Pet safe Mulch/Ground Cover? Low cost, low maintenance options?

Question

Im looking into laying some sort of groundcover in our backyard to prevent the ground it from becoming so muddy when it rains which in turn will keep our 4 dogs from tracking in so much mud. Im considering pine needles or some type of mulch to help control the puddles. The yard is pretty much bare not to mention on a severe dowslope. My main concern is making sure the cover i buy isnt hazardous to the dogs if they were to digest it. My second concern is to find a low cost, low maintenance material that will last and look half way decent. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Don't repeat don't use the pine needles. They are highly combustible and there are many more suitable alternatives. There's pea gravel, which is inexpensive but rough on bare feet, and mid size bark mulch. Also decomposed granite.

If you want to bump up the cost of materials and improve the look, river rock is very appealing. I get our supplies from a local building company.

And then there's the green alternative, something like wild strawberry or a low-maintenance groundcover recommended by your local nursery. Give them the facts and they'll come up with a few suggestions that may work for you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Have you tried some "high-traffic" grass seed? We had a big bare area in our yard where the dogs ran and it filled in very nicely in a few weeks. You could also try any of the common ivy-type groundcovers, most are low-growing and I don't know of any that are toxic off the top of my head. Though they may not be as durable.. You could always check with the staff at the nursery you buy the plants from. I would stay away from mulch or gravel or anything loose, it's just going to get washed off the slope unless you build retaining walls. Pine needles are horrible. We have a huge pine tree outside our back door and pine needles get tracked in too, only it's EVERY day, not just wet ones, plus they can sometimes hurt if you step on one barefoot! You might also just keep an old towel or two near the back door and teach the dogs not to come inside until you tell them, then you can have them stand there with the door open while you wipe their paws. That's what I do whenever it rains. Works great. If you do decide to use mulch, just make sure it isn't cocoa bark. Has the same chemical in it that chocolate does and can make dogs sick if they eat it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Is the ground bare because nothing was ever planted or because the dogs run around so much that they killed the grass?

Four active dogs running in a yard will damage plants. Grass is the only ground cover that tolerate a lot of foot traffic, but even it will not survive if dogs are constantly running on it. And it will not do well is constantly subjected to dog urine. Mulch will be tracked in the house and will also be rapidly broken down by dog feet.

If you decide to plant grass, you will need to keep the dogs off it for several months as it gets established so sod might be a better option. Sod should be laid in the fall if you want it to survive.

Answer 4

Pet Safe Mulch

Answer 5

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Answer 6

grass maybe? It looks good, non hazerdous to dogs, plus they love it!

Ground covers work well like ivy, wild strawberry, but take a long time to grow in. You can try lava rock, gravel, river rock, barkdust Theres really no super cheap option. I would say landscape it, make it look good, youll be happier that way in the end.

Answer 7

Plant a tough, fast growing ground cover such as Ajuga to fill in muddy bare spots. I have it planted in my yard and my lab isn't bothered by it.