It is important to keep our furry friends safe and consider their needs when designing an outdoor landscape. Our pets are part of our families, and have their own special needs when it comes to co-existing with your vision for your lawn.
The most effective way to protect both your lawn and your pet is to know your pet’s habits – knowing that your dog loves to dig holes in the grass or destroy your flowerbed gives you the opportunity to implement designs which could eliminate these behaviors.
Dogs dig holes for a variety of reasons, including wanting to cool off by laying in the cooler dirt below the grass on a hot summer day. If your dog incessantly digs and ruins your lawn, particularly during the summer, consider giving him or her more shaded areas or a comfortable doghouse that will offer shelter from the heat. Also be sure your pet has access to plenty of cool water throughout the day!
To keep your pet out of certain areas entirely, consider adding pet-friendly edging. Edging is the material that separates grass from flower beds or mulched areas, and many types have a sharp edge on top. Pet owners can opt to use metal edging with a rounded top or a brick/concrete edge, which are safer for both feet and paws! Other options include rounded stones or short shrubs.
It is also important to consider your pet when choosing plants and other materials for your lawn, particularly if you leave your pets outside unattended, because there are numerous common yard plants that are highly toxic for pets. Some common toxic plants include azaleas, lilies, oleander, daffodils, lily of the valley, sago palm, tulips, and hyacinths.
Another material to avoid is cocoa mulch, which is made of cocoa bean shells and can be purchased at most garden stores. Cocoa beans contain the same ingredients which make chocolate highly toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. According to the ASPCA, there are many factors that affect how dangerous cocoa mulch is for your dog (his or her size, the amount of mulch ingested, the breed, etc.), so it is best to just avoid using it at all.
A final tip for a pet-friendly landscape is to make sure your pets keep a safe distance from your lawn immediately after the application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The products that keep our plants and lawns healthy can harm the digestive tracts of our pets, especially dogs, who may nibble on the grass. To be safe, make sure to observe the appropriate waiting period before letting your pet roam freely outside again. Their tummies with thank you!
Wrightsville Beach Landscaping’s chemical specialist can address any questions or concerns you may have about the products used on your lawn. Feel free to contact us at (910) 256-6345
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