“Dog-On- It” Lawn Problems 09-10-07

Even dog lovers become frustrated when their lawns become bathrooms for these pets, especially when they are not their own. Dog urine and feces can often create lawn care problems beyond just leaving waste deposits. The damaging effect is from the high nitrogen content of their waste. Urine is a more serious problem because it is applied all at once as a liquid fertilizer, whereas feces slowly releases the nitrogen over time. Since stools are usually solid, owners have the option of removal before turf damage can occur. With urine small amounts may produce a dark green up or fertilizer effect while larger amounts often result in lawn burn or dead patches.

Female dogs are the primary culprits of lawn damage due to their nature of urinating anywhere on the lawn usually all at once while squatting. Mature males are more likely to deposits smaller amounts in different locations as they mark territory. The characteristic brown spot, green ring pattern has been named “female dog spot disease” by some turf managers.

Developing avoidance techniques are probably the best approach to eliminating lawn injury. Where applicable, fences can be used to restrict access to the lawn. Advising neighbors of leash laws may help with neighboring pets.Unfortunately, repellents are mostly ineffective and may even encourage marking of a strange smell.In small lawns a motion activated lawn sprinkle may have some success.

The most feasible approach for the pet owner is to train their pet to use a designated area of the lawn. This area should be designed and landscaped specifically for the pet. It should contain a substrate such as small pea gravel or mulch that the dog finds acceptable and may include a marking post like a large boulder, birdbath, lawn ornament or even a faux hydrant. You may need to put the dog on a leash for a while to establish consistency and a routine of using this area.

Published September 10, 2007

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu