There are a few obvious hazards to look out for in your backyards. Swimming pools and ponds for instance are always a danger if you have kids, and you should always lock garden tools away if you have young kids or pets.
However, there are other hazards outdoors that are less obvious. Such hazards can still cause many people to be injured or fall ill every year and so are worth looking out for. Below are just a few hidden dangers to watch out for in your backyard.
Treacherous trees
There are lots of benefits to having trees in your backyard – they can improve air quality, provide privacy and provide a home for local wildlife. However, you should always keep an eye on the condition of the trees in your backyard. Trees that are dead or dying can be a big hazard – especially if you live in an area that is prone to storms and the tree is within falling distance of your home. Leaning or partially uprooted trees should be a particular concern. An arborist will be able to tell you if your tree is a danger. If your tree is a danger, you should consider hiring a professional tree removal service such as this one at https://twitter.com/marietta_tree. Never attempt to fell a tree yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Got pet dogs? There could be many things in your backyard that are potentially toxic if a dog were to ingest them. A few things found in backyards that are toxic to dogs include:
- Compost
- Azaleas
- Lilies
- Unripe tomatoes
- Cocoa mulch
- Mushrooms
An older dog may not be too curious and so these things may not be a threat. But if you have a puppy, you should take great caution and consider removing these dangers or putting them out of reach. You can find a full list of dangers to dogs here at https://greatpetcare.com.
Flammable fertilizers
Nitrate fertilizers are highly flammable and have caused many accidents throughout history by exploding when exposed to heat. Make sure to store these fertilizers in a cool and shady place. Avoid storing them near fungicides (many of which can generate heat when wet) or other flammable liquids such as propane or kerosene.
Did you know that soil can be a breeding ground for bacteria? Diseases such as legionellosis have been contracted from handling potting soil, while tetanus can also be spread through soil if you have a cut on your hand. This is another good reason to wear gloves while gardening – you’ll have less chance of picking up such bacteria. Even if you’re just putting a plant in a pot, take a moment to consider the dangers that handling soil could have.
Poisonous pests
Depending on where you live in the US, you may be at risk of exposure to certain dangerous creepy crawlies or snakes. Most of these creatures are likely to run away when faced with a human, but when disturbing their home they may attack out of defence. Wearing gloves will usually protect you from most critters. When it comes to wasps and bees, try to look out for nests and hives on your premises and get these professionally removed.
