i have 3 dogs they have distroyed my yard its mud what can i do i had fake grass and its full of dirt also it stinks of pee what can i do thats really cheap to lay on the mud it all comes in my house as dirt and mud
Hello @mishy1
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your backyard.
Three dogs can certainly be tough on a backyard, especially during winter when the ground stays wet. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to make the area cleaner, easier to maintain, and much more comfortable for both you and your dogs.
If your artificial grass is holding urine, dirt and mud, it's worth lifting it up and giving it a thorough clean with a pet odour remover or a cleaner designed specifically for synthetic turf. A pressure washer can also help remove built-up grime. However, if the turf is badly worn or torn, I'd recommend removing it altogether, as urine and dirt can become trapped in the backing and base, making it difficult to eliminate lingering odours.
Once the old turf has been removed, one of the most affordable long-term solutions is to compact a layer of road base or crusher dust, then cover it with 30–60mm of 20mm drainage gravel or rounded river pebbles. This creates a firm, free-draining surface that won't turn into mud after rain, is easy to hose clean, and doesn't retain odours the way artificial grass can. It will also make a huge difference to the amount of dirt being tracked into the house.
If your dogs have favourite running paths, you could also lay a few inexpensive concrete pavers to create durable walkways, particularly from the back door to the main yard. This simple addition can further reduce the amount of mud and gravel carried indoors.
To help keep urine odours under control, hose the area regularly and apply Richgro 10kg Natural Garden Lime (not hydrated lime) over the gravel or soil every few weeks. It can help neutralise odours and is an inexpensive option, but be sure to follow the application rates on the bag, as excessive use can upset the soil balance. If odours persist, a pet-specific outdoor deodoriser can also be worthwhile.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Let me also extend a warm welcome to the community @mishy1.
I trust you found Eric's reply very helpful.
Can I also suggest you share some photos of your backyard with the community so members can see what you are working with. Our community is very helpful but members will be in a much better position to be able to share advice if they can see your backyard.
Thanks,
Jason
