Are you thinking of investing in artificial grass for your garden, but feel worried your dog might try to interfere with it, or pull it up at the edges?

Artificial grass can be a big investment, so it’s only natural to worry about it getting damaged in some way. The good news is that you shouldn’t have to worry.

I’ve personally been installing artificial lawns for over eight years now, and we’ve never once been called back to a job for this reason.

However, if you are particularly concerned, there are a couple of options available to you. Let me explain, below.

Why your dog shouldn’t be able to interfere with artificial grass

Good quality artificial grass is extremely durable, and strength-tested to British standards. This means that your dog shouldn’t be able to eat it, or pull the blades of grass out at the weave. But what about if your dog tries to pull it up at the edges?

dog on artificial grass

Well, as long as your grass is installed correctly, with invisible joins, this shouldn’t be a problem. From my experience, pets don’t try to dig and pull at synthetic grass, due to the fact it has very different properties from natural grass – and there’s no mud involved.

In fact, dogs actually seem to love the soft, springy feel of artificial grass, and enjoy being able to play on it regardless of the weather.

However, if you’re still worried about your particularly unruly dog pulling up your grass at the edges, there are a couple of options.

An extra safeguard to prevent your grass from moving

Although it’s very unlikely your dog will be able to pull your grass up at the edges, there are a couple of safeguard options to give you that extra peace of mind.

  1. Adding in round, galvanised pins around the perimeter of your artificial grass. These pins hold the grass in place, and should be installed so deep into the grass and sub-base that your dog shouldn’t notice them or be able to dig them up.
  2. Nailing the grass edge to a timber border. Timber borders are usually chosen by homeowners if they need a clean edge or decorative border around their grass (for instance, adding plants or chips). Just like option 1, these nails tend to be hidden so deep that pets aren’t able to access them, or be able to dig up the edges.

These are the most common options for homeowners who live in areas with high winds. Your chosen installer should be able to advise you of which option they recommend for your lawn.

Advice from an experienced installer

Although it is very unlikely your dog will be able to interfere with correctly installed artificial grass, it’s always good to have that extra peace of mind. We had a customer who owns two very playful dogs, that were always playing and digging at the real grass. She was particularly worried they would try and ruin her new artificial lawn.

It was a very large area, and when we visited her, we could understand her concerns when we saw just how playful the dogs were. We were able to reassure her, and explained that we could either use round galvanised pins to secure the edges, or put in a timber border. As it was a large area, we advised the galvanised pins were the most cost-effective solution.

The customer went ahead with the installation, with added pins around the perimeter. She has since been in touch to advise her dogs have never tried to pick or dig at the lawn. They love playing on the soft, springy grass, and the customer benefits from a garden that looks great all year round.

TIP: Check with your chosen installer that your artificial grass will come with a good manufacturer-backed guarantee that also covers workmanship (unfortunately this won’t cover damage caused by pets). And don’t forget to read reviews and testimonials from other customers who have pets!

Conclusion

I hope this blog has helped reassure you that your dog shouldn’t be able to interfere with your artificial grass, or pull it up at the edges. In over eight years of installing artificial grass lawns on properties, we’ve never once came across this problem.

However, if you are particularly worried, there are a couple of safeguards (mentioned above) that you can try.

Do you have any questions about installing artificial grass for your pet? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!

 

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