Dogs love to run and play in the grass, but some types of grass can be dangerous for them. When choosing the best grass for your dog, it’s important to consider factors like texture, resilience, and toxicity. The right type of grass will provide a comfortable and safe surface for your furry friend. We’ve rounded up the 6 best grasses to grow for dogs so you can make an informed decision for your backyard.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is a low maintenance turf grass that is a top choice for dogs. Here’s why it’s one of the best:
- Hardy and drought-resistant – Buffalo grass only needs to be watered once per week, making it ideal for dry climates. The deep root system allows the grass to stay green even during droughts.
- Soft and cushiony texture – The soft blades of buffalo grass are easy on paws and joints, providing a comfortable surface for dogs to play and lie on. The dense turf provides good cushioning.
- Low growing – Buffalo grass only reaches a height of 3-7 inches when fully grown. This means the grass stays out of your dog’s eyes, mouth, and ears while playing.
- Minimal mowing – Due to its slow, low growth habit, buffalo grass only needs to be mowed every 3-4 weeks. Less mowing is great for keeping high traffic areas from becoming overgrown.
Overall, the durability, texture, and low maintenance needs of buffalo grass make it an excellent choice for dogs of all ages.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a warm season grass known for its fine, dense texture. Here are some key benefits of zoysia for dogs:
- Wear tolerant – Zoysia forms a dense mat of interwoven stems and roots that holds up well to foot traffic and digging. High durability makes it ideal for dogs.
- Soft feel – The thin blades of zoysia give it a plush, carpet-like feel under paws. Dogs will love lounging in its softness.
- Low growing – Zoysia grows slowly and only reaches a height of 6-12 inches when mature. This keeps the grass out of your dog’s face during play.
- Stays green in summer – Zoysia maintains a lush green color even during the hottest summer months when other grasses turn brown.
The fine texture and tolerance to wear and tear make zoysia a great choice for dogs. It holds up well to heavy use and gives them a comfortable surface to play on.
Bermuda Grass
If you live in a warm southern climate, Bermuda grass deserves strong consideration for the following reasons:
- Quick regrowth – Bermuda grass is able to repair itself rapidly thanks to its fast-growing rhizomes and stolons. Damaged areas recover in just weeks.
- Wears well – The dense mat of Bermuda grass spreads laterally and holds soil together. This prevents erosion and keeps bald spots at bay when dogs dig and play.
- Soft texture – Bermuda features flat, fine blades that feel lush and soft underfoot. Dogs will love napping and playing in its comfort.
- Thrives in heat – This grass variety tolerates summer heat extremely well. Its peak growing season is during hot, humid weather.
For Southern lawns that need to withstand canine recreational activities, Bermuda is one of the top options due to its quick regeneration and comfort.
Ryegrass
In cooler northern climates, perennial ryegrass is a top performer thanks to qualities like:
- Fast establishment – Ryegrass germinates rapidly, making it ideal for patching up high traffic areas. Bare spots and digging damage can be repaired quickly.
- Soft blades – The fine texture of ryegrass blades makes for a plush, cushy feel for paws and bodies. Dogs will happily lounge in its softness.
- Seed heads appeal – Dogs often enjoy nibbling on the palatable seed heads of ryegrass when they emerge in spring. The seeds provide visual interest.
- Shade tolerance – Unlike warm season grasses, ryegrass is able to grow in moderately shaded areas. This expands the usable lawn space for your dog.
Ryegrass restores quickly in high traffic zones to keep your lawn looking its best despite digging and roughhousing.
Tall Fescue
Another cool season option to consider is tall fescue, which offers:
- Durability – Tall fescue is one of the toughest, most resilient cool season grasses. The deep roots help it stand up to digging, running, and playing.
- Adaptability – Thriving in both sun and partial shade, tall fescue handles a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. It’s a versatile pick.
- Pleasant texture – The blades have a medium width and soft feel that cushions paws nicely. Dogs will find it comfortable.
- Greener winter color – Unlike some grasses, tall fescue maintains some green through winter when conditions are cool but not frigid. This improves winter aesthetics.
If you want a durable, versatile grass that handles dogs and shade well, tall fescue is an excellent choice.
St. Augustine Grass
In the warm southern coastal regions, St. Augustine grass is a favorite, with merits like:
- Heat and humidity tolerant – This grass thrives during summers with high heat, humidity, and rainfall. It handles the tropics beautifully.
- Quickly fills in – St. Augustine grass rapidly grows laterally to fill in damaged areas. Bald spots and digging holes disappear quickly during growing season.
- Thick and stable – With its vigorous above-ground stolons, St. Augustine forms a dense, cushy mat that stabilizes soil. This suits active dogs well.
- Softer broad blades – The wider blades have a softer feel than Bermuda and zoysia, for a plush sensation.
For wet and humid parts of the south like Florida, St. Augustine is arguably the best grass for dogs thanks to its lushness, comfort, and regeneration capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass for Dogs
Here are some common questions dog owners have about choosing the right lawn grass:
Is artificial turf safe for dogs?
Artificial turf is not necessarily unsafe, but it does come with some drawbacks. The “grass” fibers can get very hot in summer sun, while also holding smells and bacteria. Natural grass is better for temperature regulation and cleanliness.
How do I know if a grass variety is non-toxic for dogs?
Look for grasses that are well-established for use in lawns, such as the varieties above. Avoid ornamental grasses and those not intended for yards. Vet offices and lawn care companies can also provide toxicity information.
Does fertilizer on grass pose risks for dogs?
Some types of fertilizer should be avoided, like those containing insecticides. Always keep dogs off treated areas until any products have fully dried per label directions. Natural organic fertilizers are gentler options.
Should I look for a grass with weed control built in?
Not necessarily – some weed controlling grasses involve use of chemicals like glyphosate. Stick to regular grasses and use pet-safe weed control methods instead when needed. Natural solutions are ideal.
How often should dog urine spots be hosed off grass?
Ideally, flush dog urine from the grass daily by hosing the areas down. The nitrogen in urine can cause yellow burnt patches if allowed to accumulate. Frequent watering prevents this.
What’s the best way to limit dog damage to my lawn?
Rotate play areas frequently to give grass time to recover. Restrict digging behaviors. Overseed and aerate compacted areas. Pick up waste promptly. Choose a durable grass variety suited for dogs and your climate.
Conclusion
When selecting the right grass for your dog, consider climate adaptability, texture, durability, and growth habits. Favor grasses like buffalo, zoysia, Bermuda, rye, fescue, and St. Augustine depending on your region and needs. Avoid true ornamental varieties. With the right grass, you can have a healthy, safe lawn your dog will love.