It’s not hard to think of your garden as a space totally separate from the rest of nature. But outside of some fences and perhaps a piece of paper outlining your ownership, it’s really not that disconnected at all. This isn’t to say you’re liable to have hordes of wild animals show up unannounced (although this entirely depends on where you live), nor does it mean the public may have the right of way when walking in nature, but it does mean that even the most cultivated garden requires careful maintenance.
In actual fact, sometimes a garden can be more dangerous than you think. Sure, the odds of a rapid badger attacking you out of the blue is relatively unlikely, but it’s important to never dismiss maintenance concerns when you note them, and sometimes, it’s good to go look for them specifically. This is especially true if you have children or elderly relatives that spend time in your garden.
So, without further ado, let’s consider some dangers that may be present in your green space without your approval:
Tree Branches & Rot
Trees are easy to forget about if they’ve occupied your garden for quite some time, especially if they were there long before you came to the property. You might not even think about it when gardening or preparing this area as best you can. That said, falling tree branches due to structural damage can be a very real issue, and may cause injury if you’re not careful. Moreover, trees can rot with fungal infections if you’re not careful, causing toxins and other health-affecting concerns to be present. That’s why it’s wise to invest in the services of a professional tree surgeon for inspections and maintenance when you can, to ensure your trees remain well-behaved as they’re supposed to.
Loose Garden Paths & Stones
A loose garden path may not seem like the most threatening issue, but what if you have a steep garden, elderly relatives with mobility issues, or slight stairs that lead to raised or lowered platforms in the garden? The moment you notice a crack in the stone, a dislodgement of its inlay, or perhaps even a slab that hasn’t been secure for a little while, it’s essential to make sure this is properly resolved. Moreover, even wood chip pathways can become slippier than you had expected if a number of the chips have disappeared or been blown by the wind over time, as the roughage used to add grip is no longer available.
Pet-Harming Plants
If you have pets, you’ll know that they’re rarely that picky about what they eat. This is especially true if you have dogs, or have brought a dog into the household for the first time. They won’t think twice about eating plants, but if you have oleander, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas and more, the toxins can cause real harm and even lethal injury to your dog. That’s why it’s good to only use pet-friendly plants just in case your dog does feel peckish, as you might not always be there to warn them off or chastise them if they seem a little too interested.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to render your garden into the safest possible place you deserve to enjoy.
