When designing a backyard that’s both pet friendly and low-maintenance, you’ll want to make use of pet and gardening products that will protect your pet and make your life easier. Consider the following options when designing your pet-friendly and low-maintenance yard.

1. Consider Grass Alternatives

Traditional grass lawns take a ton of maintenance and can be hard to establish when you have pets and children running around constantly. Instead of worrying about your dogs digging and creating yellow spots all over your lawn, choose one of these pet-friendly alternatives:

• Realistic Turf: Dogs go crazy for artificial turf since it gives them the perfect traction for zoomies! Homeowners go crazy for turf because it takes virtually no maintenance to keep up, aside from occasional cleanings to keep it fresh. The upkeep is simple: Remove pet waste when your dog potties, use a leaf blower or rake to remove leaves and twigs as needed, and then use an enzyme-based cleaner and water to rinse the turf once a month if pets are using it. It’s easy to spot-clean as needed by rinsing with water in-between deep cleans to keep your turf clean and odor-free – no mowing or weeding required!

Tip!

Decide on turf for your yard? Learn how to transform your yard with our guide on How to Install Turf

• Xeriscaping: Another low-maintenance option, xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that prioritizes plants and materials that require very little water. This means no grass to mow or water, as xeriscaping typically uses tiles, rocks, sand, or mulch. Make this option more pet-friendly by installing a small turf area or some turf panels reserved for potty time. Be sure to choose non-toxic pet-friendly plants or fence them off so your pets can enjoy the yard without you having to worry about them ingesting anything they shouldn’t.

Tip!

If you use rocks or mulch in your xeriscaping design, make sure that your pet doesn’t have a penchant for eating them, or choose rocks that are too large to ingest, as well as pet-friendly mulch. Learn more about creating your own xeriscaped haven with our helpful guide on xeriscaping basics.

• Clover Lawn: This pollinator-friendly option is super low-maintance after it’s established. To get a clover lawn, all you have to do is weed and till the soil in your yard before seeding it with a low-growing clover like white clover or microclover. Since clover is non-toxic to dogs, it’s a great option for pet owners.

2. Design a Pet-Friendly Patio

If your yard designs a patio for friends and family to enjoy, don’t forget to make it pet-friendly as well. Adding a sizable patio to your yard is an excellent way to cut down on yard maintenance and gives you ample space to kick back and relax and host guests. Design your patio with your pets in mind and include essentials like a durable pet bed, water bowls, and a pet door so they go in and out as needed.

3. Secure Borders for Free-Range Pets

Allow your pets to have free-range access to your yard by establishing borders for their safety. Train your dogs to respect the boundaries of an electric fence or keep smaller pets such as puppies, bunnies, and guinea pigs in a large playpen so they can enjoy the yard without you having to worry about them wandering off into the street or other dangerous situations. Let your kitties enjoy the yard too by installing a catio that attaches to your window to give them access at their will, or a freestanding one that you can place them in to sun themselves outside.

4. Pet-Proof Your Gardens

Fencing is an important inclusion in pet-friendly and low-maintenance yards for more than just keeping your pets contained. Use garden fencing and borders to protect your fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens from curious and hungry little critters – including your pets! Make sure to install a gate with your fence so you can easily access your gardens while keeping pets out. You can also make use of plant stands, a raised bed garden, or even install a greenhouse for pet-friendly gardening.

Tip!

Check out our guides to learn more about The Benefits of a Raised Garden Bed and get inspired with our Raised Garden Bed Ideas.

5. Set Up Easy Outdoor Pet Enrichment

Including pet enrichment into your yard design is a fantastic way to exercise your pet at home. Adding a pet agility area to your yard design gives you a convenient and private place to train and exercise your dog, which helps keep them calm and happy when inside your home. You can also keep seasonal pet toys around, such as a kiddie pool or splash pad, to keep them active and cool in warmer weather.

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