- 6 best grasses for dogs<\/a>
- Cool-season grasses<\/a><\/li>
- Warm-season grasses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How can dogs damage your grass?<\/a><\/li>
- What makes a grass type good for dogs?<\/a><\/li>
- Other dog-friendly landscaping ideas<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about the best grasses for dogs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
6 best grasses for dogs<\/span><\/h2>
All grasses fall into one of two categories: warm-season<\/strong> or cool-season<\/strong>. Choosing the best grass type for your yard depends on your preferences, location, foot traffic rate, landscape characteristics, and sometimes, your pets.<\/p>
Cool-season grasses<\/span><\/h3>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_cool-season-growth-v2.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Cool-season grasses thrive when temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They go dormant after the first frost until the spring, and they begin their active growth seasons in the early spring and again in the early fall. Cool-season cultivars often require more fertilizer and pesticides than warm-season grasses, and they maintain their green color all summer and winter in many transition zone locations.<\/p>
Some of the best cool-season, dog-friendly varieties include: <\/p>
Tall fescue<\/span><\/h4>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> You can’t go wrong with tall fescue if you\u2019re looking for a hardy, drought-resistant, and shade-tolerant grass. Thanks to its deep roots, this grass performs well in areas with heavy foot traffic<\/a>, high temperatures, and plenty of daily wear and tear. <\/p>
Tall fescue has a bunch-type growth habit, and most varieties don\u2019t spread on their own. That means you may have to reseed dead spots if your dog ends up causing damage.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate; recovers poorly<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage; adaptable<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Frequent mowing; does not produce significant thatch <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-4 inches <\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Low to moderate; prone to brown patch, seedling disease, and leaf spot<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Reseed periodically to repair thinning patches or bare spots; look for newer \u201cturf-type\u201d tall fescue (TTTF) cultivars; seed blends with more than one TTTF type offer the best chance for a strong lawn<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>Kentucky bluegrass<\/span><\/h4>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-bluegrass.jpg\")
JeanUrsula<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Kentucky bluegrass is a first-rate turfgrass with a high tolerance for foot traffic. It recovers quickly from injury, so active kids and pets won\u2019t be a problem. Unlike tall fescue, this grass spreads by rhizomes, so it can heal damaged spots without reseeding.<\/p>
Although it takes longer to establish roots and sprout aboveground, Kentucky bluegrass grows quickly once established. And if that\u2019s not enough to convince you, consider its soft texture, perfect for your doggie to roll around in day after day.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low to moderate; prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate; will survive by going dormant<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low to moderate; recovers well<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency; high fertilization needs <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high; prone to necrotic ring spot, summer patch, dollar spot, leaf spot, snow molds, fairy rings, red thread, rust, and powdery mildew. <\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc., vary widely by cultivar; newer cultivars are generally hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; typically mixed with other grasses in home lawns<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass (5 lbs.)<\/p>Perennial ryegrass<\/span><\/h4>
![\"Perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Sheryl Watson<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial ryegrass grows well in coastal climates and mild year-round temperatures. It tolerates high traffic and wear and tear, which is perfect for active dogs. However, It doesn\u2019t spread by rhizomes or stolons, so it won\u2019t heal bare spots. Furthermore, the cool-season turfgrass doesn\u2019t tolerate heat, shade, or drought well.<\/p>
Perennial rye germinates faster than most grass types, and it is the best grass type for reseeding dead patches of grass<\/a> caused by dog urine or digging. It also mixes well with other grass types, so you can use it to fix dog-related damage in your lawn no matter what grass cultivar you have. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low; prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low; summer dormancy in some areas<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High; recovers poorly<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements; thatch is not significant <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>High; susceptible to gray leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, rust, and pythium blight<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue; excellent striping ability; germinates rapidly for a temporary lawn<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<\/p>Warm-season grasses<\/span><\/h3>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_warm-season-growth-v2.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Warm-season grasses thrive in temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best in the Southern half of the United States, and they begin their active growing season in the spring and go dormant in the early to mid-fall. Warm-season varieties are drought- and heat-tolerant but can\u2019t handle frost and extreme cold.<\/p>
Check out some dog-friendly warm-season cultivars: <\/p>
Bermudagrass <\/span><\/h4>
![\"bermudagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: rawpixel<\/a> | CC0<\/figcaption><\/figure> Bermudagrass can survive wear and tear from rambunctious dogs thanks to its dense roots. It\u2019s also drought-tolerant and survives in salty conditions. The high salt tolerance makes Bermudagrass<\/a> an excellent choice for lawns in coastal cities. <\/p>
Another great thing about Bermuda is that it grows and spreads rapidly. Even if your dog kills a portion of your lawn, it will recover quickly. However, one downside of this turfgrass is that it does not tolerate shade. It\u2019s also high-maintenance compared to other grass types and needs frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizing to stay healthy. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Tolerates most soil types<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 1-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good disease resistance; can develop spring dead spot, root decline, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Good tolerance to salt; often grown in coastal areas<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix (8.75-lb. bag)
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>Centipedegrass<\/span><\/h4>
![\"centipedegrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centipedegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> As a warm-season grass, centipedegrass<\/a> has high heat tolerance, bright green foliage, and a dense growth habit, making it the perfect candidate for a dog-friendly landscape. Because it has high watering needs, your dog\u2019s urine dilutes easily, unable to cause much damage to your lawn.<\/p>
Another point in its favor is that it\u2019s low maintenance and disease- and pest-resistant. And let\u2019s not forget that it doesn\u2019t require regular mowing, dethatching, or feeding, all of which may coincide with any homeowner\u2019s busy schedule.<\/p>
- Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate\u2013at least six hours of full sun per day<\/li>
- Drought resistance:<\/strong> Low to moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>5-6<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low mowing frequency<\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> 1.5-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds<\/a> (1 lb.)
\u2013 Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass<\/a> (3.75 lbs.)
\u2013 TifBlair Centipedegrass<\/a> (5-lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Centipedegrass and Mulch (5-lb. bag)<\/p>Zoysiagrass<\/span><\/h4>
![\"zoysiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Zoysiagrass is a drought- and heat-tolerant warm-season grass that blooms in May. Thanks to a deep root system, it is more cold and shade-resistant than other warm-season cultivars. <\/p>
This turfgrass produces a dense, dark-green lawn that requires sharp mower blades, but the great thing about it is that it shields the soil from urine damage. Zoysiagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons, meaning it can cover dog-related dead patches on its own.<\/p>
Unfortunately, Zoysiagrass establishes slowly. However, once established it boasts a stiff and prickly texture. Its dense growth causes excessive thatch buildup, so count on dethatching your lawn<\/a> regularly. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate to High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High; recovers slowly<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Well-draining; some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate; low nitrogen fertilization requirements; prone to thatch <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Warm-season grasses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Cool-season grasses<\/a><\/li>