A safe garden is an imperative especially when your home has children and pets. Your garden becomes the hub of social activity in summer time with BBQs, paddling pools, and water gun battles. Longer days mean more time for play.

Having a safe garden for children and pets isn’t just a summer issue. Sure, when the sun comes out even the most introverted of us venture outside to glorious days. And even on cold days, children and pets will still want to run around, play in autumn leaves, and even help out with pruning and seasonal gardening.

If you have a family, it is important to make your garden as safe and secure as possible. Your garden could be full of potential hazards that you may not have even considered. But, with a few simple steps, you can ensure that it’s the danger free haven that your children and pets deserve.

safe garden

Store Chemicals Safely

If you’re into gardening then you may use chemicals or even natural solutions to help keep your garden looking beautful. But is it a safe garden? Weed killers, fertilisers and cleaners will most likely contain toxic components. These could be fatal if consumed. Always check the safety instructions on every product before using.

Many products will have suggested time periods to keep vulnerable people and animals away from treated areas. For example, granules may have to be watered in and sprays might have to be left to dry. If you need help with treatments for your pets, please consult VetSupply.

It is always a good idea to store all products in a shed, garage, or other space inaccessible to your young loved ones. Keep this space locked for extra precaution.

Don’t Leave Tools Lying Around

As with chemicals, tools could be dangerous if left lying around, which means you are not going to have a safe garden. Securely store all gardening tools or equipment out of reach. This is beneficial not only for your children and pets but for you too. Many tools are sharp or would create a trip hazard if left in unexpected places.

It’s easy to leave tools on the ground or propped up when you duck inside for a drink or bathroom break. But you can bet that’s exactly the time a young child will want to ‘play adult’ and try using equipment.

Teach children that they must not touch such equipment if an adult is not around. And don’t lie tools down on the grass. Find a safer place when you’ll be away for even a short period of time.

Secure Your Space

Over the years, your fence panels will experience wear and tear. Gaps may appear near the bottom of your fences, and some panels may be blown out by the wind. It is important to check that your garden is completely secure before releasing the hounds and kids into it. The smallest space could provide an exit for little ones.

So to save your pet or child pulling a disappearing act, regularly replace damaged or loose fencing. Unless you are a DIY expert, we would suggest leaving it to the experts. Contact a fencing company to assess the damage and install replacement panels where needed. There may be hidden spots in fencing that won’t create a safe garden for children and pets.

Avoid Ponds

A pond may well be a beautiful addition but will not necessarily contribute to a safe garden. It is a lovely, natural looking feature that will spark conversation.

However, if you have children or pets, it may be better to wait until they are older and wiser before investing in lily pads and a few fish. Children and pets should be supervised in the garden at all times regardless.

However, it only takes a momentary lapse in concentration for them to end up in the pond. Even if it is shallow and your children can swim, many will panic on contact with the water and the results could be harmful, if not deadly. Garden hoses can be lots of fun, and less dangerous.

safe garden

Provide Warning for Changes In Ground Level

If your garden has steps, provide a handrail or try to ensure that the steps are shallow and evenly spaced. Fence off any sheer drops to avoid accidents, as even the most sure-footed of us can take a tumble every now and then. Use common sense when it comes to safely identifying unlevel areas.

Now your outdoors is family friendly, check out our post on how to keep your interior safe in the build up to winter.