Dog owners know the struggle: those ugly yellow or brown patches on your once-green lawn. Lawn burn happens when concentrated nitrogen in dog urine “over-fertilizes” the grass, killing it. While many fixes exist—from special diets to pricey lawn repair kits—most are either time-consuming or expensive.
That’s where my grandpa’s trick comes in. It’s cheap, fast, and incredibly easy: just use baking soda.
Why Lawn Burn Happens
Dog urine contains urea, which breaks down into nitrogen. While grass needs nitrogen, too much in one spot (especially from repeated urination) causes burn. The type of grass and how hydrated your dog is also play roles.
Why Other Fixes Fail
Changing your dog’s diet may not help much. Lawn repair products can take weeks and cost a fortune. Reseeding doesn’t always blend well with existing grass. Most solutions treat the symptoms—not the cause.
Grandpa’s 5-Minute Hack: Baking Soda
This is all you need:
- Baking soda neutralizes the excess nitrogen and balances soil pH.
- It works instantly—just sprinkle it on the affected patch and lightly water it in.
- No scrubbing, reseeding, or mixing needed.
How to Apply It
- Find the yellow/brown spots.
- Sprinkle a handful of baking soda evenly over the area.
- Lightly water to help it absorb.
- Let it sit—no raking or scrubbing required.
- Repeat as needed.
Why It Works
Baking soda is alkaline, so it reduces soil acidity and neutralizes nitrogen buildup. The grass can recover quickly—often within days.
What Pet Owners Are Saying
Dog owners who’ve tried this are amazed. One woman said her lawn looked green again in just a week. Others love how easy and cheap it is—no more overpriced treatments.
Bonus: Preventing Future Lawn Burn
- Train your dog to use a gravel patch.
- Make sure they drink plenty of water (diluted urine = less damage).
- Water your lawn regularly to keep nitrogen levels balanced.
Final Word:
Skip the pricey products and confusing solutions. Grab some baking soda and let Grandpa’s no-fuss fix bring your lawn back to life.