Speaking for all of us at the Five-Star team, we think dogs are pretty fantastic. Our canine companions have earned the title of man’s best friend for a reason. There’s nothing like playing chase or fetch with your best-furred friend out on the lawn, and that’s why we want to help Calgarians (both the human ones and the fluffy ones) have a great time this summer. Here’s how to keep your best-bud safe and your lawn looking great.

Go Organic.

I know what you’re thinking: Darn it Five-star, you guys have gotten on the organic-hippie-bs bandwagon too? But hear us out. Back in 2004, the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine linked the use of pesticides and herbicides on lawns to doggy-bladder cancer. We’re all for science and technology and using the best, most convenient tools available to us, but not if it means bladder cancer for Fido. Fortunately, there’s an alternative.

Encourage Lawn Excellence.

The healthiest, greenest lawns aren’t the ones with a ton of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, they’re the ones that receive excellent, natural lawn care. Grass with long, strong roots and that is well established should easily be able to out compete any weeds. So the first step to lawn excellence is to train your grass to grow longer roots. To start, aerate the soil every spring and fall. Aeration allows air and water to move through dirt easily, and that’s important for long root development.

Water your grass deeply rather than frequently. Wait until sunset to water, that way the heat won’t evaporate the moisture and your grass will have all night to drink up. You only need to water about once a week, but make sure that the earth is soaked 4-6 inches deep. The first few times you can use a timer and a shovel, so you’ll know how long to water for the rest of the summer. When water soaks deep into the ground, it encourages roots to grow longer. Quick, shallow waterings teach your lawn to have short roots in order to get as much water as possible before it all evaporates.

Finally, don’t over cut the lawn. We recommend adjusting the mower so that the grass is left a little longer. Also try to mow more frequently so that you’re never trimming off more than a third of the plant. Your slightly longer grass will not only be healthier, but it’ll also keep your soil cooler and have better water retention.

A happy dog and healthy lawn is the dream life, so don’t sacrifice either! Work with the experts at Five-Star Landscaping to get the best of both. Call us today.