Backyard is a mud pit thanks to the dogs. What can I do about this?

I came across a question on Reddit.com that stated the following “Backyard is a mud pit thanks to the dogs. What can I do about this? That stretch is where they run, play fetch etc. or is this the price I’ll have to pay for having dogs lol”. NOTE: I did not see this yard in person. I am going based on pictures and what the viewer says. Below are pictures of the backyard.

A muddy backyard caused by dogs running over the lawn repeatedly can be a frustrating and challenging problem for homeowners and pet owners alike. Not only does it create an unsightly and messy outdoor space, but it can also lead to soil erosion, damaged grass, and difficulty in maintaining a functional backyard. However, with the right knowledge and proactive measures, it is possible to solve this problem and create a mud-free, dog-friendly environment

THE ANSWER

Ah, our furry friends. They bring joy and unconditional love into our lives, but sometimes, they also bring a muddy mess into our backyards. Dogs have a special talent for turning a perfectly manicured lawn into a mud pit with their constant running and digging. So, before we tackle this muddy dilemma, it’s important to understand the primary culprits behind the chaos.

You mentioned it’s always muddy in your yard. This leads me to think that there is a drainage issue. Based on this information, I would recommend re-grading your backyard, which could include cutting in a swale. What is grading? Property grading is a way to structure (or restructure) land so that water drains in the proper direction—away from your home and foundation. What is a swale? A swale is a low, shallow channel with gently sloping sides. It can be either natural landforms or man-made and is designed to manage water runoff and reduce stormwater pollution. After you have addressed the drainage problem you can install the solution below.

If you’re looking to have grass, I will say it can be nearly impossible to get grass to take with dogs. This is especially true if they run the same path repeatedly. If you cannot keep the dogs out of the backyard for 8+ weeks until new grass can take root, then you may want to consider an alternative solution. Furthermore, even if you manage to establish new grass, your dogs may wear it down again, rendering your efforts and resources futile. So, why not save yourself time, money, and energy by opting for a different approach?

I have a simply and effective solution: mulching the entire backyard. I highly recommend using rubber playground mulch, as it is not only safe for dogs but also environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional mulch, it does not contain any harmful chemicals that could pose a risk to your furry companions. Additionally, rubber mulch does not decompose over time, eliminating the need for frequent re-mulching. The only instance where re-mulching may be necessary is when cleaning up after your dogs, as some mulch may inadvertently be removed during this process. However, this occurrence is minimal.

Yes, your pets will likely chew the rubber mulch. As they would chew wood, furniture, shoes, remotes, and anything we leave lying around. Rubber mulch is safer for pets than most other mulch options.

WHAT ABOUT LANDSCAPING IN THE YARD

If you are not fond of the plain appearance of just mulch, I highly recommend incorporating garden beds into your backyard. By using the same color mulch throughout the yard, you will need to distinguish the beds by utilizing brick or rubber edging, or even opting for a different colored rubber mulch. Perhaps you would like to add a hardscape feature, such as a patio with an in-ground fire pit, or create an attractive path using flagstones. The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a backyard that both you and your furry companions can enjoy.

When establishing garden beds in your yard, it is crucial to include plants and shrubs that are safe for dogs. However, it is important to avoid placing these plants and shrubs in areas where dogs frequently run. To identify pet-friendly options, you can refer to the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database. Here are a few examples of dog-friendly plants and shrubs you could consider:

• Catmint
• Astilbe
• Sweetspire/itea
• Switchgrass (majority of ornamental grasses are non-toxic)
• New England Aster
• heuchera
• Phlox
• Jacob’s ladder
• Coreopsis
• Weigela
• Spirea
• Magnolia

Overall, incorporating mulch into a muddy backyard affected by relentless dog activity is a reliable and professional approach aimed at transforming a problematic space into one that is functional, visually appealing, and conducive to both pets’ enjoyment and homeowners’ peace of mind. If you’re located in Southeast, WI, and have issues with dogs ruining your lawn, give us a call at (414)254-2491 or fill out this contact form. We’re happy to do an onsite visit and determine the best solution for you and your pet friends. Do you have questions about landscaping and or plants? Email myyardneedswork@gmail.com your question(s) and I will do my best to answer them to the best of my knowledge and experience.