Pet-Friendly Gardening Tips

When designing a backyard oasis, it is important to think about creating a space that will be safe for your pets. Some plants can be toxic to your four-legged furry friends.

Here are some tips to help achieve a safe, resilient backyard paradise for the entire family:

START WITH LARGER PLANTS

As you’re planning a new landscape, consider including some larger plants like boxwoods, pittosporums or viburnums in your new landscaping beds. Large plants provide an imposing presence and serve as visual cues to your pet to dodge away from beds when chasing a toy or squirrel. And, if your innocent pooch happens to be a little clumsy, larger plants will be able to withstand a little damage. Consider using the STIHL YARD BOSS®, a gardening multi-task tool system, to help prep soil for new beds.

What You’ll Need: STIHL YARD BOSS®

PLANT AROMATIC FOLIAGE

We know that pets like to play in planter beds. Aromatic foliage, like lavender and rosemary, emit strong smells that make the area around them less appealing to pets. And your garden gets added benefit, as both attract bees and butterflies while repelling mosquitos and fleas.

AVOID TOXIC AND SPIKY PLANTS

Some of the most attractive plants are the most dangerous to pets. Spiky plants, such as sharp-pointed agaves and cacti, can easily puncture skin. Many popular plants and flowers are highly poisonous if ingested by dogs and cats, including English ivy, tulips and sago palms. The ASPCA’s list of toxic plants is a great resource to research what landscaping elements might pose a threat and plant accordingly.

CHOOSE PET-SAFE MULCH

Mulch is one of the best multitaskers in the garden, helping keep soil moist, protect plants and prevent weeds, while also adding a finished look to beds. However, gardeners with pets should be cautious when choosing mulch. Some of the best options include wood bark mulch, cedar and hemlock mulches. Both hardwood and rubber mulches are considered safe for pets but can pose choking hazards. Cocoa bean mulch, however, is toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

SELECT NATURAL FERTILIZERS

Lush lawns and colorful flowers are often achieved through fertilizers, but some chemical versions can harm pets. For grassy areas, try a mulching mower like the STIHL RMA 460 V mower to create fine grass clippings you can leave on your yard, returning water and nutrients back to the soil. For landscaping beds, consider fertilizing with compost — you can even make your own for free!

What You’ll Need: STIHL RMA 460 V Mower

ADD A DOG RUN

Keep your dog from running through the flower beds by adding a dedicated spot to run off pent-up energy and patrol the perimeter. Block off a rectangular space that you can prep and level, then potentially fill with mulch or wood chips and finish with a fence.

What You’ll Need: STIHL FSA 57 String Trimmer, STIHL YARD BOSS®

PREVENT DIGGING

Sprinkling cinnamon, scattering citrus peels or sprinkling cayenne pepper can help deter cats and dogs from digging. If cats and dogs are determined to dig, consider creating a digging area just for them in a bare spot of soil.

KEEP HEDGES TRIMMED

Overgrown hedges and unmaintained shrubs with sharp twigs can pose danger to pets and children. Regularly trimmed shrubs encourage a fuller plant creating a soft 'wall' with less voids for dogs to try to plow through. Keep the yard safe for everyone by giving your greenery frequent trims.

What You’ll Need: STIHL HSA 56 Hedge Trimmer, PP 30 Hand Pruners, PL 10 Loppers