Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts for Backyard Safety

Everyone wants a backyard that looks great and that they can enjoy. When it comes to landscaping and yard maintenance there are a number of things you need to watch out for to keep children safe in their own backyards.

After all, this is the one place they should feel the safest – and you should know they are by following these guidelines.

Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts

Part of beautifying your space is adding plants, decorative items, landscaping rocks, and other things you find to beautify your home. When you have children in the home, or children that visit you often, keep them in mind when choosing what you put in your yard and where you put it.

There are many plants that are beautiful but can be deadly to children. Be sure the plants you choose for your garden are not poisonous. If you are unsure, you can call the Poison Help Line AT 1-800-222-1222. Poisonous plants are the number one cause of poisoning among preschoolers.

If you choose to use rocks in your landscaping, be sure they are away from play areas. Especially if you have outdoor playsets, swings, or trampolines, the perimeter around those things should be free of rocks, landscaping fixtures, and debris. Falls from play equipment can result in broken bones, serious head injuries or worse.

You should also be aware of hazards when maintaining your yard. Never mow your yard with a power mower while children are in the yard. They can throw rocks, sticks, and debris at alarming speeds that can cause serious injury to anyone nearby.

If you use pesticides or fertilizers, do not allow children in the yard for at least 48 hours after applying them. For more backyard safety tips, read our article about trampoline safety that covers additional landscaping tips around play areas.

Cooking Outdoors

When it comes to outdoor cooking it’s a family affair that everyone can enjoy! Be sure that propane grills are covered where children cannot reach the knobs. Grills should be located in a safe area away from the reach of children when they are in use. Both propane and charcoal grills are very hot to touch and can burn a child in an instant.

Be sure to store charcoal and fire-starting fluids and chemicals out of reach of children as well. If you have a built-in firepit where you grill or have outdoor fires, be sure you have a screen cover and teach your children that the firepit is not to be played with, or around.