Lawn Gypsum Safety for Pets

Gypsum is a mineral often used for building materials and as a lawn-care additive. According to the Department of Agriculture at Texas A&M University, gypsum is used to soften soil, aiding in root penetration and soil aeration. Gypsum is also used to increase the concentration of minerals in the soil, and to promote and control plant growth. Though gypsum is considered nontoxic and is not lethal to pets, it can be an irritant to mucous membranes, especially if inhaled.

  1. Properties

    • Gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dehydrate and is a soft mineral with the chemical structure: CaSO4•2H2O. According to the Geology website, gypsum may be white, clear, yellow, gray, red or brown.

    Gypsum for Lawns

    • According to the U.S. Geological Survey, gypsum is one of the most widely used minerals in the world. In addition to its use as a plant nutrient and a soil conditioner, gypsum also decreases water runoff and erosion, decreases heavy metal toxicity and prevents some plant diseases. According to Landscape America, gypsum can be used on the lawn to treat pet urine damage. While gypsum can't prevent all damage, it may be used to reduce the severity of damage by neutralizing "urine burn."

    Application

    • While gypsum is generally considered safe for pets, particulate gypsum in the air can cause respiratory irritation, according to Garden Guides. Gypsum is available in a variety of forms (granular, flake, powder) and aeration can be prevented by using the coarser, granular variety that tends to stick best to soil. Watering the lawn shortly after gypsum application also helps to secure the mineral to the soil and to aid in absorption. Gypsum can be applied in any weather as long as the ground is visible, and it only needs to be applied once a year.

    Gypsum in Building Materials

    • Varieties of gypsum known as "satin spar" and "alabaster" are used for ornamental purposes; however, the softness of the material affect durability. Gypsum is also used to make wallboard and concrete.

    Considerations

    • According to the Gypsum Association, gypsum is a green building material because it can be recycled. Depleting gypsum quarries and mines are not ecologically damaging, and these areas can be reincorporated into the natural landscape.