Good grass to use with dog traffic?

Question

I have a decent size back yard 40'x40' which i have 2-45 lbs. dogs running around. I live in Southern Georgia. It's winter right now, what would be some good steps I could take to have a nice yard. Should I water the grass, fertilize, treat, or throw seeds or what. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also what would be agood grass to grow for the dog traffic. Right now i have Carpet Grass and St. Augustine grass on half/half of the yard.

Answer 1

Skip the fertilizer it really will not help.
I would core aerate the lawn (it's a machine that takes out 1.5 to 2 inch long plugs of soil). Over seed with a quality seed blend (which can be found at a nursery) skip the cheap stuff at wally-world.
Then top dress with coarse sand and quality top soil (not soil in a bag). The sand (not fine) and soil will act like a cusion between the roots and dog paws, reducing compaction which is what is causing your problems.

Answer 2

St Augustine seems to be the hardiest grass for traffic, but for dogs it can be tough. I have two 120 pound Bloodhounds and what I had to do with my yard is take the path that they always traveled, which no matter what I did it became dirt and mud, and layed some flat stones and created a curving stone path. I had to make it curve to give it a more natural look. It looks much nicer than the trampled grass, dirt, mud combo the dogs created.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!

Answer 3

Rebel III and Rebel IIII grass seed is very good. I'm not real sure as to what actual varieties of grass grows best in warmer climent area's since I live in WV, but I do know that alot of the grass seed bags will say for high traffic area's. I would definitly try something that says it is for a high traffic area. I would consider maybe asking either a landscaper or maybe even a nursery specialist in your area what they might recommend

Answer 4

Hard to say because some dogs travel the same path continuously. This creates a wear pattern. I was impressed with Scotts Family grass seed. It seemed to take a beating pretty well.