Landscaping Ideas for house with dogs and kids?

Jeracha D
by Jeracha D
I just bought a house and the yard is completely ruined! It's all mud! I would like some ideas for landscaping that aren't took expensive, any ideas? Factors are that I have 3 dogs and kids so I don't want to lay down sod that is just going to get ruined when they're playing, even though they aren't diggers. I will be getting a sprinkler system installed as well. if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. Thank you
  7 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Feb 28, 2012
    Consider synthetic turf. It's not like the scary athletic fields of yore. It looks good and really mimics real grass. You can search at the top of the page for synthetic turf for more opinions on synthetic grass.
  • I would suggest pebble or river stones instead of mulch for your landscape beds.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 29, 2012
    If you want the "grass" to stay "grass" then you may need to separate the four legged creatures and kids from the "lawn area", a fenced dog run may allow for full containment if the dogs are left unattended for any long periods of time...here pea gravel is a great substrate as it will allow for easy waste clean up. supervised visits to the Grass can provide some added enjoyment for them.
  • Becky H Becky H on Feb 29, 2012
    Nice landscaping, dogs and kids are compatible, it just requires division. Establish a portion of the yard as "playground", define it with either recycled rubber or some other mulch, insuring you put all the child attractive items in that area. How big are your dogs? Do they like to run? Either a dog run, or large potted plants placed strategically around the yard prevent them from running ruts into the yard. Shrubs help to hide and divide. The first step is to determine how much of the yard to devote to children, dogs and adults. Then go from there.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Feb 29, 2012
    Synthetic is an option, but expensive, especially the stuff that is 'dog' friendly. For comparison a pallet of Bermuda sod will run around .20 per square foot (504 sq ft $100 or between 200-300 installed) an equal amount of synthetic will start at 2.5 square ft (504f sq ft $ 1,184).
  • Becky H Becky H on Mar 01, 2012
    I should have been a little more clear about my suggestion. The synthetic was suggested for the children's playground area only. Not only is it a safe, soft material for children's playgrounds, but the material would help to clearly define their area.
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Mar 01, 2012
    KMS you are right. I have a fenced dog run with synthetic grass which means dogs can go in/out 24/7. It has lasted longer than any "real" grass & is easy to clean. The rest of the yard is theirs to enjoy when we are with them.