Dog-friendly Landscaping Ideas in Colorado
When looking to improve your yard and protect the way the landscape is designed, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. One major factor to consider is whether or not you own a dog. Having dogs can create some difficulties when trying to keep an attractive yard. Chances are there will be compromises that will have to be made. If dog owners allow their dogs to run freely around the yard, there are certain elements that you may want to include to reduce any damage that your furry friends may cause. While some may suggest training your dog, you cannot always take away their wild instinct to run around and have some fun.
Dog-friendly Landscaping Ideas in Colorado
Having to compromise and make adjustments is not an issue as you can still have an attractive dog-friendly yard that you, your family, and the dog can enjoy!
Urine Friendly Areas
For smaller areas, it is advised that you include hardscaping which will create an area where the dogs can go potty. Dogs and grass do not mix well, as the urine can damage the grass and leave behind yellow spots in the yard.
Hardscaping is a low maintenance option compared to grass as it consists of non-living landscape materials such as bricks or pavers. If the dog urinates on the hardscape, it is easy to clean up, if required, and will not cause any damage to the hardscape. On the other hand, grass can be labor-intensive and sometimes costly to maintain or replace. Hardscaping will also prevent dogs from digging up the grass and causing further damage to your yard.
A common yet attractive method of hardscaping that still allows for plants is using stone mulch. Stone mulch is attractive while also reducing the amount of damage your dog can cause as it is easily maintained.
Choosing The Correct Type of Grass
If you are not a fan of the hardscape idea, and you are certain you want to include grass, you need to learn more about the best local grass options. Some grasses are a bit stronger than others and are able to manage the foot traffic and abuse that may be caused by your furry friends.
Bermuda grass is a type of grass that is used in warmer weather conditions and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Meanwhile, tall fescue grasses are also great for traffic but used in cooler weather climates.
Creating Barriers
There may be an area in the landscape that you want to prevent the dogs from accessing. The best way to do this is by creating a barrier that stops the dogs from being able to reach these areas. For attractive barrier options, landscapers will use wooden fencing. Unique patterns and staining wood fences help homeowners achieve a nice design that suits the landscape design. Some homeowners will use wooden fencing to create a desired English Country styled yard without having to worry about dog abuse. Alternatively, you can use wooden fencing to create a dog-friendly backyard area where dogs are allowed to freely roam around.
Wire Cages
Similar to creating barriers, some designs for dog-friendly landscapes will include the use of wire cages. Chicken wire can be placed around specific shrubs and other vegetative areas of concern. This will ensure that the dogs can run around the yard without urinating on or damaging specific areas within the yard without detracting from the beauty of your landscape.
Plant Toxicity
While dogs can cause damage to the landscape, sometimes plants can cause harm to the dogs as well. If you have a diverse arrangement of plants, it is important to learn a bit more about the plants from a professional landscaper, local nursery, or garden center to make sure they are safe for dogs. If in doubt, go online and research the plants to make sure they are safe to plant in your dog area. Depending on where you are situated, there are a few common plants that are toxic to children and our furry friends that you may not be aware of.
SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado
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