Creating a pet-friendly environment that minimizes wear and tear on your yard can be challenging. If you’re tired of pet-related blemishes ruining your landscaping, consider hardscaping. Here are 3 pros and 3 cons of hardscaping.
Pros:
#1 Less digging
Dogs who enjoy digging can cause serious headaches for their owners. Hardscaping is an easy way to prevent dogs and neighborhood wildlife from digging up your yard.
#2 Healthy landscaping
Hardscaping minimizes mowing and pet-related damage. In particular, pet urine can be disastrous for your lawn — brown spots and dead plants will ruin any attractive landscape. If you have multiple pets, a hardscape can considerably enhance the look of your yard.
#3 Easy to maintain
A flat hardscape is easier to keep clean. When choosing a hardscape, be sure to opt for a material that is smooth and simple to maintain.
Cons:
#1 Potential stains
While concrete and other types of hardscaping are easy to clean, they can be vulnerable to stains. Make sure to choose a darker material that doesn’t yield stains. Also, consider applying a sealant in frequently “used” areas.
#2 Lots of care
Pets naturally prefer softer areas for sleeping. Hardscaping can make it difficult for your pet to relax. If you decide to adopt hardscaping, make sure to provide your pet with outdoor bedding.
#3 Less natural appeal
A well-balanced landscape that incorporates both traditional and hardscape features can be aesthetically pleasing. But, too much hardscaping can detract from your yard’s inviting appearance. While hardscaping offers various benefits to pet owners, it’s important to consider the aesthetics involved in landscape design as well.
Conclusion
Hardscaping is a fantastic way to minimize yard maintenance. But, it’s also important to balance hardscaping with lush, easy-to-maintain plants. Take some time to research pet-friendly yards in order to get some ideas for your own home.
Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.