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Various Dangers to Be Aware of in Your Backyard

“Your backyard is a place of relaxation and comfort. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or playing with your children, you want to be sure that it’s a safe environment for all those who inhabit it.”

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Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. While your backyard can be your refuge there are also quite a few potential hazards there as well. Numerous people have been injured in their backyards. The following guest post is entitled, Various Dangers to Be Aware of in Your Backyard.

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Your backyard is a place of relaxation and comfort. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or playing with your children, you want to be sure that it’s a safe environment for all those who inhabit it. Unfortunately, there are a variety of dangers lurking in the shadows. From pests to hazardous equipment, explore what potential hazards you need to be aware of in your backyard.

1. Pests & Animals

Depending on where you live, your backyard may contain various pests and animals that can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can carry diseases such as the West Nile virus and Lyme disease, so make sure these pests don’t have any access to standing water on your property.

Termites can also cause considerable damage to your property if not dealt with promptly. You want to work with professional termite control services to ensure your home and property are safe from these pests. They can also help to identify any other pests that may be present on your property, from ants to rodents.

In addition, you may have wild animals such as raccoons, opossums, or snakes that could be living in your backyard. These animals can carry dangerous diseases and should always be handled cautiously. You should contact a professional wildlife removal service to help remove any unwanted animals on your property.

2. Hazardous Equipment & Materials

Your backyard may also contain pieces of equipment that could potentially harm someone if they’re not used properly. If a swimming pool or trampoline is present on the premises, ensure these items are inspected regularly by professionals for any damages-primarily if they haven’t been used for an extended period-and always supervise young children when they’re playing on them. Having a good family doctor like Dr. Christopher Cummins MD, who you can turn to for advice and help if you need it is also a good idea to give you peace of mind that you’ve got all the bases covered.

Additionally, be mindful of how much fertilizer or weed killer you use when tending to the garden, as these chemicals can cause health problems if ingested or inhaled incorrectly. Be sure to store these products away from any curious kids or pets! You should also make sure that any power tools, such as lawnmowers or chainsaws, are safely stored away in a shed when not in use.

3. Structural Hazards

You want to be wary of any structural hazards on your property. This can include anything from large tree branches close to the house that could fall in a storm to weak decks or railings. Have a home inspector come and assess any potential risks on your property, and make sure to get any necessary repairs done quickly.

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common backyard hazards. Ensure you keep any walkways or steps on your property in good condition to prevent anyone from getting hurt. Be sure to add extra lighting around these areas, making them easier to navigate in the dark.

4. Harmful Plants

Lastly, be sure to research what plants are present in your backyard and if they pose any potential risks. Some plants can be poisonous if ingested, while others may cause skin irritation. Here are some common plants that should be avoided:

a. Rhubarb

This plant is common in many gardens, but the leaves are extremely toxic if ingested. Avoid planting these near areas where young children, pets, or wildlife can access them.

b. Oleander

One of the most poisonous plants, oleander, contains toxins that can cause vomiting and tremors when ingested. You should always wear gloves when handling it and never burn the plant, as the smoke can be toxic.

c. Poison Ivy

This common weed can cause skin irritation and rashes when touched. Keep this away from any play areas, and wear protective clothing when dealing with it.

d. Nightshade

This plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death if ingested. Keep this away from any areas where children or pets can access it.

Keeping your backyard safe doesn’t have to be difficult but requires vigilance and knowledge. By being aware of the potential hazards in your outdoor space, such as pests, hazardous equipment and materials, structural hazards, and harmful plants, you can ensure that everyone who inhabits your backyard is safe! Make sure to work with professionals, do your research, and be mindful of any potential risks when maintaining your outdoor space. With these tips, you can keep your backyard safe and secure.

What Equipment You’ll Need For Your Backyard Landscaping Project

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. If you have a yard, it’s a major of your homeownership as you’ll want it to be properly managed and manicured. The following contributed post is entitled, What Equipment You’ll Need For Your Backyard Landscaping Project.

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If you’re planning to take on a backyard landscaping project this year, then it’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Not having the right tools can cause delays in your project and may even lead to frustration. The following blog will outline all of the equipment you’ll need for your backyard landscaping project.

