Do you love spending time outdoors with your pets? If so, it’s important to make sure that your yard is safe and enjoyable for them. There are many things that you can do to make your yard more pet-friendly, ranging from basic landscaping techniques to installing specialized features.
This post will dive into a few of the ways to make your yard safe and fun for your pets. Check out https://myelitelawncare.com/ for more information on how professional lawn care companies can improve your yard and make it safe for pets!
Table of Contents
1) Use Natural Products
Using natural products in your yard is a great way to make it more pet-friendly. Look for natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and herbicides, as these can be harmful to your pets if they ingest them. You can also use mulch made from bark or wood chips, which will discourage your pets from digging.
Fertilizers are a great concern for many pet owners because of the chemicals that are used in most commercial fertilizers. Look for organic fertilizers that are safe for both you and your pets. You can also try using compost to fertilize your yard, as this is an excellent way to add nutrients to the soil without using chemicals.
2) Avoid Poisonous Plants
Many common household plants are actually poisonous to pets if they ingest them. To avoid this, do some research on which plants are safe for your particular pet and make sure to remove any poisonous plants from your yard. Some common safe plants include grasses, clover, and dandelions. You will likely see dandelions appear on your lawn throughout the year, but you can rest assured with the knowledge that this plant can even be considered beneficial for dogs to consume.
Walk your property regularly to make sure there are not any undesirable plants emerging in your yard. Staying on top of the vegetation that grows on your property is the only way to know if there is something dangerous lurking that could harm your pet. Some of the most common plants found in yards that are dangerous for dogs and cats include sago palms, lilies, hydrangeas, and azaleas.
3) Keep Your Lawn Mowed
One of the best ways to keep your yard safe for pets is to make sure that the grass is kept short. This will help to prevent ticks and other pests from taking up residence in your yard and will also discourage your pets from digging. If you have a lot of trees on your property, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to trim them back so that they do not drop limbs or leaves onto your lawn.
A good height for most lawns in Illinois is roughly 3 inches. This height will allow your lawn to absorb adequate nutrients and water to stay lush and healthy without being too overgrown to invite pests or disease.
4) Install A Fence
If you do not already have a fence around your property, consider installing one. This will help to keep your pets contained in your yard and will also protect them from any potential dangers that may be lurking outside of your property. When choosing a fence, make sure that it is tall enough that your pet cannot jump over it and that the gates are securely latched.
Professional services are recommended to make sure your yard is completely sealed off. This will also give you some peace of mind to know that any gaps in your fence have been properly repaired, so you know your furry friend is always safe when they are alone in the yard.
5) Provide Shade & Water
Make sure to provide your pets with plenty of shade and water when they are spending time outdoors. Pets can get sunburned just like humans, so it is important to make sure that they have access to a shady spot to cool off. You can create a shaded area by planting trees or installing a canopy over your patio.
It is also important to make sure that your pets have access to fresh water at all times. Install a pet-friendly water fountain or keep a bowl of water filled and available for them. In hot weather, you may even want to consider adding a kiddie pool to your yard so that your pets can cool off.
6) Have A Designated Potty Area
This may be the most important step on this list, and it is certainly a concern on the minds of many lawn care enthusiasts. People are often concerned about dog urine killing their grass, but this does not have to be the case. A designated potty area for your dog will help to keep their business off of the rest of your lawn.
There are a few different ways that you can create a designated potty area. One option is to use pet-friendly grass seed to create an isolated section of grass just for your dog. This way, even if they do urinate on the grass, it will not kill the whole lawn. Another option is to create a gravel or mulched area in one corner of your yard for your dog to use as their potty spot.
Following these tips will help to ensure that your yard is safe and enjoyable for both you and your pets. By keeping your lawn mowed, keeping it free of pests and hazards, and providing plenty of shade and water, you can create a space where everyone can relax and enjoy the outdoors!
