Pets and Synthetic Turf
The most common problem with poorly maintained and installed pet turf is the odor after pet urine and feces remain undrained or unwashed. Even though the turf can withstand pets’ daily rough treatment, each pet owner must make sure the turf he chooses is installed and maintained correctly. A correct pet turf installation is necessary for large or female pets that will be urinating frequently on the turf.
For homeowners with pets larger than 15 lbs, please follow these basic instructions for a pet installation:
- While all our products are pet friendly, we recommend using our Pet Turf line. This turf is short and tought, designed to allow for better drainage of pet urine.
- Complete the job with the proper base. Use 3”-4” of ¾” crushed gravel or Road Base Class 2.
- On top of the base and below the turf, spread ½” of ZEOLITE or deodorizer infill and compact it. This type of base will allow the urine to drain faster rather than letting it sit between the turf backing and the cement-like compacted base. At the same time it will absorb some of the urine that drained beneath the turf backing and minimize the bad odor coming from it.
- Spread 1 ½-2 lbs of ZEOLITE/deodorizer infill per each square foot of the turf at the end of the job. Brush it into the turf.
- ZEOLITE/deodorizer is the infill that will absorb pet urine in order to minimize bad odor. Overall, the cost of a Pet Turf installation will be very close to that of a regular turf installation unless it is a small area.
- Another optional way to prevent odor is to use a “perforated drainage mat” or “perforated drain core” between the turf backing and the base. It is not necessary, but it will improve the drainage. These come at an additional cost of $2.50-$3.50/sf but are not often used.
Maintaining Pet Turf (Uri-Cide Turf Cleaner)
- Perform routine maintenance as you would with a non-pet use turf installation. Wash and rinse the areas where pets urinate & defecate at least once a week.
- Do not hose down solid waste - this will only cause it to spread over a larger area. Remove solid waste with gloves or a sanitary bag. Use recommended cleaners that can be found at our location. (Read about Uricide on our website)
- It is best to add more Zeofill/deodorizer on top of the turf each year to replace the infill that was washed away during the previous year.
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