How to Best Maintain Your Yard When You Have Dogs
Dogs bring so much joy to our lives—but they can also be tough on our lawns and landscaping. From worn paths to dug-up flower beds, our furry friends can unintentionally make yard maintenance a challenge. The good news? With the right strategies, you can have a pet-friendly yard that’s both beautiful and functional.
Choose the Right Grass
Not all grass types stand up to pet traffic equally. In Omaha’s climate, durability is key.
Tall Fescue – Deep roots and good wear tolerance make it a great choice.
Kentucky Bluegrass – Lush and attractive, but needs regular repair in high-traffic spots.
Perennial Ryegrass – Quick germination, perfect for patch repairs.
Tip: Overseed annually in late summer or early fall to keep turf thick and resilient.
Prevent and Repair Urine Spots
Dog urine can leave yellow or brown patches due to high nitrogen content.
Dilute with water: Keep a hose or watering can handy to rinse the area right after your dog goes.
Use a designated potty area: Train your dog to go in a specific spot with mulch, gravel, or artificial turf.
Patch bare spots quickly: Reseed with a quick-germinating mix to prevent weeds from taking over.
Create Dog-Friendly Paths
Dogs tend to patrol the same routes, which can wear down grass over time.
Install a stone, paver, or mulch pathway along their favorite route to reduce muddy patches.
Border it with low shrubs or decorative edging to make it blend into your landscaping.
Protect Your Plants
Some plants are toxic to dogs, while others are simply too tempting for digging and chewing.
Avoid toxic varieties like lilies, azaleas, foxglove, and yew.
Use raised beds or decorative fencing around your vegetable garden or delicate flowers.
Plant sturdy shrubs like boxwood, spirea, or hydrangea along high-traffic areas.
Add a Digging Zone
If your dog loves to dig, give them an approved space to do it.
Fill with sand or loose soil and bury toys or treats to encourage them to use it.
Discourage digging elsewhere by covering garden beds with decorative rock mulch or using chicken wire under the soil surface.
Manage Mud
Muddy paws are a headache for both your home and your lawn.
Use gravel or artificial turf in problem areas.
Install stepping stones near gates or along walkways to reduce tracked-in dirt.
Create a paw-wash station by your back door for quick cleanups.
Seasonal Care in Omaha
Spring: Aerate to relieve compacted soil from winter and pet traffic. Overseed bare spots early.
Summer: Water deeply to keep grass healthy despite heat and paw traffic.
Fall: Overseed, fertilize, and repair worn areas before winter.
Winter: Use pet-safe ice melt to protect both paws and plants.
Designing and maintaining a beautiful yard with dogs is possible—it just takes a thoughtful approach. Whether you need durable turf, dog-friendly landscaping, or a complete outdoor redesign, Priority Landscape Construction can create a space you and your pets will love year-round.
Contact us today to start your pet-friendly yard project.