What can I plant next to the curb

Question

Dog urine and feces on my corner lot is killing my grass. What can I plant next to the curb to keep my neighbors from using my yard as a dog park?

Answer 1

If you have an HOA, I would also recommend bringing the issue up to them. To avoid an in-your-face conflict, you can stress that animal feces left to disintegrate (rather than disposed of) creates a community health hazard, not only to the local water supply but in the kinds of pests (like intestinal worms - yuck) and pathogens that it can carry. Stress this is not something you want children exposed to (let alone your yard ;) ). Perhaps a note from the HOA is in order to remind people of this. You are likely not the only person in the area with this issue and the offenders are likely a few inconsiderate individuals.

Here are some reliable sources that you can present:
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/giam/fyn/florida_friendly_yards/pet_waste.html

http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?PETCOLID=343&URL=0

http://www.cascobay.usm.maine.edu/pdfs/dog.pdf

Answer 2

I am not sure on what side of the sidewalk you are looking at, but planting something that is low growing and uncomfortable, such as groundcover roses or barberry will help.

Sometimes, just planting anything at all will help. People tend to think of grass as public space, but a cultivated bed with flowers or veggies is considered private space.

You may also find that a polite sign helps. Actually, many water services (whoever sends your water bill) will provide a sign for free, as animal waste in the yard leeches into the water supply and creates a health hazard.

Answer 3

Thanks Heather.
There are no sidewalks just my yard and the curb on the main thoroughfare through the subdivision. I didn't mind when neighbors let their dogs go on the grass by the curb but they let the dogs go across my entire yard and into the beds right next to my house. It's a wide expanse and was shocking for me to see people blatantly trespass and then leave the feces for me to step in. You are right about nothing growing next to the curb being an invitation. I'll ask the HOA about the signs too and plant the 100 ft. long stretch and 75 ft. in front of the house. Hopefully the urine won't kill the plantings. Corner lots suck! Thanks for the good advice.