Many homeowners in Southern Carolina are familiar with the sight of a barren yard covered in patches of dead grass and holes. While it may seem impossible to maintain a healthy lawn with pets on the premises, Chuck’s Landscaping can help you maintain a lush lawn without getting rid of your furry friends. Plants are not invincible, and switching your grass doesn’t necessarily end dog-related issues and brown spots.
Cool-Season Grasses
If you want to grow dog-friendly grass, we recommend consulting a professional landscaping company. We can help you find cool-season grasses guaranteed to thrive during winter without compromising aesthetics and overall curb appeal. Here are grass varieties for the cold season and suitable for pet owners in Southern California.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is naturally very hardy and performs well in areas with heavy foot traffic. These grass species have deep roots, which make them ideal for areas that experience regular wear. Southern California may experience drought and high temperatures in the summer, as well as cool winters. With that in mind, you need grass that can survive in extreme conditions. Luckily, tall fescue grass has a “bunch-type” growth habit, allowing you to reseed dead spots if your dog causes damage.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass grows above the ground and establishes roots after planting. However, it grows quickly once established and spreads by rhizomes. You don’t have to reseed affected patches because they can naturally heal. Dogs can cause severe damage to your lawn, but with Kentucky bluegrass, the robust root system helps it survive. Even in cold weather, this grass is exceptionally hardy, but it can’t withstand prolonged periods of drought or high temperatures.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is ideal for coastal climates or areas that experience mild year-round temperatures. Like the tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, it is perfect for active dogs and areas with high traffic. Unfortunately, perennial ryegrass is selective about its growing conditions and doesn’t do well in extreme heat, drought, or shade. If there are patches of damaged lawn, perennial rye will germinate faster than other grass types, making it the best option for reseeding affected areas.
Warm Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses thrive in the southern part of the United States. They thrive in warm weather and barely survive the winters of the north. If you have moved to Southern California, consider growing the following grass types.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass establishes a dense root system, allowing it to survive the damage from rambunctious dogs. The high salt tolerance is another excellent reason to plant this type of grass in lawns across coastal cities. While Bermuda grass can grow in low and high temperatures, avoid the shade if you want a lush yard. Provide high maintenance compared to other grass types, such as frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
Zoysia Grass
Dogs are notorious for digging holes and releasing soil-damaging urine. Zoysia grass grows in a dense mat, blocking your dog’s ability to dig and shield the soil from urine. However, the dense growth causes thatch buildup, and homeowners must perform regular dethatching. It spreads via rhizomes and stolons across the lawn, covering affected areas without human intervention.
Contact us at Chuck’s Landscaping to learn more about pet-friendly grasses suitable for your area. Please schedule an appointment with our experts and enjoy top-notch landscaping services at competitive market rates.
