Lawn guides
Dogs and new turf
A fresh lawn and a happy dog can get along fine. It just takes a few weeks of planning while the turf roots.
The first few weeks
New turf hasn't rooted yet, so running, digging and sharp turns can lift or scuff it. If you can, keep your dog off for the first two to three weeks, either by fencing off part of the lawn or by taking them out for toilet breaks.
Ways to make it easier
- Use temporary garden fencing to section off part of the lawn
- Walk your dog more often while the lawn settles
- Keep a lead on in the garden for the first week or two
- Give them a gravel or bark area they can use instead
- Water any wee spots on the lawn straight away to dilute them
Wee patches
Dog urine is strong enough to scorch grass, leaving yellow patches with a dark green ring. Watering the spot soon after dilutes it. It's most noticeable on new turf, so the first few weeks are when to be most careful.
Digging
Some dogs love fresh soil. Keeping them off until the turf has rooted, and filling any holes quickly, helps break the habit.
Our turf
Our single lawn turf is a quality, hard-wearing choice, and once established it handles pets and children well.
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Questions people ask
When can my dog go on the new lawn?
Light use after around three weeks is usually fine. Save play and zoomies for after about six weeks.
Will dog wee kill new turf?
It can scorch it. Watering the spot quickly dilutes it and helps the grass recover.