Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Family Yard for Summer Fun

People aren’t the only ones who love to spend time in the family yard during the summer months. For the family pet, the outdoor living room serves many purposes — providing a place to relax, burn off some energy, play safely with friends (human and furry) and do their “business.”

To help everyone — including your pets — enjoy the family yard this summer, consider these tips from TurfMutt. He’s the “spokesdog” for the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) environmental education program. TurfMutt is a former rescue dog who paws it forward by helping kids and their families learn about the benefits of their family yard for people and pets. As a former street dog himself, TurfMutt also advocates for pet rescue organizations and causes.

Skip Fake Grass

Artificial turf (a.k.a. fake grass) is never a good idea in your yard, especially if you have pets. Plastic grass gets very hot during the summer, is challenging to clean, and is not environmentally friendly. It cannot be recycled, and it requires water to clean and cool. Be a backyard superhero and select real turfgrass.

Pick the Right Plants and Grasses

Choose hardy plants and grasses that will withstand a high volume of traffic. Check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and nontoxic garden plants before buying. You’ll want soft, yet sturdy, foliage near walkways — save the delicate, decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots.

Choose Natural

There are many nontoxic ways to prevent pests in your backyard, which is good news for your people and pets!

Wind chimes near flower and garden beds can help keep pets and pests away. Scented marigolds repel unwanted insects while attracting spider mites and snails. Lavender smells amazing and repels fleas and moths. The oil in basil plants can keep mosquitoes and flies away.

Consider Pollinators and Other Wildlife

While you want to keep some pests out, remember that nature starts in your backyard. Your family yard provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and more. Each of these species help pollinate human food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration when you’re selecting your living landscapes.

Create a Doggy Dream Yard

One final tip: There’s no shame in going all out to make your yard a dream for your dog. Remember, your outdoor living room is one of your dog’s favorite places to be.

Some ideas include adding a splash pool for your pup, creating a sandbox for Fido to unleash his love of digging, or adding a puppy pergola to provide shade for Sadie. Be creative! Your canine will thank you.