A simple schedule by how hard the yard gets used, plus what changes in a heat wave and after rain.
Schedule by how the yard is used
| Your yard | Rinse | Odor treatment | Spray per month, 200 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light: one small dog, mostly walked elsewhere | Weekly | Monthly | about 0.6 gal ($6) |
| Moderate: one or two dogs using a set spot | Weekly | Every other week | about 2.7 gal ($27) |
| Heavy: three or more dogs, or a dog run | Weekly, more in summer | Weekly until stable, then every other week | about 5.4 gal ($54) |
Spray per month assumes a 200 square foot dog area at 0.4 oz per square foot for light use and 0.8 for moderate and heavy use. Dollar figures are at $10 a finished gallon of Urine Zero 10X; one jug makes 10 gallons, enough for eight moderate treatments of that area.
Signs you are due
- The yard smells on warm afternoons.
- It smells right after rain or watering.
- Seams and edges smell, or your dog starts using a new spot.
- Water puddles or drains slowly.
What changes with the seasons
Summer. Heat brings the smell out: turf surfaces have measured up to 169°F in the sun (UNLV). In a heat wave, treat hotspots every 7 to 10 days, always at dusk.
Rainy weeks. Light rain helps rinse. Heavy rain dilutes a recent treatment and can wake old residue, so re-treat busy spots once the surface drains.
Cool months. Monthly is usually enough unless the area gets heavy use.
How to treat
Soak to the depth the urine went, at dusk, and leave it damp overnight. Amounts, sprayer setup and the common mistakes are in how to apply a turf urine odor treatment.
Disclosure: Urine Zero publishes this page and sells one of the products in it.
FAQ: How often
Do I need to treat turf in winter?
Usually once a month is enough in cool months, unless the area gets heavy use.
Does rain clean the turf for me?
Light rain helps rinse. Heavy rain dilutes a recent treatment and can bring old smell back, so re-treat busy spots once the surface drains.
What does it cost to keep a dog yard fresh?
For a 200 square foot dog area with Urine Zero 10X at $10 a finished gallon: about $6 a month for light use, $27 for moderate and $54 for heavy.
How do I know the schedule is working?
The yard stays fresh on warm afternoons and after rain. Once it does, stretch heavy-use areas from weekly to every other week, then monthly.
Sources
- TigerTurf, How to prevent odours on artificial grass: a pet owner’s guide: hose down toileting spots weekly; avoid bleach and harsh cleaners, which can damage fibres and backing.
- UNLV, Study finds artificial turf may be too hot for summer use: turf surfaces up to 169°F, about 69°F hotter than irrigated grass and 62°F above air temperature (2006 to 2007).