We removed our lawn last year and started a clover lawn, mostly for the backyard chickens.
However, this year the clover has not been successful.
We have 3 dogs who like to run and chase squirrels on the power line above…normally it’s fine, but we had a lot of rain (muddy conditions) so the clover was ripped up by the dogs’ craziness. The pollinator plants around the pool have been killed by the boy dog urine.
What’s a solution? Mulch and wildflowers? I’m afraid the planting season is over since it’s getting hot.
by adam5280
2 Comments
I love this looks so cozy
This is tricky, because it’s easy to accidentally plant lawn alternatives that may be toxic to dogs. Clover is softer and does get ripped up by dogs very often. What about a blend of mulched path areas with native plant clumps scattered throughout? Dog urine may kill some, but they are quite hardy and I think would be pretty resilient.
Some native plants that are nontoxic to dogs (as far as I know):
– new england aster
– catmint
– most coreopsis
– Pennsylvania sedge (good grass sub)
– little blue stem
– switchgrass (tall grass alternative, does spread quite a bit)