There is a lot to consider when planting trees or plants. You need to consider soil pH, planting distance, sun exposure and many other factors before you head to your garden center.
And if you’re a four-legged pet owner, you’ll have more things to consider. You don’t want to bring toxic plants into your garden, nor do you want to be too delicate to withstand your dog’s outdoor needs.
We will try to help you decorate your backyard by sharing 11 plants and shrubs that will not mean a threat to your dog and are strong enough to coexist with canines.
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Best ground cover for dog potty area
They are all registered as non-toxic to dogs, so they shouldn’t cause illness if your dog decides to nibble on the leaves or flowers.
Keep in mind that any type of plant material can upset your dog’s gut and some dogs are more sensitive to plant material. In the event that you discover your dog chewing on plants, monitor him.
1. Tropical Hibiscus
There are a few hundred species of plants in the Hibiscus genus, but the majority of those you will see in garden centers are cultivars of Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Hibiscus are shrubs that grow to tree-like proportions, so make sure you have enough space for all these beautiful plants.
The plants don’t have to mean risk to your dog; the flowers of many varieties are edible.
2. Crepe myrtle
Crepe myrtles are better described as trees than shrubs, but they are easy to grow with regular pruning. This means you can prune them regularly to keep them small.
Regardless of how you prune them and how tall you allow them to grow, they are a great selection for gardens that accept pets. Crepe myrtles are sturdy and strong, and they are completely dog safe.
3. Hawthorn
You’ll find a number of hawthorns in the genus Crataegus that make excellent garden trees. There are many varieties available that are often used for hedges. Hawthorns have fruits that are edible, and they are also listed as safe.
Be aware that a few hawthorns have thorns that can injure your pet, avoid these types if possible.
4. Magnolia Shrub
There is a shrub-sized type of magnolia tree, although people imagine majestic trees whenever they hear the term magnolia. These make incredible additions to gardens with dogs, as they are hardy and non-toxic.
Magnolias have brilliant flowers, but they shed their leaves a lot. Be prepared to break your rake at least once with these shrubs.
5. Fig leaf palm
Also called castor oil plant or Japanese aralia, the fig leaf palm is an interesting plant for gardens. It can grow up to 7 feet tall, but most are smaller. All have large, glossy leaves and attractive clusters of flowers (known as umbrellas).
6. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a large dog-friendly shrub that can help give a tropical feel. They’re worth it, even if you’re going to need a little space.
They’re hardy, they’re not toxic to dogs, and the plant’s fruits can attract many birds.
Bamboo needs certain temperatures to thrive, and it will help increase the humidity inside your property, but you can also grow it indoors.
7. Basil
Basil is a modest plant, however, with proper care, dog owners have a number of different basil cultivars to choose from. But some show different colors, and others have a different taste or an unconventional shape.
Basil is a superb alternative for dog owners, as it is not only an attractive plant, but also benign. Besides, it is wonderful to have a supply of basil to use in cooking.
8. Banana trees
Banana trees are considered by many to be hardy trees. But they don’t actually create any sterile tissue, and their “trunks” are also made up of leafy stems, so they don’t fit the biological definition of a shrub.
They grow a lot, so they are not perfect for all locations. They are dog safe and they are strong enough to withstand your dog’s comings and goings.
9. Oregon Grape
The Oregon grape is an interesting plant for dogs, and native to the Pacific Northwest.
Often it has the appearance of a small tree with several trunks, but it rarely grows higher than 6 feet, so it will work in many situations where a tree is needed. This plant will not have reasonably spiny leaflets, but they will generally rise above the “dog’s stature” so they should not pose a threat to most dogs.
Oregon grape produces dark blue or purple fruit (the ones in the photo above are not yet ripe). These fruits are edible (a few people now make jam from them), but they are not grapes at all.
10. Golden Bells
Also known as its genus Forsythia, golden bells are striking flowers that immediately attract attention. Some gardeners plant them as ornamental plants and to inject a splash of color.
Note that golden bells are deciduous crops, so each winter they will shed most of their leaves. This may or may not affect your choice to use them. But no matter how you choose to arrange the golden bells, they should not cause health problems for your dog.
11. Boston Fern
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) goes by many names, such as feather hands and sword fern, among others. This plant, a compact, hardy fern prefers moist locations, and it grows in the marshes of its own native lands. This usually means it won’t bloom in some areas, but it’s a fantastic option for anyone living in the southeast.
Since it is smaller than many shrubs, the Boston fern is a superb selection for small spaces. It can grow to about 0.9 m tall, but many specimens remain smaller than that.
Will dogs pee on the gravel?
Create an area of gravel that your dog can use as a potty. Lay down sand or other material that will drain well and cover it with clean gravel. … When your dog pees on the gravel, the urine should drain through the gravel and the sand underneath into the soil. This will eliminate the need to water the area as frequently.
Can you put wood shavings in a dog house?
Wood chips – especially those made from cedar or pine – are another safe option for most dogs. Cedar and pine shavings have anti-insect qualities, which will help keep fleas and other bugs out of your dog’s home, and they also provide excellent insulation and comfort for your dog.
