How can I prevent mud from forming in my yard?

Tina
by Tina

I have a 4by 6 area for my dogs to go do their thing . I need to stop the mud many suggestions


  11 answers
  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Feb 03, 2020

    Tina....Try straw or some other ground cover

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 03, 2020

    Burlap liner or some other weed fabric barrier

    Make sure you put an edging or 2x4 or landscape timbers to contain the area

    Pea gravel, sand, sawdust, straw, or mulch: Pea gravel is easy to clean and not affected by the elements. Sand can get stuck on their feet so if they come inside, there's that. Others are organic but make sure it's not the kind that dogs will eat on mulch. Also, dark hides better.

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Feb 03, 2020

    Tina: I laid down a couple inches of sand... and topped with about three inches of gravel. this works well.

  • Could you layer some straw on the area?

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Feb 03, 2020

    Mulch or sawdust might be a good solution

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 03, 2020

    Hi Tina, a few ideas that come to mind are washed rock or pea gravel but with and underlay or weed barrier under you can put it right over the muddy/grassy area you are trying to fix. Another idea is the faux grass, it has an underlayment that goes under it and still lets fluids drain through it. I also cleans up nicely. Hope these help you out

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Feb 04, 2020

    I gotta intervene here. You are really getting advice that leads you into a Big project that creates extra annual projects. Ever tried to Pull Weeds from Pea Gravel? Not easy. You burn through $40 of gloves every 5 years and can end up with a severe back problem too. Do you Like feeding Termites by using Sawdust? No, you won't. Can eat wood in the house too, end up paying 40 grand after all is said and done.

    You need to use either: Sand or Kitty Litter. Hose the Soil, and blend the Sand or Kitty Litter in with the Muddy Soil or if you really want to go happy elaborate: Make a Big Box like a Risen Garden or Sand Box and fill that with Sand or Kitty Litter.

    I doubt however that the pets need 24 square feet rather than 8 square feet. I mean, even a good sized Doberman taking a good sized dump is rarely: 2 Square Feet. So you should reduce the area they poo in to something maybe circular, 2 feet in diameter. To leave room for they to play in. I really don't think its only mud is what I'm saying. They are burying poo when you ain't looking. So you need sand or kitty litter to absorb the mess but also make poo more easily identified from mud so you can scoop it out easier.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 05, 2020

    I would add 4" of sand, topped with pea gravel, then get a pooper scooper and a covered bucket for the solid poops. Hose off once in awhile.

    I sure wouldn't use kitty litter, you will get a permanent layer of clay that will be next to impossible to remove, and it will hold odors, and get gummy when wet.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 08, 2020

    Take them for walks and clean up after them, great exercise for all and no more muddy mess.