Essential Safety Tips For A Busy Family Garden
A few thoughtful precautions can turn a well-loved garden into a space that feels as safe as it is welcoming — for children, pets and guests alike.
Having a garden that routinely sees use from you, your kids, and your guests is a wonderful thing. It can be the source of many happy memories, but it can also be the site of some safety hazards if you’re not careful. Don’t let any lingering safety concerns spoil the party; follow the tips below to make sure that you’re doing what you can to keep your garden safe.
Maintain Your Boundaries
Start with the fencing, which is one of the most important safety features, as it plays a key role in stopping your young children and pets from wandering out of sight and into any unsafe areas. Make sure that you choose sturdy fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates. Inspect them routinely for loose panels, gaps, or even sharp edges that can potentially cause injuries.
Invest In A Little Lightning
Aside from helping create a warm ambience and luxurious aesthetic, good lighting is vital for garden safety, especially in the evenings. It can be used to light up pathways and steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls, and can even improve the security of the home, as would-be intruders are less likely to target places where there’s a greater potential of being seen. Using solar or lower-power LED lighting can make it a lot easier and less costly to ensure reliable and continuous illumination every night.
Prioritize Pool Safety
If you have a pool, keeping it safe must be a top priority. This can include installing pool fencing with secure gates, using covers when it's not in use, and setting up alarms to alert you if anyone falls in. Maintain the quality and health of the water, too, with the right chemical products to maintain pH and chlorine balance, as well as the help of a pool cleaning service to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and bacteria. Dirty, unmanaged pools can be the source of all kinds of health issues, so be sure to give them the care that it needs.
Mind Your Slipping Hazards
Certain garden surfaces can become slippery, especially when wet or when substances like algae have the opportunity to build up. Be sure to power wash your patios, decking, steps, or other surfaces that do become slippery, but think about replacing them in the long run with things like textured paving and non-slip coatings to make them a lot safer.
Store Your Tools And Chemicals
In keeping with the steps above, as well as the general maintenance of your garden and outdoor areas, you might have quite a collection of tools, electronic equipment, and chemicals. These can be very risky for children to access, so be sure to store them in locked sheds and cabinets, well out of their reach. Be sure to label any containers for your own safety, too, and routinely dispose of unused or expired chemicals.
A safe garden can become one of the most important parts of the home when it comes to quality of life and the kind of lifestyle you want. The tips above can ensure that you’re not letting any safety concerns slip under the radar.
