any lingering smell.
CAN PETS DAMAGE ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
Because synthetic turf is developed to stand up to heavy, repetitive use, it makes it very difficult for dogs to destroy. Digging is almost impossible for them on synthetic turf. No more dirty paw prints being tracked into your house as well!
DO FLEAS AND TICKS LIVE IN SYNTHETIC TURF?
Because synthetic turf is created from a non-organic material, it is very challenging for fleas, ticks, and other pests to survive in the turf. While we can’t promise that your lawn will be 100% pest-free, you can count on the fact that they will be mostly eliminated. Because there’s no dirt to sustain their nesting, but you must watch 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 artificial lawn consistently, there will be rarely any pests.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN SYNTHETIC GRASS FOR DOGS?
Be sure to clean feces as soon as possible to eliminate any smell. To keep everything clean and looking great, we suggest you hose the turf down weekly. This will help keep your lawn odor free. Get rid of any leaf or other loose debris to safeguard your yard unhinibatblefor fleas and ticks.
HOW MUCH DOES ARTIFICIAL TURF COST?
This will largely depend on your specific project, so it’s difficult to give an accurate estimate. Some of the factors that might affect the price are:
- Size/dimensions of the area being converted from regular turf to artificial
- Inticracy of design and layout you want to setup
- Kind of synthetic turf products you're thinking of purchasing
- How much work needs to be done (pull out old grass, even out the surface, etc.)
Tread cautiously 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 utilizing 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 rich green color and texture of real turf. Our UV-resistant artificial grass products look and function like new because they are engineered to endure heavy traffic, harsh climate conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year round use. All installations come complete with a one-year workmanship warranty and a manufacturer's warranty that covers fading.