Grass Growing Tips with Natura®
Grasses for Every Climate
You have many choices when it comes to grasses for your dog yard, and Natura can protect any of them from wear. However, you will likely see best results when you select the right grass for your use and your climate.
Then install Natura over the grass or seed to give you an unmatched level of protection from the wear of paw traffic.
First, take into account if your climate needs a warm-season grass, a cool-season grass or a blend
Warm-Season Grasses:
Cool-Season Grasses:
For cooler regions (like the northern United States), grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass would be ideal. These grasses have the ability to stay lush through cold weather and manage moderate paw traffic wear.
Blended Grasses (Transition Zone):
In some areas and situations you might want to mix warm and cool-season grasses to create a more versatile lawn that adapts to seasonal changes.
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring:
A great time to seed and overseed. Even if Natura is already installed you can seed through it (called over seeding). This is also a great time to add fertilizers to prepare the grass for the active season ahead.
Summer:
Heat stress and lack of water are the main things to prepare for during the summer months in most areas. If you are going to water your yard, do not do so during the middle of the day when a lot of the water will evaporate.
[note]: Natura will not get hot in the summer heat like traditional turf. The perforated design and the grass blades that have grown through it will keep the surface cool to the touch (similar to the ambient temperature).
Fall:
“Fall feeding” is encouraged in most climates. By seeding the yard and giving it the nutrients it needs to snap back after winter dormancy you will have a head start come spring.
Winter:
Most grasses are dormant during the winter months and when you have Natura installed it will help keep the dormant grasses from being worn down when they are not regenerating on their own.
[tip] Get a jump on spring seeding by over-seeding during the last snow of the season. As the snow melts it will keep the ground wet when the seeds drop to the ground, and with the last thaw, the ground it ready to accept new seeds.
Maintenance Tips for Yards Protected by Natura
The blade height of Natura is not quite 1″ tall, which should be well shorter than the height of your mower blades. As grass grows through, mow as you normally would. Here are a few more tips to make sure the hybrid turf has a long life protecting your grass.
Installation
When installing Natura be sure that the edges are secured well to the ground. If an edge is flipping up, put some topsoil on it to keep it down
Before Mowing
We recommend a quick visual inspection of the area that is covered by Natura before mowing. What you are looking for are areas that might have come loose and are flipping up or areas that varmints may have chewed through it or raised it up from underneath. Flatten everything, then you are ready to mow without issues.
Watering
Every climate is different, and many municipalities now have guidance on how and how often to water. As a general rule of thumb you’ll want the area to remain slightly wet while you are growing grass. This can be accomplished by light watering at a time of day that the water will have the least evaporation.
Wear & Tear
Periodic inspections are best to stay ahead of the game. Also, a thick bed of grass will help protect the Natura from wearing, just as Natura will protect the grass from wearing – they will work together.
At times the Natura will get worn or torn. Natura is a plastic based product that has thousands of small blades that can get worn in the highest of traffic locations. If you do have an area that is showing wear, you can easily repair it by cutting out the worn area, then cutting out the same size peice of new Natura and anchoring the new piece into place. Don’t forget to seed under it before installing and keeping it wet until the grass grows through.
Your fix will take minutes to complete and will cost little.
To Sod, or To Seed?
A question we hear often is “when should I seed” with Natura? We also hear the question about, “Will Natura work on top of sod?” Hopefully this will help you make the right choice for your dog area.
Seed Before Install
We highly recommend seeding before you install Natura. Find a grass seed that will work in your climate and in your yard area. You’ll want to do a little prep work to get the seeds to take. This means rough up the topsoil with a hard rake, apply the seeds, apply a little more topsoil and keep the area slightly wet. Natura can install directly over a seeded yard and the water will help soften the soil for the anchors to go in place easier.
Overseeding
If you already have Natura on the ground, you can seed over it (through it). Just spread seeds across the area and keep it slightly wet until the plants begin to germinate.
Sod
Natura also works great on sod. While it seems odd to put a hybrid turn on a new patch of sod, Natura will be the protective layer for that fresh sod so it does not wear down. The grass will find its way up through the perforation of the Natura and lock the hybrid turf in place. For grasses like St Augustine, this is how you can use Natura and this type of grass that is not available in seed
Trusted by dog daycare and dog owners
You will find Natura installed across the country. It is designed to protect the ground from paw traffic and it will also protect your business or home from mud being tracked in.
Most dogs totally ignore it, others get use to it within hours. And once grass grows through, it virtually disappears to the eye – while still protecting the grass.
Natura is Available in Multiple Sizes
Ready to Buy?
Our online store is open 24/7. Shop now to learn more about the 3 sizes we have available. We fulfill orders quickly and ship directly to you.
Want to talk about your mud problem?
We get it, this is a totally new way of thinking about getting rid of mud and still having a healthy yard. If you want someone from Natura to contact you, just fill out the form below and we’ll be glad to contact you directly.