|
|
Post by Jane and Sara on Jan 5, 2009 9:45:19 GMT -5
I'm considering the huge investment of Astro turf and would welcome any views on how it stands up to dog pee and poo. I've four dogs peeing in the garden and don't want it to smell in the summer. Thanks in advance!
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyb on Jan 5, 2009 10:52:18 GMT -5
Our back is paved and 3 of the 4 dogs HATE to go on it with a vengence. The back is gated from the front so we started to let them on there to use it as a toilet  (they get 3 walks a day so its not used masses) but it ruined the grass and it stank so last spring bank we astro turfed it. It was hard work, laid it ourselves but it looks great. However, I found it hard to keep smelling fresh in summer and wouldn't like it outside my back door. I tried all sorts but found bio washing powder best, well rinsed off afterwards. I think the problem is that you use weed supression fabric under it which makes a perfect layer between it and the grass for wee to sit and fester. I did try chucking a bucket of water over every wee but was still disappointed by how much it smelt. We also used one which is filled with sand on the advice of the grass company and again this makes a good wee catcher  . Not had sloppy poo on it but just use kitchen paper to wipe off poo residues and obviously it gets cleaned regularly so its not a problem. I'd be interested to know how people with it at the back find it. The only other negatives are that it is slippy when wet, had some sliding dogs when they decided to run on it and as it's the front we get loads of people staring over the low fence at it trying to decide if it is or isn't  But it's lovely not having to cut it and it always looks great even if I can't say same for the smell! |
|
|
|
Post by Houndlover on Jan 5, 2009 11:39:39 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Jane and Sara on Jan 5, 2009 11:56:42 GMT -5
I'm bringing this up again because the people who are going to do it claim it will not smell as it will stand on a free draining base of scalpings which will then drain into a soakaway (basically a large hole full of pea shingle to deal with any drainage issues). They dig down about 6 inches for the drainage - wondering if anyone has had done like this - which sounds pretty good but obviously makes it very expensive.
|
|
Brynfan
Added to favourites
Posts: 176
|
Post by Brynfan on Jan 5, 2009 16:10:41 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyb on Jan 5, 2009 17:29:52 GMT -5
What great pics. Ours is laid on compacted soil then sand then weed supression fabric. Surprisingly the sand in the grass never sticks to their feet or our shoes which amazed me. The advantage for us of using the sand method it that it makes it very heavy as being on the front I was a little worried at first that we might get up one morning and someone had pinched it overnight It's got the fence sitting on it on 2 sides for the same reason! Jane, I'm a bit confused as it needs a firm smooth surface to be laid on, does their method give this? It's supposed to be flattened with a heavy roller before laying. I do wonder whether if it was well weedkillered first if you could get away without the weed fabric as it definately traps the wee after it's gone through the holes in the grass. |
|
|
|
Post by Jane and Sara on Jan 6, 2009 4:52:40 GMT -5
Great pictures! Thanks vickyanne for your comments - they haven't mentioned weed fabric - but they have done quite a lot - so must know what they are doing! They have suggested installing an automatic sprinkler as well which would be good!
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyb on Jan 6, 2009 5:02:28 GMT -5
Great pictures! Thanks vickyanne for your comments - they haven't mentioned weed fabric - but they have done quite a lot - so must know what they are doing! They have suggested installing an automatic sprinkler as well which would be good! I would bite their hand off for an automated sprinker system, definately the way to go  This must be an arm and a leg to have done Have you seen some they've done and spoken to the people to see if they are satisfied? Might be better than our comments on ones which seem to have been done a little differently. |
|
|
|
Post by Jane and Sara on Jan 6, 2009 5:18:27 GMT -5
I've heard second hand that owners were pleased - but not managed to find anyone local with FOUR dogs peeing etc!!!!!!! Yes, it is a major commitment which is why I am being a wimp about making a decision!
|
|
|
|
Post by vickyb on Jan 6, 2009 5:23:59 GMT -5
I'd ask them if they could put you in touch with some customers and go have a chat and a look I'm sure someone would oblige. After all it's what you would do if you were having building work done.
|
|
