Garden Safety Advice for Keeping Children and Pets Safe
Our gardens are a space for us to enjoy the outdoors and relax, and for children and pets, they provide an opportunity to explore and play. Being able to roam freely and safely is crucial, and it might be something that you haven’t considered before.
Whether you’re a new parent or pet owner, or if you’re thinking about making some changes to your garden, here are some things to bear in mind for garden safety for your children and pets.
Use Fencing to Create Boundaries
The majority of gardens will have fencing already in place, but it’s worth checking that your fence is in good condition and is high enough to create a safe boundary. If you have young children or pets, you might want to consider increasing the height of your fence.
If you have wooden fences, make sure there are no gaps or holes that children or animals could squeeze through. And check for any signs of rot or damage that could make the fence unstable.
If you’re looking for an alternative to fencing, there are other options, such as trellis or netting, which can be used to create boundaries. These might be more suitable if you have an open-plan garden or if you want to maintain views.
Garden ball stop netting can be a good option if you have children who love to play sports in the garden. This will provide a barrier to stop balls from going into the road or neighbour’s gardens.
If you have an outdoor cat, you will want to make sure that your furry friend still has access to the garden and surrounding area of your house. One way to do this is to install a cat flap in your fence. This can be easily done yourself, or you can get a professional to do it for you.
Choose Garden Plants Carefully
Some plants, like poisonous flowers or thorny shrubs, can be dangerous if touched or ingested. Do your research to make sure the plants you choose are safe for kids and pets.
If you’re unsure, stick to plants that are non-toxic and have smooth leaves. If you have pets that like to chew on plants, opt for artificial plants instead. These can look just as good as the real thing, and there’s no risk of your pet getting sick from eating them. Or, use hanging baskets and planters to keep plants out of reach.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a professional at your local garden centre for advice.
Keep Garden Products and Chemicals Out of Reach
Many of the products we use in our gardens, such as fertilisers, weed killers and pesticides, can be harmful if ingested. Store these products in a shed or garage, out of reach of children and animals. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure it can’t get into your shed or garage either.
When using garden chemicals, always follow the instructions on the label and take care not to spill any. If you do accidentally spill something, make sure to clean it up immediately.
Be Careful With Garden Tools
This might be an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning. Garden tools, such as knives, saws and shears, can be extremely dangerous if not used properly.
If you have young children in the garden, make sure they’re supervised at all times and that they understand the dangers of using garden tools. For older children, it might be worth investing in some child-safe garden tools.
When you’re not using them, put away all garden tools in a shed or garage. This will help to prevent accidents and will also protect your tools from the elements. If you have shelves in your garden shed, make sure any tools that could cause injury are stored out of reach, preferably at eye level or higher.
Install Motion-Activated Lights for After Dark
Installing some outdoor lights can help to make your garden safer at night. Motion-activated lights are a good option, as they will only come on when someone or something enters the detection zone. This will help to deter burglars and also stop you from accidentally stepping on any garden pests.
If you have a pond in your garden, it’s also a good idea to install lights around it. This will help to prevent anyone from falling in, especially if the water is dark.
Summary: Keep Garden Safety in Mind To Protect Your Children and Pets
Your garden should feel like a safe haven for your children and pets to play and explore. Protecting them from potential hazards is important to ensure that everyone enjoys spending time in the garden. And make sure that your outdoor space is safe from dangers both within and outside the fence.
By following these simple tips, you can help to make your garden a safe and fun place for everyone.
