pet safe landscape design Adelaide requires special consideration. For instance, avoid plants with sharp thorns which could prick or catch on fur; many common landscape plants can also be toxic to dogs.
Dog urine can discolour grass, so to create a dog-safe area, consider planting a separate “potty area.” Additionally, hardscape elements like paths or gravel could help designate safe zones.
Plants
Selection of plants and flowers for any garden, but especially when designing one that caters to pet-friendly landscaping, is of utmost importance. Young dogs and certain breeds of cats tend to chew, making it essential to select safe species. Common landscaping plants like hydrangeas, tulips, and chrysanthemums may contain poisonous elements if consumed in large enough amounts; additionally, some flowering plants such as ivy (which contains saponins harmful to cats) and jade plants contain saponins which could also harm animals when consumed in large enough quantities.
Oleander and lilyturf plants, for instance, can be toxic to pets, so research the plants you choose in your landscape before choosing any that could be toxic to them. Furthermore, avoid using sharp edges around the yard that might injure a pet should they jump onto it, as well as hanging items that might become cat bait.
Dogs tend to run in circles or figure eight patterns known as zoomies, making design key in accommodating this behaviour. A pebble walkway could prove problematic for your pup to navigate safely. At the same time, concrete, pavers or brick may provide better options – contact a professional landscaper who can assist in selecting suitable materials safe for pets.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser provides plants with essential nutrients in an easily absorbable form. Where humans obtain essential vitamins from eating food, plants must get them from the soil. Without adequate fertilisation, your yard’s grass and other plants could struggle to thrive.
Avoid applying fertilisers on windy days when their contents may blow or drift onto sidewalks and driveways, creating risks to pedestrians and cars alike. Sweep excess granules off hard surfaces back onto lawns for maximum effectiveness, and ensure any spills are cleaned immediately; any fertilisers running off into ponds or waterways could pollute them and create algae issues that must be managed directly.
Mulch
Mulch can provide garden plants with excellent protection, but selecting the appropriate kind can be challenging. Some types of mulch, particularly cocoa bean shell mulch (which is also toxic if consumed by humans), may be toxic to dogs and poisonous if eaten directly. A better choice would be shredded bark or wood nuggets without chemicals or dyes added, while pine bark mulch provides additional nitrogen benefits as a bonus!
Mulch can also prevent erosion by discouraging digging in your garden beds. In doing this, the key is ensuring the depth of the mulch falls below where a dog might dig; this can be achieved by installing fences, walls or planting tall shrubs in front of beds; alternatively, you could create paths through your yard that direct pet’s movements such as patio pavers, bricks, much or pebbles to form walkways through your garden areas.
Trees
A properly planned landscape should provide enough room for pets to exercise, explore, play and rest without becoming endangered by hazards like toxic plants for dogs and cats, sharp edges or hidden holes. Where possible, fencing could also provide additional security and safety. A pet safe landscape design Adelaide might include natural elements such as trees and shrubs to provide shade, shelter or napping spots.
Selecting nontoxic plants and mulch is one of the easiest ways to keep your pets safe in your landscape. In addition to preventing choking, toxic plants may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, cardiovascular collapse and even death in pets. Some species pose risks due to seeds or roots, while others pose more danger due to thorns and thistles, which may get caught on dog and cat paws.
Pet safe landscape design Adelaide can also reduce the risk of ticks and fleas lurking in tall grass and brush waiting to attack passing animals. Ticks and fleas can cause skin rashes, itching, tapeworms and anemia from blood loss and transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme disease if left unchecked.