Photo by Mike B

1) A Good Quality Lawn Mower

This is probably the essential piece of equipment you’ll need for your project. A good-quality lawn mower will make it much easier to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. There are a variety of different types of lawn mowers on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

-Gasoline Powered Lawn Mowers: These are the most common type of lawn mower, and they’re ideal for larger yards. They’re also relatively easy to operate. However, they can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain.

-Electric Lawn Mowers: These are becoming increasingly popular as they’re more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered mowers. They’re also very quiet, which can be a significant advantage if you live in a busy neighborhood. However, they may not be powerful enough for large yards, and they can be quite expensive to purchase.

2) Mini Excavators

If you’re planning to do any landscaping that involves digging, then you’ll need a mini excavator. This piece of equipment is essential for any serious landscaping project. Mini excavators can be rented from most construction equipment rental companies.

-Bobcats: Bobcats are a type of mini excavator that is very popular for backyard landscaping projects. They’re relatively easy to operate, and they’re small enough to maneuver in tight spaces. However, they can be quite expensive to rent.

-Backhoes: Backhoes are another type of mini excavator that can be used for backyard landscaping projects. They’re larger than bobcats, and they’re more powerful, but they can be more challenging to operate.

Whatever type of mini excavator you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the controls before using them and be sure to Click here for more information.

3) A Good Quality Weed Whacker

A weed whacker is an essential piece of equipment for any backyard landscaping project. A good quality weed whacker will make it much easier to keep your lawn looking neat. There are a variety of different types of weed whackers on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

-Gasoline Powered Weed Whackers: These are the most common type of weed whacker, and they’re ideal for larger yards. They’re also relatively easy to operate. However, they can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain.

-Electric Weed Whackers: These are becoming increasingly popular as they’re more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered weed whackers. They’re also very quiet, which can be a significant advantage.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the pieces of equipment you’ll need for your backyard landscaping project. Be sure to do your research and purchase quality equipment that will last. With the right tools, your backyard landscaping project will be a success!

5 Ways To Add Shade To Your Backyard

Two focuses of my blog are Health/Wellness and Technology. A major aspect of our personal health relaxing outdoors. One challenge to doing so is too much sunlight. Creating the optimal amount of shade can contribute to the optimal outdoor experience. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways To Add Shade To Your Backyard.

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Pixabay. CCO Licensed.

In the summer, many of us are eager to spend time in our backyard. However, as much as we may occasionally enjoy catching a tan, there are times when it can be nice to have a bit of shade to cool off in. If your backyard is a suntrap and you want to add some shade, here are just a few different options to consider.

Use patio umbrellas

Patio umbrellas can be placed in the centre of tables offering shade to dining/seating areas. You can also buy freestanding patio umbrellas. They’re the cheapest and easiest source of shade and they’re also portable, allowing you to move them around your backyard. However, they’re not a suitable option if you’re looking to provide shade to a large area.

Consider a pop-up gazebo

A pop-up gazebo can be put up when you need some shade and taken down when you want to enjoy the sun. It could be the perfect option for providing temporary shelter to an outdoor living area. Gazebos come in all sizes, shapes and forms. Some come with heavy-duty waterproof fabric that can protect you from the rain and wind too.

Build a fixed canopy

A fixed canopy could provide shade to a specific area without the fuss of putting it up and taking it down. This could be a fixed wooden gazebo, a fabric awning or a metal freestanding canopy. You could even make it retractable (this could be operated by a pulley or operated electronically). The options are limitless – by hiring contractors you can build a canopy designed to your specs. You could even build it yourself – there are many places online where you can find materials for metal canopies and timber for wooden gazebos.

Plant trees

Trees can provide a natural source of shade. You’ll help to invite wildlife into your backyard and the air will feel cleaner. There are companies that you can buy trees from – some of these companies can help plant the tree for you. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to buy a fully-grown tree unless you’re buying a relatively small tree, so there may be some patience required while the tree grows to full height. Planting a tree could have an impact on your neighbours, so make sure to check the decision with them first.

Raise fences and hedges

You may also be able to raise fences and hedges to provide some extra shade and possibly some extra privacy. This could prevent the need for overhead structures. You should definitely check your neighbours are happy with the decision to raise the fence/hedges before going ahead.