For pet owners, one of their main priorities when planning their landscaping is ensuring that it is pet friendly and safe for the furry members of their family. Unlike us, pets aren’t aware of what plants could injure or harm them, making it crucial that if you have pets that like to spend time outside, you incorporate pet safe options throughout your landscaping.
Tips for Creating Pet Friendly Landscaping
Choose Pet Safe Plants
The easiest thing to do when creating pet friendly landscaping is to simply incorporate plants that are safe for them. There are a lot of common plants that can actually be toxic to pets if ingested such as Rhododendron (which are very popular in our area), oleander, daffodils, tulips, and more. While these might be favorite options for some, when it comes to creating a pet friendly home, try incorporating some of these plants instead:
- Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint
- Lavender
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
- Petunias
Creating a Play Area
If you are unable or not wanting to limit the plants that are found throughout your yard, another great alternative could be creating a designated “play space” for your pets. Foe dogs this could be as simple as a fenced in dog run where they can enjoy off-leash play and exploration without the risk of escaping or you can go big and add in pretend fire hydrants, ramps, jumps, tunnels, and other means of exploration and play, try adding in a pool during the hot summer months for water play! While dogs tend to be the focus when creating outdoor spaces, cats love exploring the outdoors too. A “catio” is a great option to promote outdoor play while ensuring your cat stays safe and secured. Simply create a screened in outdoor space (including a roof) when cats can play and soak up some sunshine.
Avoid Toxic Chemicals
One of the easiest ways you can both transform and maintain your landscaping to be more pet friendly is by watching what chemicals you use. A lot of common pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides can be harmful to pets, making even pet safe plants dangerous. Luckily there are plenty of pet friendly alternatives you can use for pest control while ensuring your pets stay safe.
Creating pet friendly landscaping is a great way to ensure that your whole family can enjoy your outdoor spaces. Whether your yard needs a full revamp to create safe spaces for your pets, or you are simply wanting to add in a few pet friendly features, our team of professional landscapers is here to help create the outdoor space of your dreams. Contact us today to get started!