Barrier plant to deter pooing dog

sianmorrissey

We have a tree on the pavement outside our house with small earth surround that is used as a convenient pooing place by dogs. I was thinking of planting shrub type plants there as a barrier deterrent. Any suggestions for fast growing low lying shrub that could work?

Hostafan1

Who owns the  land and do you have permission to plant anything there? 
Something like a low berberis veruculosa might work.

floralies

Don't dog owners in the uk have to clean up their dogs poo? I thought it was obligatory?

Hostafan1

floralies said:

Don't dog owners in the uk have to clean up their dogs poo? I thought it was obligatory?

well, it's a good theory,  but in reality?????

sianmorrissey

Yes it is and there are fines but unfortunately there are irresponsible dog owners who will never pick up. There is even a local council warning sign on the tree about fines and the dog poo appears below it!

Dovefromabove

Friends with a similar problem sprayed  the piles of poop with fluorescent paint and put a little warning flag like this ⚠️  by each pile ...

This was picked up by the local press and very quickly the local council took action to ensure that dog fouling in the area was firmly dealt with. 

Fairygirl

@sianmorrissey- I had the same problem when I moved here. Right beside a sign.
I consistently emailed the council dog warden, and it definitely helped.

If you have that option, try it, and include photos and times etc if possible. 

josusa47

All the trees in my street have mini-gardens around them, tended by the nearest residents, no-one has ever stopped us, though they do get vandalised.  The man who started it found his plants died very quickly, then realised the council routinely sprays weedkiller round the trees.  He wrote to the town hall, and they stopped.

You need plants that will tolerate dry shade.  We have added soil/compost to our tree gardens, and the tree roots defy gravity and grow upwards into it.  This is a mixed blessing, it binds the soil and stops it eroding but also makes it difficult to dig planting holes. Also the soil becomes impacted and water just runs off as the surface slopes away from the tree.  You will need to water during dry spells.

sianmorrissey

Thank you for your suggestions all. Josusa47 are there any particular plants that have been successful for you? I’m thinking shrubbery that will put off the dog rather than attractiveness but open to all low maintenance options

floralies

Have you got a shrub in your garden near the pavement where you could hide a wildlife cam? You could then see dogs and their owners     

wild edges

Remember that any planting will be constantly weed on so any low level foliage will be burned off.