When you step out of your house, the first thing you want to see is a freshly manicured lawn and well-maintained landscape. Lush foliage and colourful blooms can be beautiful to your eyes and even add a pleasant sweetness to the air.
But did you know that there are flowers that can be dangerous to your kids and pets? Some flowering plants have berries that are fatal and toxic to them. Moreover, some yard plants can cause your pets to suffer from intestinal disturbances or kidney failure.
If you are currently living in Australia, enlisting the help of lawn mowing experts and gardeners is a smart move. These professionals are trained to know the prettiest and safest plants for your yard in your specific region, as well as the best practices for staying safe in outdoor spaces.
These pros share six tips for creating a safe yard for your little ones and pets.
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1. Check out the trees
Walk under your trees and look up. What do you see? Are there any branches threatening to fall if a strong wind blows? You do not want to see your kids and pets pinned to the ground because a fallen tree limb injured them.
Wherever you are in Australia, you have to check your trees regularly. Don’t hesitate to invest in professional pruning services on a regular basis. They will examine your trees as well as eliminate all dangerous limbs.
2. Put away all lawn care equipment and chemicals
Saws, shears, edgers, and mowers can lead to serious injury and accidents. Thus, make sure that all chemicals and lawn care tools are properly stored behind a locked door of your garage or shed.
For pesticides and fertilisers, placing them inside a locked shed isn’t enough. Make sure also that their containers are locked up or sealed before placing them inside the shed. Don’t risk accidental ingestions of these chemicals because it can severely harm or even kill your kids and pets.
Some of the symptoms you should look for when you suspect that your child has been exposed to toxins include difficulty breathing, an upset stomach, and burning in their eyes. Bring them immediately to the hospital once they experience any of these symptoms.
3. Check your mulch
What type of mulch are you using? Does it contain toxins? Cocoa bean mulch, for instance, is comprised of the hulls of the cocoa bean and shells. With its pleasant aroma (for both humans and dogs), your little ones and pets might be enticed to grab handfuls and munch on some of this mulch.
Depending on the toxins and chemicals, consuming mulch can lead to seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea and even death. So before buying mulch, ask if this is safe for kids and pets to be exposed to. If not, hire lawn care experts who are trained to know.
4. Pick up all toys once your kids are done playing
Both humans and pets love strolling through a lush, healthy lawn. Your kids can play with a ball here, and it’s here where danger arises.
Your dogs can easily choke on small balls. Also, some dog breeds have strong teeth and jaws that they can chew some parts of the toys left within their grasp. Even a single piece of chewed toy can become hazards once swallowed, leading to choking or perhaps tears or blockages in the intestines.
Thus, you must caution your kids to pick up all their toys once they are done playing outdoors.
5. Check for water with growing algae
Oftentimes, you may find small puddles at the edges of your yard. This may be pleasing to your eyes, but when you examine it closely, you may see green algae floating on its surface.
The trouble arises if your dog or child wades through these puddles. If the water happens to enter their mouths, either on purpose or accidentally, it can cause different types of sickness. They can suffer from diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, and vomiting. So make sure that before your kids and pets play outdoors, any collected water with algae is properly removed.
6. Inspect for pest infestation
Enclosures, doghouses, the lawn, and the garden must be inspected regularly for the presence of pests. Rodents, spiders, cockroaches and other biting insects are known to hide out in these areas.
Avoid spraying them with pesticides. Instead, aim to reduce pests naturally. This is the only way to make sure that your yard is free of toxins that can harm both your kids and pets.
Lawns and gardens are some of the best places for your children and pets to play in and learn. But these areas can be full of hazards like chemical fertilisers, power equipment, sharp tools, and pesticides. Apart from hiring lawn care and gardening experts to deal with your yard, you should also make an effort to keep the outdoors a safe place for your kids and pets by following these six tips.