Pet Friendly Lawn Care Advice
Having a healthy green lawn is something many house proud Brits dream about. We don't ask for much, just a place to relax in the sun, stage summer evening barbeques and a space for kids to play. Many of us also use our gardens as a place for pets to run free, however there are things we must consider when doing this to ensure their safety.
Garden Chemicals
Applying chemicals such as fertiliser and herbicides may help your garden, but are not great for your pets. Chew toys, water bowls and anything else they might put in their mouths should be removed from the garden and stay inside, along with your pet until the treated area is dry.
Once the area is dry, this means the chemical has been taken down to the root of the plant, and the lawn is then considered pet-safe again. When shopping, look out for liquid and soluble fertilisers, and liquid weed killers that are all considered safe for pets. If you’re unsure, simply ask at your local hardware store or garden centre. Don’t apply fertilisers when the lawn is wet or when rain is expected. Rain will wash the chemicals away and into other water sources like rivers and ponds, and reduce their effect.
Biggest risk for pets: Outdoor power tools and electric cables
Naturally, your pets shy away from the garden when the lawn mower or hedge trimmer is operating, because they dislike the noise. However, the introduction of new battery powered garden equipment, means that your family pet may no longer fear your new grass trimmer. It is important to note that while these environmentally friendly machines are quieter, they still should not to be used around pets. Before you begin your lawn maintenance it’s best to double check you know where your pet is and that they’re safe. As a rule of thumb, keep pets away from outdoor power tools at all times.
There aren’t many things your furry friend doesn’t want to explore, and from cables to power products we know pets have a tendency to chew things – so make sure you store your products well out of reach.
Many people let their dogs use their garden as a toilet. As a result the lawn may be covered in yellow patches, and there’s a simple reason for this. Urine contains a large amount of ammonia, which damages grass and causes it to turn yellow.
Some simple ways to limit this is to:
1. Immediately water the grass after your pet has urinated on it to minimise the effects
2. Train your pet to urinate in the same area of the garden each time
Flymo Top Tip!
Check for hedgehogs in overgrown grass areas before using your grass trimmer.
View Flymo Grass Trimmers
Four things you didn't know about lawns
We must stress, you shouldn’t let your worries about pets stop you from having a great lawn. Follow the simple safety procedures and your pets will be fine. You may not know that having a healthy lawn actually comes with a wealth of benefits. Here, we share four we thought you should know.
1. A healthy lawn is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint, according to research. Dr. Ranajit Sahu, an independent environmental and energy expert and University instructor, conducted a study on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute in 2008 which found carefully managed lawns sequester, or store, significant amounts of carbon dioxide. "When you take care of your lawn and promote a healthy root system, your lawn acts as a carbon sink, pulling and storing away carbon," reports Dr. Sahu. Source, Outdoor Power Institute
2. A well-kept lawn reduces dust and dirt particles. This happens as particles and pollutants from the air and water are trapped in the turf, meaning the air around a house is naturally filtered if you have a lawn. Source - Cleanair Lawncare
3. Lawns are great at producing oxygen. It’s estimated a 50-foot by 50-foot area can produce enough oxygen to sustain a family of four. This makes grass great for maintaining balance in the ecosystems. Source - Lawn & Landscape
4. Lawns reduce noise pollution, particularly in urban areas. This means some of the sounds from cars and motorbikes have less of an impact in green areas. Large shrubby trees can also be effective for scattering sound waves. Source - Landscaping Network