Is Pet Turf Worth It? What Orlando Dog Owners Need to Know
Keeping a lawn green in Central Florida is hard enough without your dog turning it into a muddy mess. If you're tired of yellow spots and dirty paws ruining your floors, specialized pet turf offers a durable solution designed specifically for four-legged friends.
How is Pet Turf Different from Regular Artificial Grass?
Pet turf features a specialized drainage system and antimicrobial technology that standard artificial grass lacks. While regular turf might trap odors and liquids, pet turf uses a permeable backing that allows urine to pass through instantly. This prevents the bacteria buildup that causes smells, keeping your yard fresh even during a humid Orlando summer.
Standard artificial grass usually has a latex backing with small holes punched every few inches for drainage. That works fine for a patio, but it's a disaster for dog owners. Urine sits on top of the backing between the holes, baking in the sun and creating a smell you won't be able to scrub away.
In contrast, the pet turf we install uses a fully permeable backing. This allows liquids to drain through the entire surface at over 400 inches per hour. It flows straight into the sub-base and into the ground below, just like rainwater.
Why Choose Turf Over Natural Grass and Sod?
Natural grass struggles to recover from the high nitrogen content in dog urine, leading to permanent dead spots that weeds love to take over. Natural grass and sod require constant watering, mowing, and chemical treatments that can be harmful to sensitive pets. Pet turf eliminates chemicals and stays green year-round, regardless of drought restrictions or heavy paw traffic.
We see this constantly in neighborhoods like Lake Nona, where the soil is sandy and drains quickly, yet the grass still burns from pet waste. By switching to turf, you eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides. This creates a safer environment for your pets to roll around in. Plus, you'll stop spending your Saturday mornings mowing the lawn.
What Goes Into the Installation Process?
Proper installation starts with digging out 3 to 4 inches of existing soil and replacing it with a crushed rock sub-base for drainage. We secure the edges with non-corrosive spikes and apply a specific amount of antimicrobial infill to weigh the turf down. Skipping the sub-base is the number one reason DIY projects fail in our sandy Florida soil.
During an artificial grass installation, the sub-base is critical. If you just lay turf over dirt, the ground will shift during our afternoon thunderstorms, causing wrinkles and dips. We compact the rock base to create a concrete-like hardness that still drains water.
For homeowners considering an artificial turf installation Dr. Phillips, we also pay special attention to the securing method. We use plastic composite nails rather than metal ones when possible, or ensure metal spikes are buried deep. This ensures that even if a curious dog digs at the corners, they won't injure a paw on a sharp metal edge.
Does the Infill Really Stop Smells?
Absolutely, but you must use the right kind, like Envirofill or Zeolite. These infills trap ammonia gases and prevent them from releasing odors until rain washes them away. Standard silica sand absorbs liquids and holds onto smells, which is why we never use it for homes with dogs in Winter Park or College Park.
Think of Zeolite like a honeycomb. It captures the ammonia from urine within its structure. It holds that odor molecule hostage until a heavy rain (or a good hose down) releases it into the ground below. This is a game-changer for smaller backyards where the smell can become concentrated quickly.
How Much Does Pet Turf Cost Installed?
In the Greater Orlando area, expect to pay between $9 and $14 per square foot for professional pet turf installation. This price includes ground preparation, waste disposal, base materials, the turf itself, and labor. While the upfront cost is higher than sod, most homeowners see a return on investment within 3 to 5 years through savings on water and maintenance.
Many of our clients are surprised by the initial quote, but let's break down the math. If you spend $150 a month on water, fertilizer, and a lawn service, that's $1,800 a year. Over 10 years, you're spending $18,000 on a lawn that might still have dead spots. High-quality pet turf typically comes with a 15-year warranty, making it a smarter long-term financial move.
Can Pet Turf Survive Central Florida Heat?
Yes, high-quality pet turf is engineered with UV inhibitors to prevent fading and degradation from the strong Florida sun. Manufacturers test these products to withstand temperatures well above 100°F without melting or losing their color. However, synthetic grass does get hotter than natural grass, so you'll need to spray it down occasionally on July afternoons.
We recently completed an artificial turf installation Dr. Phillips where the homeowner was concerned about their bulldog's paws in the summer heat. We recommended a specific turf product with "CoolFlo" technology. These blades have a unique shape that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping the surface temperature up to 15% cooler than standard synthetic grass.
Regardless of the technology, we always advise owners to give the grass a quick spray with the hose before letting dogs out during the hottest part of the day (usually 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.).
What Maintenance Does Pet Turf Require?
Maintenance is simple and mostly involves removing solid waste and rinsing the area weekly. For deep cleaning, an enzyme cleaner once a month breaks down any lingering bacteria. You might need to brush the fibers with a stiff broom every few months to keep them standing tall, especially in high-traffic zones.
This is much easier than the weekly grind of mowing and edging. You just need to keep organic debris, like leaves from oak trees, off the turf so it doesn't decompose and block the drainage holes. A simple leaf blower works perfectly for this.
Is It Safe for Digging Dogs?
Pet turf is incredibly durable, but a determined dog can damage almost anything if left unsupervised. We reinforce the edges and seams specifically to deter digging. For heavy diggers, we can install a "dig guard" mesh under the turf or add extra spikes along the perimeter.
During an artificial turf installation Dr. Phillips, we often use a denser pile weight (60 to 80 ounces) for big dogs. This makes it much harder for them to get their claws into the backing to tear it up. If your dog is a notorious escape artist or digger, let us know during the estimate so we can plan for extra security measures around the fence line.
Ready to Ditch the Mud?
You don't have to choose between a happy dog and a beautiful backyard. With the right pet turf, you can have both.
If you want to see if pet turf is right for your home, call From the Ground Up Landscaping at (407) 501-2107. We'll come out, check your soil, and help you pick the perfect solution for your pets.