Re: I need some suggestions for a muddy yard

Anonymous · ‎03-08-2009

I live in WA where it rains all the time. My backyard looks like it could be used for mud wrestling.

There is a small brick patio right outside my backdoor. From the edge of that there is only dirt in a 6 X 6 patch where it looks like no grass has ever been sown.

Then against the side of the house is a 20 X 4 length of dirt that in another time was a garden.

I moved here in September so I have not had the chance to do anything.

Problem is, I have to let my dog outside. Not only has he run around the edge of the yard so many times that it has beat the grass to death, he plays in the dirt/mud.

There is no way to hose him down before he comes in. One it is too cold, another there is no faucet outside.

This spring, if we ever get one, I was going to put down more brick and resod the grass. That may be a long way off since it was snowing again today.

Any suggestions, besides getting rid of Meatball, as to what I could do to save not only my floors, but what is left of the yard?

I was thinking of some sort of gravel but I would want to get rid of it later.

Anonymous · ‎03-08-2009

You could gravel over lanscape fabric. The fabric keeps the gravel from burying itself in the mud but allow water to seep through. You could also use a fake grass product over a drainage mat. I am curious myself how this would work as a dog 'potty' area. Wondering how easy to clean up the droppings.

demi · ‎03-09-2009

My sister is planning a dog run with Astroturf...getting used stuff. I have heard dogs like pea gravel.

Starting Score: EQ 679, TU 697
Current Score: EQ 680, TU 672
Goal Score: EQ 720, TU 720

Take the FICO Fitness Challenge

Anonymous · ‎03-09-2009

That is a good idea. I did not even think of landscape fabric with gravel. It is only a temporary fix until it dries out so I can add on to the patio and plant a garden.

I was taking leave next week to get the garden going but with it still snowing, probably not a good idea.

I can go get the fabric and gravel to take care of the mess.

Most of the yard is intact. My dog will have plenty of places to do his business so that will not be an issue.

I am also hoping the gravel will keep him from digging. Still a puppy so he finds all kinds of things to get into.

Last night he got very muddy and tracked it in again. I had him out in the garage until he dried up some.

When I went to get him, bless his soul, he got into my 40lb bag of garden dirt, ripped it apart and had dirt every where.

demi · ‎03-09-2009

My old roomate had a formal backyard with walkways, rose garden area, pond, etc. All of the walkways were done with fabric and gravel...it was no problem to pick up the doggie presents (two dogs), and its been at least 10 years. Perhaps at some point you would have to replace some gravel, but she hasn't had to yet.

Starting Score: EQ 679, TU 697
Current Score: EQ 680, TU 672
Goal Score: EQ 720, TU 720

Take the FICO Fitness Challenge

Junejer · ‎03-09-2009

My Golden Retriever used to love to dig in my rock beds, as a puppy. He also used to displace all of the rocks and chew on some of them. Every single day, I would have to go out and put back dozens of rocks into the rock bed--little bastage.

Good thing about that though, is that the gravel garden or rock bed won't be a place for him to do his bidness. He will at least be confined somewhat in that regard.