Plant one flower in your lawn to make grass dog-friendly and less patchy

We all dream of having that perfect, evergreen lawn, but let's be honest, it's not always achievable. Especially with the scorching weather we've had this summer, you might have spotted some unsightly yellow patches cropping up as the grass starts to wither, leaving your lawn looking less than its best.

If you're a dog owner, you might find the situation even more dire. Dogs' urine is packed with nitrogen, which means when they relieve themselves on your lawn, they can obliterate patches of grass, causing it to turn yellow and wilt. Although plants need nitrogen, too much in one spot acts like a burn, wreaking havoc on your lawn.

It may seem like a lost cause trying to maintain a lush lawn with a pooch around, but there's a trick that could save the day. Introducing a certain bloom into your grass might just keep your lawn from going patchy and ward off those yellow spots.

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A TikTokuser named Kate has revealed this garden hack. She suggests that lawn perfectionists would "hate" her for dotting this particular flower across her grass.

While it might be a no-no for those after flawless turf, it could be a godsend for anyone wanting a more hands-off approach to their garden. Kate disclosed her plans to plant micro clover in her lawn as a defence against her dogs turning her grass into a yellow wasteland.

She remarked: "The hot weather, having a paddling pool out constantly, and two dogs weeing on [the lawn] is taking its toll and it's now looking really patchy. It's been suggested that I follow the dogs around with a watering can to dilute their wee, but with two dogs, a toddler, and a newborn, the chance of that happening is absolutely zero.

"So, instead, I've decided to plant micro clover in my lawn. Micro clover is supposed to be more dog wee resistant than grass, more drought tolerant, and better for pollinators."

Micro clover is a diminutive strain of Dutch white clover, renowned for being the tiniest type of clover available. It's engineered to stay low, grow evenly, and produce fewer blooms compared to traditional clover.

Kate's video has garnered a wave of support from viewers who are big fans of the clover lawn idea, with numerous green-fingered followers sharing their own success stories. A fellow gardening enthusiast commented: "I added clover to my lawn two years ago and this year it looked absolutely beautiful. The bees have loved it!".

How to care for a lawn

1. Mowing

• Mow regularly: Keep grass at the recommended height for your grass type (usually 2.5–4 inches)
• Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time
• Keep mower blades sharp for a clean cut

2. Watering

• Water deeply and infrequently: Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall
• Water early in the morning to minimise evaporation and disease risk
• Avoid light, frequent watering, which encourages shallow roots

3. Fertilising

• Fertilise according to your grass type and local climate (usually 2–4 times per year)
• Use a slow-release fertiliser for steady growth
• Follow label instructions to avoid over-fertilising

4. Weed Control

• Remove weeds by hand or use a selective herbicide
• Maintain a thick, healthy lawn to crowd out weeds naturally

5. Aeration

• Aerate your lawn once a year (spring or fall) to relieve soil compaction and improve root growth
• Use a core aerator for best results

6. General Tips

• Remove leaves and debris regularly
• Edge along sidewalks and driveways for a neat appearance
• Adjust care based on your grass type (cool-season vs. warm-season grasses)