Lawn Care for Fleas and Ticks: Protecting Your Pets

Dogs bring endless joy into our lives, and for many, backyard play is the highlight of their day. Unfortunately, outdoor time can also expose them to fleas and ticks, pests that cause itchy bites, carry diseases and may eventually make their way into your home. Protecting your pets requires more than just vet-recommended treatments.

The condition of your lawn plays a big role in whether pests settle there. Fleas and ticks thrive in shaded, damp or cluttered areas, but proper lawn care can reduce their presence and create a safer outdoor space.

This guide covers the best ways to prevent fleas, maintain your lawn to keep ticks away, other pest threats to watch out for and how TruGreen’s expert treatments can help protect your pets year-round. 

Ticks pose a serious risk to both pets and people. These pests typically live in tall grasses, wooded areas and dense shrubs, and they often hitch rides on wildlife into residential yards. By following strong lawn care practices for ticks, you can create a landscape that’s less inviting to them.

Clear Tall Grasses

Tall grasses offer shade and easy hiding spots for ticks. Keeping them trimmed reduces the amount of shelter available.

What to do:

• Mow your lawn regularly.
• Avoid planting tall ornamental grasses near high-traffic areas.
• Keep grass short along fence lines and pathways.

Use Wood Chips as a Natural Barrier

If your property backs onto a wooded area, using mulch barriers can help prevent ticks from migrating into your lawn.

What to do:

• Install a 3-foot-wide strip of wood chips or gravel between the woods and your yard.
• Maintain the barrier each season.

Eliminate Potential Hiding Spots

Outdoor furniture, play structures and garden clutter can harbor ticks, especially during warm months.

What to do:

• Keep patios and lounging spaces tidy.
• Remove clutter, fallen branches and unused items.
• Clean around sheds, decks and fences.

Install a Fence

While a fence won’t stop ticks directly, it can help deter wildlife, particularly deer that carry ticks onto your property.

Want to improve your lawn protection? TruGreen’s Flea, Tick and Outdoor Nuisance Pest Control service helps keep pests at bay all season long.  

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only pests lurking in backyards. Other hazards, from toxic plants to unfriendly wildlife, can pose risks to your dog.

Toxic Plants and Fungi

Certain weeds, flowers, fungi and even trees can be harmful to pets if ingested. Common poisonous plants include jimson weed and English ivy.

How to protect your pets:

• Remove or fence off toxic plants.
• Monitor your dogs during outdoor playtime.
• Prioritize pet-friendly landscaping.

For a full, up-to-date list of toxic plants, consult the ASPCA’s database of plants that may be harmful to pets.

Wildlife doesn’t just mean predators; it can include small mammals, toads, frogs and biting insects.

How to help protect your pets:

• Install a fence to reduce wildlife traffic.
• Avoid leaving food outside.
• Maintain a clean backyard to discourage nests and dens.

Need a safer, pest-resistant outdoor space? TruGreen can help protect your lawn and your pets. Explore your tailored treatment options here. 

A healthy, well-maintained landscape is key to reducing pest activity. Consider designating a “dog yard” — a space where your pets can play safely with minimal exposure to fleas, ticks and other hazards.

Tips for a dog-friendly yard:

• Keep grass mowed to the grass types’ recommended height.
• Fertilize to maintain a healthy turf.
• Maintain dry, well-drained areas.
• Remove debris and clutter.
• Use pet-friendly mulch.
• Fence off sensitive landscaping.

By combining smart maintenance with professional services, you can build an outdoor environment that your dogs can enjoy safely all year long.