Clover vs Grass Lawn

Our dogs destroyed our lawn.

How would you like a lush green lawn that holds up to dog urine?

Clover and grass lawn — courtesy of the author

In Southern California, the drought persists and our water restrictions are becoming more severe in my community. Our summers can hit over 100 for 3–4 days in a row. To ensure we stay within our water budget, the lawn does not get enough water to stay green.

Pathetic lawn — courtesy of the author

In addition, we have two dogs weighing 70 pounds each that basically gouge holes in our lawn while they engage in playful activity or cause burn areas where they urinate.

Morty and Opal enjoying what’s left of our lawn — courtesy of the author

So my husband and I began to search for solutions. We (mostly my husband) would dig up a 6x10 foot area, replace it with special lawn soil (found at Lowes) and reseed the area, lay down top soil, put up a portable fence so the dogs could not trample the new seed, then water it regularly. We tried Bermuda, Fescue, St. Augustine and Zyosia grass seeds. After 4–5 weeks, the area would look beautifully green and we would move the fence to the next major trouble spot.