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Landscape Design

Los Angeles Dog Owner

6 years ago

Hi, I have an 80lbs Shepard and a 55lbs Pit. I live in LA (Northridge - 91324) and wanted to know what type of sod I should buy for my lawn. I have seen a ton of articles with advice pointing in every which way. I'm hoping someone here will have experience and not just expertise. I'm leaning more towards Bermuda or Marathon. My only reservation with Marathon grass is the water consumption, but I don't want to dismiss it if it will withstand dog traffic better than Bermuda. Thanks in advance!

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
I hate to tell you but NO type of sod or turf grass will hold up well to routine or heavy dog traffic. Artificial turf is your best bet.
Embothrium
6 years ago
Yes, the kind of grass has little bearing on this.
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emmarene9
6 years ago
I think it depends on whether you want an attractive lawn or whether you simply want to keep your dogs from walking on bare soil or mud when it rains. I've had dogs and lawn at the same time but the dogs were my priority and the lawn just kept the dust down. If you know how to keep the grass within bounds then Bermuda would be best. I've seen a big Pit run zoomies on Bermuda lawn almost daily and the lawn survived.

I am not a pro so my remarks are made on my own experience in northern California with lawn and dogs. I should say that both homes I lived in had large back yards and if the lawn you have is a tiny patch it may not withstand dog predation.
Landon Crews thanked emmarene9
Landon Crews
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you much for the comments, everyone. I really appreciate the feedback. Since we are renters I will plan to do this right before we move. I'm doing it because the landlords we have are really good to us and we want to return the favor.
Kim in PL (SoCal zone 10/Sunset 24)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
If you have priced both, and are willing to pay for either one, ask the landlord which they prefer. Of the two, Bermuda is probably tougher. My daughter has Bermuda in her back yard and her large German Shepherd mix likes to rip and run. There is not much grass remaining though the Bermuda makes a valiant effort to grow.

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