When it comes to designing your landscape, it is important to consider your furry family members. You want to make sure that your landscape is a place where they can enjoy outdoor spaces as well as stay safe while they play outside.
How Can Homeowners Create a Pet-Safe Landscape?
Start by identifying plants that can be poisonous to pets
The first job is to ensure that your landscape is free from plants that can be harmful to your pet. You want to ensure that your yard does not currently have plants that are harmful, and that you do not pick plants for future design that could be potentially poisonous, either.
A great source for finding plants that are poisonous to pets is the ASPCA. Their website contains a list of some of the most common plants that are poisonous to pets. These are plants that are toxic to both cats and dogs. Some of the plants on this most common list of poisonous plants for pets include.
- Castor beans
- Bulbs, such as the tulip, Iris, and amaryllis
- Crocus
- Chrysanthemum
- Azalea/Rhododendron
- Devils Ivy
- Oleander
- English Ivy
- Members of the Lilly family
- Yew
Design areas that keep pets contained and safe
A great idea to ensure your pet is safe and able to enjoy outdoor spaces is to designate an area for them to enjoy. This could be your entire backyard or just a section of your backyard. A great idea is to put up some fencing that works with the overall design of the exterior of your home and the landscape. This will help to easily contain your pet and define the space that they are able to enjoy. It can keep them safe from other areas that may have plants that are not great for them or areas that you simply would prefer not to have your pets roaming. There are several great fencing designs, and some homeowners even opt for an invisible fence.
The Best Grass Types for Dogs
Another area of concern for pet owners when it comes to landscaping is grass. Pets, dogs especially, can take a toll on the lawn. In addition to digging and running paths that wear grass thin, is a bathroom use. Pet urine is hard on grass and creates discolored spots. There are some things pet owners can do to keep grass looking great when they have pets.
A great consideration is to plant grass that will stand up better to the use of pets. Grass like Bermuda grass recovers more quickly from the damage caused by pet urine. Other grasses that are more resilient to pet use include tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
A Different Approach to Pest Control
Pests can be a huge problem in your landscape. Pests can destroy your favorite plants. The most common solution for homeowners is to purchase a pesticide from the store. But before grabbing the first thing you see on the shelf, you want to ensure that your pest prevention measures are safe for your pet.
Both insecticides and herbicides can be dangerous for pets. Many solutions for slug and snail issues (which are very common here in the Pacific Northwest) contain metaldehyde. This compound is organic and labeled as such, which leads homeowners to believe it is safe. This ingredient is dangerous and can even be fatal to pets. Make sure that if you are using pesticides, they are pet-friendly or used on plants that your pets will not have access to.
One of the best ways to ensure your landscape is pet-friendly is to ask an expert in landscape design. Consulting a landscaping pro will help you discover the best plants to keep in your landscape and some great design ideas that will keep your yard beautiful while being a great place for dogs to play.
If you want to take your yard from great to amazing while involving your family in the process, contact the landscape designers at First Fruits Landscaping. Let’s get started turning your yard into a work of art that not only looks great but also functions well for your lifestyle. We provide landscaping services in Snohomish County and King County.