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Dogs and Lawns - Bitches and brown marks!

The main problem with dogs on lawns is that of the brown patches caused by bitches urine. Male dogs are not a problem in this respect.

The brown patches tend to be a circular patch with bright green grass growing around the perimeter as the bitches urine eventually breaks down to Nitrogen, which then feeds the area outside the actual damage. The brown patch is basically scorching - similar to that caused by applying too much fertilizer - especially in dry conditions.

Compaction of Lawns by Dogs

Another problem as a result of keeping dogs, is the severe compaction that can be caused - ultimately leading to the destruction of the lawn in many cases. The compaction and generally wearing of the turf, is when the lawn is used as an exercise area by the dog - or dogs. This is especially the case if you simply let your dog out onto the lawn in wet c0onditions - rather than taking it for a walk.

If you are going to use the lawn for this purpose, then you will need to have a maintenance regime for your lawn somewhat similar to that of a well used football pitch. Certainly coarser hard wearing grasses will  have to be used, and a more intense schedule of maintenance,  including spiking etc will be needed, if you wish to have what is normally classed as a garden lawn!

Fouling of Lawns by Dogs

The answer to this problem should be self-evident. However, we get several emails asking what can be done about this problem.

• Either arrange for your dog to be regularly exercised and or trained.
• Clean up the mess as you would/should if taking the dog to public places.