Dirt is an inevitable part of having a backyard with dogs. While it’s easy enough to sweep up the occasional mess, eventually the dirt will accumulate and become an eyesore. Luckily, there are cheap and easy ways to cover up dirt in your backyard so that it doesn’t ruin the look of your outdoor space.
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5 Cheap ways to cover dirt in your backyard with dogs
In this list, we’ll explore five cheap ways to cover dirt in your backyard so that it’s more aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain.
Cover the dirt with mulch
This is by far the most affordable and easy way to cover dirt in your backyard. All you need is a bag or two of mulch, which you can find at any home improvement store or even on amazon.
Spread the mulch around the area where the dirt is most prominent and voila! You’ve instantly made your backyard look neater and more put together. Not only does it avoid mud tracks but it also works as an air freshener.
There are many different types of mulch, so be sure to choose one that is best suited for your needs. For example, if you’re worried about weeds, opt for a cedar mulch which naturally deters them.
Our recommendation is natural cheddar shavings by Wood Smith USA Store. They have a great subtle cedar scent that will keep your backyard smelling fresh!
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find and spread
- Helps with weed control and smells great
- Needs to be replaced every few months
Take a look at this video where they used pine shavings to avoid muddy tracks from their dogs. This will give your a better idea of how to mulch your backyard!
Plant ground cover
Another cheap and easy way to cover dirt in your backyard is by planting ground cover. This will not only improve the appearance of your outdoor space but it will also help to prevent erosion.
Important to note, if your dog is a digger, you’ll want to make sure that the ground cover you choose is not something that they will be able to easily dig up. St. Augustine, for example, is a popular ground cover choice for yards with dogs because it has deep roots that are difficult to dig up. (1)
Ground covers do however require a lot of maintenance, so be prepared to water and weed regularly. If you’d rather not deal with the upkeep, consider one of the other options on this list.
- Great appearance
- Helps with erosion
- Can be difficult for dogs to dig up
- High maintenance
Here is a helpful video that will help you choose the best ground cover for your needs:
Use pavers or gravel
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider using pavers or gravel to cover the dirt in your backyard. This is a great option if you have dogs that like to dig because it’s not something that they’ll be able to easily destroy.
Pavers can get expensive, so opt for gravel if you’re on a tight budget. You can find gravel at any home improvement store or online. Just be sure to get enough to cover the area completely.
- Permanent
- High in protein (74% min)
- More expensive than other options
Use artificial turf
If you’re really not a fan of dirt and are looking for a low-maintenance option, consider using artificial turf. This is an expensive option up front, but it will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to deal with the upkeep.
Artificial turf is also great if you have dogs that like to dig because they won’t be able to destroy it. The costs of an artifical turf is around 2$ per square foot, so be sure to calculate how much you’ll need before making a purchase.
We recommend Amazon’s PET GROW PG1-4 Artificial Grass Rug. It’s a high-quality artificial turf that will last you for years. It’s made for pets to pee on, so you don’t have to worry about stains either!
- Permanent
- Low-maintenance
- Dogs can't destroy it
- More expensive than other options
Use a landscape barrier
This may not be the most asthetically pleasing option, but it’s another cheap and easy way to cover dirt in your backyard. All you need is a landscape barrier, which you can find at any home improvement store or online.
Simply lay the barrier down over the area of dirt that you want to cover and secure it with landscape staples. This will create a barrier between the dirt and your yard, which will help to prevent erosion and mud tracks.
Our recommendation is SUWUYUE 125gsm Weed Barrier on amazon.com. It’s made of high-quality fabric that will last you for years.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Helps with erosion
- Not the most attractive option
Final thoughts – Cheap way to cover dirt in backyard with dogs
There are a few cheap and easy ways to cover dirt in your backyard if you have dogs. You can plant ground cover, use pavers or gravel, use artificial turf, or use a landscape barrier. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to take the time to properly prepare the area before you begin. This will help to ensure that your project is a success. We hope that this article has been helpful!
