I am creating fenced pet bathroom areas for our new park. I want to use some type of ground cover that never needs mowing, won't hide pet poop & is safe for pets. Any ideas?

What zone are you?

KeraDawn, the list ---as per any zone---is practically endless and I suggest you put
"pet friendly groundcover" into your browser window.
There are a couple of well-defined answers there.

Of course, groundcovers, being annual or perennial have a season...what happens when the plants go into dormancy and disappear under a coat of snow....if that happens, or where said plants would disappear under the ground in winter.

Ever considered using White Dutch Clover...never needs fertilizing...and only minimal mowing--and can be cut very short.
Its tough so dogs wont tear it up easily and what's good about it, it never shows the effects of urine.
Look into it and make an informed decision.

how about pea gravel? Soft on the paws, easy to keep cleaned up....

If you're talking about a park where there are going to be lots of dogs... good luck with anything that stays green... unless you're planning to stand in the middle hosing down the doggie-wee-wee so it doesn't kill everything... Not to mention the foot traffic from the pets and thier masters....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Iowa MLE,

That will work if I can't find a suitable plant. Our community is small enough that I want to start with a living ground cover.
I forgot to say that drought tolerant plants are preferred.

Kera, it really helps to know where you live.

I have to say, you may be asking for the impossible. Even the dog parks here in Southern CA WITH irrigation have trouble with ground covers surviving the abuse a dog park can offer.

Maybe you can think of multiple areas...like some of the ones here will have sand piles or piles of shredded bark, and areas with pea gravel, areas with grass and trails...but you may be fighting a losing battle.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Wabbit,

yep, I'd do dirt on the inside fenced area and landscape the perimeter for color. A couple trees should be planted as well so the dogs have shade in the heat of summer... and here they build some pergolas with chairs and/or benches beneath so the pet OWNER's have some shade too! good luck with it...

This is not helping! Everyone knows rock or dirt will work. I am looking for some NEW or DIFFERENT ideas!

Geeze. hope you find what you are looking for.

quote:

I am creating fenced pet bathroom areas for our new park. I want to use some type of ground cover that never needs mowing, won't hide pet poop & is safe for pets.

decomposed granite! no ground cover will withstand overuse, or dog P
gravel will trap leaves and other debris/ have you considered astroturf

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dogs&kids,

Kera, how many times do you need to be asked what zone you are in? That makes a lot of difference when asking for advice.