yard problems

[Monte21]

We have 2 boxers, Phoebe and Boomer, brother and sister and are 1 year old. Our backyard is relatively small compared to the average and we have almost no grass left at all (about 25% left). The yard is kind of shaded, which we like for leaving them out for longer periods in the spring but its bad for getting the grass to grow. Between the running and playing and all the peeing they have destroyed the grass. I have quite a bit of straw spread out to help with the muddy paws, but we live in southwest Missouri and get quite a bit of rain and it can take a week to fully dry out. We make trips to the bathtub almost daily.

My question is, does anyone have any advice for getting grass to grow and keeping it? anything we can do short of not letting the them outside? or just bite the bullet til we get a bigger yard?

Thanks,
Monte & Nichole
parents to Phoebe and Boomer - 1 yr, both docked and floppy

 

[karens]

I am in the midwest as well, and this dry winter has left my yard a disaster zone. I have a lot of work cut out for me. I have a few ideas for you below. You can also do a search, as I know there have been quite a few discussions in the past about lawn care. You might be able to find some additional useful suggestions that way!

They do have speial grass for shady areas, I don't know if you tried that out at all. I use the Scott's Patchmaster, the only problem is you have to keep it wet, otherwise it blows away.

If you only have 25% of your yard left, depending on the size you may just want to resod for economical reasons. I put down a product called K-9 that I get at my local nursery. It really helps minimize the burn spots.

Originally I wanted to have a smaller fecned off area with bark on top of landscaping tarp (to keep it from getting muddy), but fence regulations in my subdivision did not permit for such a set up. You may want to keep a grassy area, bark or mulch the rest and train them to potty in on the bark.

 

[WAT]

Welcome to Boxerdom! My hubby and I used to have beautiful backyard, which is almost all gone now. He is not happy either. He is a mgr. of a lawn and pest control co and really likes to have a nice yard. He heard about this grass called, Sea Isle. It is supposed to be very durable and able to withstand high traffic. Also very $$. We are going to try it hopefully it will work. I don't know how this grass does in cold climates though, it originated from either N. or S. Carolina.