Having an active dog and a lawn free of holes, dead spots, and mud may seem like an out-of-reach dream, but that’s not the case. Artificial grass and dogs are the perfect pair. It can be tough to balance giving your pets a comfortable space they can run, roll, and play in, with the damage […]
Having an active dog and a lawn free of holes, dead spots, and mud may seem like an out-of-reach dream, but that’s not the case. Artificial grass and dogs are the perfect pair.
It can be tough to balance giving your pets a comfortable space they can run, roll, and play in, with the damage that can come from messy or adventurous pets. And sometimes, ordinary grass can only handle so much before it dies off. Plus, keeping your pet off the grass while you reseed is a nightmare.
SmartGrass is designed to look and feel natural underfoot while standing up to everyday pet use with far less maintenance. It won’t turn to mud after rain, and it keeps its appearance unlike regular grass. If your dog has turned your backyard into more dirt than lawn, switching to artificial grass is a practical long-term solution.
We also know pet owners have plenty of questions about safety, durability, drainage, and maintenance, so we’ve put together answers to the most common concerns to help you feel confident about whether artificial turf is right for your pets and your home.
Not all artificial turf is the same. With premium options like SmartGrass, you can enjoy a perfectly manicured, lush lawn made from non-toxic materials. We use UV-stabilised polyethylene, which is fully recyclable and non-toxic, and durable enough to handle heavy use.
By switching to artificial turf like SmartGrass, you aren’t just choosing a non-toxic surface; you’re actually keeping other potentially toxic chemicals away from your pet. Because it doesn’t need to be treated like natural grass, you can throw out your fertilisers and pesticides and make your lawn even safer for furry friends.
As a nice bonus, you won’t have to worry about your pet tracking in mud, bacteria, or parasites from the soil after a good roll around outside.
One of the biggest concerns our customers have is about the dreaded pet pee problem. We hear lots of questions about pet urine, smell build-up, whether turf colour is affected, and how you can clean it, and we have some easy answers.
The biggest problem you can have isn’t your pet’s mess; it’s the quality of your drainage and installation. Without proper drainage, urine cannot drain away, leading to bacterial growth and odours.
Experienced installers like the SmartGrass team will make sure that your turf drains properly, so all you have to do is give it a rinse with a hose to keep it nice and clean. Thanks to the material we use to construct SmartGrass, our turf is stain and fade-resistant, so even the most potent pet pee won’t ruin your beautiful lawn.
We also stock a sanitising TurfCare spray that can prevent moss and mould growth by breaking down the bacteria from your pet’s waste, and it’s safe around pets and kids.
Some dogs love a good dig, and it can be a hard habit to break without causing extra stress for you and your pet.
The good news is that with a premium product and proper installation, it’s extremely difficult for dogs to dig through SmartGrass. Problems usually happen when turf edges are left exposed or the installation isn’t secured correctly. That’s why we fix our turf to a solid edging system, creating a stable surface that’s far harder for claws and paws to lift or pull apart.
And if your dog loves sprinting laps around the backyard? That’s not an issue either. High-quality artificial turf is designed to handle active pets, and in busier areas, the grass blades can easily be refreshed with a quick brush using a stiff broom to help them stand upright again.
During summer, all surfaces can become hot to the touch, so it’s important you take the right steps to keep temperatures under control. Artificial turf can absorb heat in direct sun, and making sure your sand infill is evenly spread can help reduce this. Using kiln-dried silica sand for your infill lets it conduct heat into the base of your turf and away from grass blades, so getting this step right is vital.
If the temperature starts rising too high, or if you’re often worried about it, we recommend either using shade to reduce the heat a little or simply grab your trusty hose!
Giving SmartGrass a quick rinse with your hose will take the temperature out of the blades, and make it a comfortable surface again, especially for pets that love to bask in the sun.
Low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, but by switching to artificial turf, you’ll be gaining back hours of your life, letting you and your pet enjoy your space.
The key to keeping your turf looking brand new year-round is to have a schedule of cleaning, but it’s not difficult or time-intensive. Our best suggestion for keeping it clean outside is to remove any debris or mess as you see it, such as fallen leaves or pet waste. Keeping your turf free of debris prevents the growth of bacteria and mould, and by rinsing with a hose, you can wash away anything that is left behind.
If you’re worried about smells, you can use our Turf Care Spray to sanitise and deodorise your lawn for extra peace of mind.
Creating a lawn that both looks great and stands up to everyday pet life starts with choosing the right turf. Whether your dog prefers stretching out in the sun or tearing around the backyard at full speed, the right surface will make a huge difference to how your lawn looks and performs over time.
When comparing options, it’s worth checking that the turf is pet-safe, drains efficiently, is installed securely, and is durable enough to handle plenty of running, digging, and play. SmartGrass artificial grass for dogs is designed to suit NZ conditions and built to keep up with active pets, while still delivering a natural-looking finish that’s comfortable underfoot.
If you’d like help finding the right fit for your space, visit one of our showrooms in Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington. Our team will happily talk through your project and help you choose a turf that works for both you and your dog.
