I live in a small rowhome that has a fenced backyard, which measures around 15x15 feet. There's also a gazebo that takes up another 15x10 feet. Currently, the gazebo area is covered with mulch, but I really dislike it. My dog tends to do his business there, which causes a horrible smell, and I find mulch annoying because it gets stuck to my feet around the hot tub. I've thought about artificial turf, but it's super pricey and requires a lot of work, plus there are potential odors from dog waste. I'm exploring alternatives like pea gravel or light-colored stone for my dog's bathroom needs. I'm planning to secure it down, and I have fond memories of an all-gravel yard at my grandfather's beach house. I'm just tired of maintaining grass—it grows rapidly, mowing is a hassle in such a small space, and we have a major weed problem. I really want to eliminate all the grass and go for something more manageable. I'm also considering a mix of gravel and a small fake turf patch for my dog. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I wouldn't go for artificial grass. You have to wash it regularly to prevent odors, and it can get really smelly in the heat. For gravel, I recommend using larger pea gravel (3/4 inches) since smaller ones can get tracked inside your home. It does make cleanup of poop trickier, but maintenance is minimal. Another good option is decomposed granite, which can be treated to become very hard and durable. Kurapia is a grass alternative that tolerates wear and only needs mowing a couple of times a year, plus it's drought-resistant. But finding ground covers that handle dog wear and tear can be tough!
We've had good luck with crushed limestone, but it’s not great for barefoot walking. Just a heads-up!
Yo, seriously avoid pea gravel! That stuff is a total nightmare. What gardening zone are you in? There are definitely other choices out there. providing some pictures would help too!
Just out of curiosity, what's so bad about pea gravel? I'm starting to think about a potty area myself!
I get how discouraging it can be! I just want to tackle this grass problem once and for all. I'm in Delaware, and it looks awful in the winter when the grass is dormant. I'm aiming for something neat and hassle-free.