Unwanted animal activity can wreak havoc on your carefully maintained yard. From torn-up grass to damaged garden beds, digging animals such as raccoons, moles, and skunks can be more than a nuisance. Fortunately, professional landscaping services can provide expert solutions to prevent and manage such issues before they escalate. With the right strategies in place, you can protect your outdoor space and maintain a beautiful, functional landscape all year round.
Why Do Animals Dig in Your Yard?
Animals typically dig in lawns for food, mainly grubs, worms, and insects hiding beneath the surface. Raccoons are known for flipping over turf, while moles create unsightly tunnels. Skunks also dig small holes in search of larvae. While this behavior doesn’t always mean you have a grub infestation, a consistent presence of animals may indicate a recurring food source in your yard.
How Many Grubs Are Too Many?
A healthy lawn can tolerate a few grubs per square foot. However, if your yard exceeds five grubs per square foot, you may begin to notice significant lawn damage, such as brown patches and thinning grass. An average lawn size of 5,000 square feet could mean up to 25,000 grubs, a level inviting animal intrusions. Rather than relying on harsh chemicals, consider consulting landscaping contractors who can evaluate the issue and offer environmentally responsible grub control methods.
Effective Ways to Prevent Animals from Digging in Your Yard
1. Keep Your Lawn Well-Maintained
A thick, healthy lawn is your first line of defense. Regular seeding and fertilization help develop strong root systems more resistant to digging. Enlisting professional landscaping services ensures your lawn is nourished and maintained throughout the year.
2. Use Natural or Commercial Repellents
Animal repellents, whether natural or synthetic, can deter pests from entering your yard. Sprays that use strong scents such as garlic, peppermint, or predator urine can make your lawn less appealing. It’s best to apply repellents weekly and after rain for long-lasting results. Landscaping professionals can recommend the safest and most effective repellents for your situation.
3. Install Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers around vulnerable areas such as garden beds, compost piles, or flower patches can prevent animals from causing damage. Low fences, netting, or underground wire mesh can block access points. Landscaping contractors often include barrier installation as part of their services, helping to protect both aesthetic and functional elements of your landscape.
4. Consider Humane Trapping and Relocation
If repellents and barriers don’t work, humane trapping may be an option, provided it complies with local wildlife laws. Professional landscaping services often work with animal control experts to safely and legally remove problem animals from residential properties.
5. Address the Root Cause: Pest Control
Ultimately, preventing animals from digging requires eliminating their food source. This means managing insect and grub populations responsibly. Professional landscaping services include soil testing, pest control, and eco-friendly lawn treatments designed to create an environment where pests and the animals that feed on them don’t thrive.
Experience Lasting Outdoor Beauty with The Landscape Design Center
At The Landscape Design Center, we deliver full-service professional landscaping services to enhance your outdoor living experience. From environmentally responsible pest control to lawn renovation and thoughtful landscape design, we focus on creating sustainable, visually stunning spaces that align with your lifestyle and property goals. Our skilled landscaping contractors blend function, form, and long-term health for every landscape we touch.
We also work closely with local utility providers to safely manage outdoor lighting and underground installations, ensuring your project is seamless from start to finish. Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal or reclaiming a damaged yard, we’re committed to building outdoor spaces that are beautiful and built to last.
