Dogster Magazine
Why Does Dog Pee Kill Plants? -And What Can We Do About It?
Theories abound about what in dog urine is toxic to plants, a popular one being extremes of pH. People say that acidic urine burns the plants, but the real answer is a lot simpler.
A 1981 study called Lawn burn from dog urine helped bury the old myth that pH is causing the trouble. The concentration of urea in dog urine is basically too much of a good thing for grass and other plants. Other salt and compounds such as potassium may also contribute, but nitrates are known to be the No. 1 killer.
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-behavior-training-pee-kills-plants-...
Merril Dogpark Newsletter
Does Dog Urine Really Kill Trees?
People living in cities love the look of trees, numerous studies have shown trees in proximity to neighborhoods make people happier. Trees are wonderful asset to any city lined along the city streets and in parks. But city life takes a toll on trees. The city adoption of zone specific off leash areas has created a potential environmental “red flag”. With so many dogs congregating in one area such as a “dog park” the “wear and tear” from all the activity takes its toll on nature especially the trees.
https://merrilldogpark.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/click-here-to-learn-m...
WTOP News Radio
How dog urine can kill city trees
WASHINGTON - The difference between city trees and those in the suburbs may not seem big to most dog owners. But the next time a dog is tugging on its leash, headed for a solid-looking pine to "water," WTOP's Garden Editor Mike McGrath says that small territorial claim could kill the tree.
Part of the problem is that trees in urban landscapes are already in the most unnatural situation imaginable, McGrath says. These trees are already struggling under stress.
"There's very little soil available for a city tree," he says.
Read more at: http://wtop.com/news/2012/09/how-dog-urine-can-kill-city-trees/
Providence Journal
Anna Browder: Keep dogs away from young trees
This is the fall planting season for the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program. Once it's over, residents will have added many free trees to lawns and sidewalk strips all over the city.
The young trees need a bit of coddling. Regular watering, mulching and weeding contribute greatly to their ongoing health. But there's one more thing we need to do for them.
They must be protected from dog urine. "The acid eats right through the bark and cambial zone to the wood zone, destroying the tree's defense system."
http://m.providencejournal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/20141026-an...
Toronto Standard
Dog Pee Kills Trees
Dog park politics just got a little more complicated. A recent investigation by The Atlantic Cities reports that dog pee is a major threat to the survival of urban trees. Trees in big cities face so many challenges - poor soil quality, air pollution, road salt contamination to name few - and dog pee is making it worse.
http://www.torontostandard.com/the-sprawl/dog-pee-kills-trees/
The Garden Professors
Long term problems with Tree Gators?
So, Bert, you (and others) have done research on Tree Gator-type products and found them useful in providing water to newly planted trees and shrubs. For those of you that haven’t seen supplemental irrigation products, they are heavy-duty plastic bags that zip up to create a sleeve around tree trunks and drip water from their perforated bottoms .....
http://blogs.extension.org/gardenprofessors/2009/08/05/tree-gator-problem/