Your backyard offers the ideal place to spend time outside. However, if you're planning on getting plenty of use out of your backyard, you should make sure it doesn't have hazards that could be harmful to you and your household, including your pets. Here are a few ways you can make your backyard a safer place:
If your yard doesn't have a fence, consider installing one. A fenced-in yard provides a safer environment for kids and pets, since it can stop them from running into the street or wandering away and getting lost. Putting a fence around your backyard can also stop wildlife and other people's pets from getting onto your property. Make sure you install a sturdy fence with a self-latching gate for added safety.
A backyard that's only filled with grass shouldn't be much of a safety problem, but watch out for plants that could be toxic to people or pets. Search your yard for any vegetation, including weeds, that are considered hazardous or toxic when ingested. Eliminate other plant hazards from your yard too, such as poison ivy or poison oak.
Wasps, fire ants and other pests can make your backyard a dangerous place. Check for fire ant mounds, wasp and hornet nests and other potential pest problems in your yard. If you're not sure how to handle these safely, you should hire pest control professionals. Eliminating these dangers from your yard helps make it a safe place for everyone in your home.
Grills can be a hazard for kids and pets, but that doesn't mean you can't have one in your backyard. Set up a grilling area that's far enough away from any play areas, so kids won't wander close to the grill. Store matches, lighter fluid and other flammable items in a secure place that kids and pets can't reach.
Tree limbs can seriously injure people and pets when they fall. Check the trees in your yard for dead or decaying limbs that need to be removed. Getting rid of these hazards helps reduce the risk of severe injuries from falling tree limbs.
Lenore has been a Collier County resident for over 40 years. She fell in love with Naples and surrounding areas and decided to make the move from Cleveland in December 1981. Lenore has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida where she met her husband of over 25 years. They have two children that attend University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University. She has worked as a Community Service Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, a Guest Teacher with the Collier County Public Schools, and continues to serve on many committees with the Parent-Teacher Organizations in Naples. Lenore has a true passion for Naples and is excited to put that passion to work for her customers. Whether you need an expert guide in buying a home, or a dedicated leader to sell your property; her love of Naples will always give you piece of mind in your real estate venture.