Making Pet-friendly Landscapes

April 3, 2024

For many homeowners, the backyard isn’t just for relaxation, it’s also a space where pets can play. Thoughtful landscape design combined with regular maintenance can create a beautiful, functional, and safe environment for your furry companions.

Start with Pet-Safe Plant Selection

Part of good landscape design involves planning around your pet’s behavior. Some plants can pose serious risks to pets, especially dogs who like to dig, chew, or graze. If your dog is a curious chewer or an enthusiastic digger, selecting non-toxic plants and creating boundaries can help keep them safe.

Some common plants that are dangerous to dogs include:

• Spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths
• Tubers and roots such as dahlias and irises
• Fruit plants like grapes, peach stones, and apple seeds
• Ornamentals including chrysanthemums, clematis, and the horse chestnut tree

The ASPCA provides a comprehensive list of plants that can be toxic to pets, which is a helpful resource when planning your garden. In addition, a landscape design professional can guide you in selecting dog-safe alternatives that still offer color, texture, and seasonal interest.

Design for Comfort: Shade and Shelter

Colorado summers can get hot, and just like people, dogs need a place to cool down. When creating a pet-friendly landscape, shade should be a top priority. Mature trees naturally provide relief, but if your yard lacks mature growth, you can incorporate:

• Pergolas or shade sails
• Covered patios or porches
• Strategically placed shrubs or tall grasses for dappled shade

Smart landscape design ensures that these shade elements blend with your aesthetic goals while serving an important functional purpose for your pet’s well-being.

Water Access and Pet-Safe Features

Fresh water should always be available to pets when they’re outdoors. A simple water bowl may suffice, but many homeowners enjoy incorporating water features like fountains, ponds, or small streams into their landscape design. If you go this route, make sure:

• The water feature is shallow or has escape routes so pets don’t get trapped
• Any treatments or chemicals used to maintain water clarity are safe for animals
• The feature is easy to clean and maintain to prevent algae or harmful bacteria buildup

Maintenance Matters for Pet-Friendly Yards

Landscape maintenance plays an equally important role in keeping your yard safe and inviting for pets. Regular mowing and trimming keep the space tidy and reduce hiding spots for pests that could harm your animals. Burrs, ticks, and other irritants can easily latch onto your pet’s fur or skin, but by keeping plants trimmed and monitoring for infestations, you can reduce these risks. It’s also important to routinely inspect the yard for potential hazards. Fallen fruit or nuts, for example, should be promptly cleared away, since many can be toxic to dogs if ingested. 

Mulch is another consideration. Not all types are pet-safe, and options like cocoa mulch can be especially dangerous if a curious pup decides to snack on it. Finally, maintaining fences and boundaries is essential to ensure your pets stay safely within your yard. Regularly checking for gaps, broken boards, or loose gates can prevent unwanted escapes and give you peace of mind while your pets enjoy the outdoors.

Partner with Landscape Design Experts

Creating a yard that’s both beautiful and pet-friendly takes thoughtful planning. At Lindgren Landscape, we specialize in landscape design that balances aesthetics, safety, and functionality, perfect for Northern Colorado homeowners and their pets. Our team is here to help you build a landscape your whole family can enjoy.

Contact Lindgren Landscape today to start designing the perfect outdoor space for you and your pets!