So, you want to go the extra mile and make your turf last?

A lush and vibrant turf can greatly enhance the duration you get from your turf and prolong the time period in changing it over. However, achieving and maintaining a healthy turf requires some care and attention. In this post, we will explore some essential tips to help you maintain a beautiful and resilient turf.

1. Adequate Watering: Watering is vital for maintaining a healthy turf, but it's important to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to shallow root growth and drowning of the root system, while under-watering can result in a stressed and weakened turf whilst not flushing through the dog’s mess. Ideally, water your turf early in the morning to minimise evaporation and fungal diseases. When and how much water provided is dependent heavily on what the climate in your area is doing, i.e. in hot, dry climates water should be more frequent as opposed to the colder, wetter months of the year. We recommend using a moisture meter to determine how wet or dry the turf and soil is, which will indicate when it needs watering. 

2. Adequate Drainage: It’s imperative to allow the potty to effectively drain out any excess water that is not absorbed by the root system. Ensure you have pierced enough holes/slits in the plastic potty liner that evenly covers the potty. Without proper drainage, the root system will either be flooded - meaning the turf cannot effectively absorb and process your dog’s mess (causing smell), and or drown the root system - causing the turf to die prematurely.

3. Fertilisation: Applying the right type and amount of fertiliser can greatly assist turf health. Apply fertilisers at the recommended times, to promote healthy growth, but avoid excessive use, as it can lead to nutrient runoff. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser packaging for best results.

4. Regular Aeration: Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration into the root zone. It helps to alleviate soil compaction, promotes root growth, and enhances overall turf health. You can do this using a manual aerator. This practice is particularly beneficial due to the high ‘traffic’ the dog provides the turf.

5. Weed Control: Weeds can quickly invade and dominate a turf if left unchecked. Always keep an eye out for these and remove when necessary.

6. Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks such as removing debris/dog’s mess and over-seeding bare spots can also greatly contribute to its overall health and appearance.

By following these simple tips, including watering, fertilisation, aeration, weed control, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a vibrant and resilient turf that enhances the beauty and functionality of your Real Grass Puppy Potty.