Grass free dog proof yard

Question

We have 3 rambunctious dogs (rotti/pit mix, border collie mix, and pit/spaniel mix... All under 3 years). They love to play in the yard and run and roll around while they tackle each other. I have my garden areas fenced off and I'm training them to go potty in a specific corner of the yard which I covered with cedar bark dust (had a friend drop off a truck load of it... great stuff...it totally keeps the smell down and makes it easier to scoop). 
We have a stone pathway and used to have somewhat of a lawn. Apparently our lawn was more moss than grass. The dogs tore up the moss in no time as the roots are very shallow. I am really allergic to grass and cannot mow it or I will be needed an emergency breathing treatment. I want something the pups can run around on and play but I also want it to look nice. I live in the Portland area so it needs to be able to tolerate rain and cold weather. 
Any suggestions on a ground covering/lawn/surface?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

There are ground covers available that fall under the category of stepables.Check your hardiness zone first.

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Hello Rachael: We have plenty of great dog-friendly landscaping ideas for grassless lawns. Both of these posts includes lots of photos: http://goo.gl/YHj0zO and here: http://goo.gl/xeuHBh

Sue Sanders · Answer

No matter what you plant, the dogs will keep it worn down. My dogs used to keep a well worn path along the fence. I once planted a large rose bush that was given to me and in a few days I looked out and didnt see the bush. I walked out to the spot and saw the dogs had chewed the bush completely down to the soil..just little stubs showing. They didn't want anything in their space. You might have to landscape with large rocks with plantings in between the rocks.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Sue thats why I said stepables.

Elizabeth Nance · Answer

LOL! I can relate (had eight BIG dogs in my backyard at one time). Down to two now (big ones).I put an electric fence around my bushes and trees (they got dug up otherwise) and have kept my deep rooted items alive. Finally able to take it down once the shrubs got large enough. I am toying with killing the yard and just planting some winter cover that's good for the soil in the fall. Decide what to do in the Spring. With our water shortage (I am in Utah) I will not plant grass to mow, for sure! Put a 'kiddie pool' out in your backyard and while your babies are babies, don't do anything but change the water in it weekly (I pour it on my bushes and fruit trees) In the interim, you can think of the alternatives :O) Water is the new GOLD!

Elizabeth Nance · Answer

I didn't add how AWESOME the photo of your babies are. I LOVE it!

Robbi · Answer

You might consider looking into a decorative stone/gravel. We have an area in our back yard for our dogs ( 2 German Shepherds & a Golden Retiever mix ) that is pea gravel. Easy to scoop. If you go to a landscape supply where they sell mulch & stone- you can look at all the options available & they may be able to suggest something to fit your budget. Good luck on your project.

Penny · Answer

Thymes make a dense mat that is good to cover the ground and does not need mowing. I would try one spot to see if: 1) you are allergic; 2) the dogs dig it up or eat it--before covering the whole lawn. However, it does need regular watering, so if you live in a drought ridden area, it might not work. IT does have shallow roots .http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/groundcoverthymes.htm

Cyndie S · Answer

Astroturf? I see it on craigslist pretty cheap sometimes or maybe Zoysia grass, which I think is not really a grass. Not sure tho.

Penny · Answer

To kill any grass and weeds, two parts vinegar and one part salt (with kitchen cleaner with scent to neutralize the vinegar smell) is great. When dumped on the grass (even better the roots) it will do a great job and it's biodegradable, not harmful to the dogs. If you can hoe down an inch or two and get the roots, that's even better.

Penny · Answer

The problem with completely killing all the plant life is that the area will turn into a mud puddle during rainy season and the dogs will bring it inside. During the dry season, it will be a dust bath that is harsh to an asthmatic person. Hmm, still investigating.

Penny · Answer

A 'heavy rooted' plant is the euonymous coloratus.

Elaine Postley · Answer

Like Robbi, I have 'natural' pea gravel on drive near house. Mine gets weedy.  Thank you, Penny for advice on safely killing same.  By the by, Love your rock walk !  In northern Long Island rocks are a natural feature.  I would have to grown something between the flat rocks. I wonder, Penny, if you have any suggestions?  Doggies:   My 3 lovelies eat all the grass.  Vet says ok,  but it's not beautious.  Oh well.

Penny · Answer

This sounds interesting: 
<img class='aligncenter size-full wp-image-5471' title='Rupture Wort' src='http://yourhomewizards.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Rupture-Wort.jpg' alt='' width='195' height='259' />
Rupture Wort – Green Carpet
 This plant is super tough and like a carpet can handle heavy foot traffic areas. The foliage is nice and green and turns bronze-red in the winter. And while it delivers tiny white blossoms, they are so small it won’t attract bees. And the added bonus it is just about as rugged as grass.
 Count it to need less water cause it’s drought tolerant too and loves partial shade to sun

Penny · Answer

There is also chamomile: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/chamomile-lawn/growing-chamomile-lawns.htm

Penny · Answer

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/chamomile-lawn/growing-chamomile-lawns.htm

Kathy · Answer

The play yard at the shelter where I volunteer has bricks instead of grass. The dogs don't seem to mind it. This makes it easy to clean up the poo and can be hosed off whenever it is needed.

Dfm · Answer

saw dust and wood chips...gleaned from the local lumber yard.....used to be free for the taking....don't know about today.....it is possible to train your dogs to use a dogie potty area.

Lee Govan · Answer

I agree with Kathy, or paving stones.This not only is easy maintenance for three dogs, it will also keep their nails filed down.

62q10370829 · Answer

Fence in area for dogs & the rest for  you or put  rock down  and plant  plants that are really hardy.   Check  with a nursery for what would work with 3 big dogs.   Put your flowers in big pots.

Johnchip · Answer

You will never grow or establish plants other than sod, which you say is out. Astro turf products will work for you if not some kind of stone or mulch. I would certainly lay a weed barrier beneath.

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

Creeping thyme? Smells great and the dogs will smell pretty too. There are a lot of great suggestions here. Where I live in CA water is at a premium. Many people have put down really good artificial grass and it looks to be holding up well. Can be expensive though. LOVE your dogs! How about mint? Can be very invasive, but can take a beating.

Jan · Answer

My hairdresser's partner hoards dogs needing rescue. He threatened to leave when she got up to 60, & she was gone working all the time, leaving him & their groomer to care for them. But he put down fake grass, because it was easy to clean up the poop, & they could disinfect it every week to kill the urine smells. Of course, I hate to think about the ground underneath after a few years of disinfectant being put on it! And have no idea about the cost. But he used the same 'grass' in front of his shop for an outdoor smoking area, & it looked great! They are down to 28 dogs now. Progress.

Lori · Answer

I would do part cedar mulch...it keeps fleas and ticks away.....and part pavers

Grass free dog proof yard

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Grass free dog proof yard

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