Unfortunately, dogs and good turf (except Astroturf) will never mix. You must pen the dogs in a section of the lawn or expect the turf you plant to be destroyed. Since you had St. Augustine previously, the recommendations that follow are for other warm-season grasses. Contact your local Extension office for more information on grasses for your area. Zoysia is a tough, semishade-tolerant grass, but it is expensive. St. Augustine grass, especially the Floratam, is also shade-tolerant, but because this Floratam is the best St. Augustine, supplies can be limited and prices high. You could consider sprigging the Floratam St. Augustine, which would be much cheaper than solid-setting either Floratam or Emerald Zoysia. You will absolutely have to keep the dogs off if you decide to sprig. A seeded, sodded, or sprigged bermudagrass would be another option. Bermudagrasses offer better recovery from heavy traffic, but will be damaged by constant pet damage, especially in times of drought. Whatever option you choose, traffic should be eliminated to the greatest extent during establishment. The area trampled by dogs or children will need to be well prepared (and tested for nutrient status and pH) before any replanting is done. Also consider removing some of the lower limbs of the trees casting shadows on the area to achieve more sun exposure for grass and other plantings. To have a uniform appearance of the space, aerate, soil test, and fertilize (according to soil test results) the entire area.

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