A Reader Asks…
The dog runs around the fenced yard so much that she has worn out the grass, leaving only dirt. Also, while we keep the area cleaned up, it still stinks from doggie doo-doo and potty. We’ve ruled out shredded bark, pebbles, sand. Tried replanting grass – it comes up – then gets trampled to death. This area becomes a mud hole when it rains. Help!
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You can dig a concrete dog run and then cover it with cedar chips. It helps neutralize the urine smell and if the chips get tossed out, you just toss new ones in or rake the old ones back into it. I’d pour the concrete about 4 to 6 inches deeper than the ground level to help it blend.
Try asking your vet…they may have the best answer…
I have a suggestion I have seen in action.
Home depot even sells it as do other companies specializing in BULK.
Ground up rubber,,,IE: Tires.
It;s used on playgrounds, it’s applied as mulch, is as durable as the life expectancy allows, doesn’t cause major abrasions, is easy to walk on, and is not horribly expensive. Home stores,,IE,,HD even offer it in colors.
Rev. steven
I have natural desert shrubs and bushes (I live in the Mojave in Calif) the dogs (3) use the area as a roadcorse chasing the native wildlife and there dropings fertilize the ground cover. It gives the dogs places to search and run and hide and play. and I do not have to tend it much except to trim the trails.
Large gravel can be used – if she is not a rock chewer!
try flagstone paths …
or sandstone flat pavers…….
check with the vet as to what wont kill the dogs feet….
also the new playground surface…
shredded tires conglomerate with a “French Drain” underneath
the surface passes water into the F.D. and keeps the pathway passable.