Landscaping and Pet Safety

We actually had a winter in Texas! It’s hard to believe, but it’s true, and now that the weather has warmed up we are all looking to get in our yards and repair the damage and replace some of the plants that didn’t make it after the freeze. Many homeowners will take this opportunity to change the landscaping in their yard. Perhaps you would like to add some color; maybe you’re looking to go a completely different direction with your landscaping plan. For some of us, just having a plan would be a new direction! Whatever direction you are looking to go, there are some things to consider if you are a pet owner (in our case, we are owned by our pet).

Check out the new additions

Adding new plants to your landscape can give your yard an exciting, fresh new look and add value to your home. But before you buy those new plants you’ve had your heart set on, do a little investigation to see if they pose a threat to our four legged friends.

Lilies are a popular plant this time of the year. They produce a beautiful trumpet shaped flower, and are commonly used to add color around trees, or may be found inside the home in a small pot. These plants are easy to care for and provide plenty of cover in a short amount of time; however they are particularly toxic to cats. The bulbs are considered to be the most dangerous part of the plant, but just a single leaf can cause quite a bit of damage. The result of ingestion of any part of this plant is kidney failure. If you have a cat, you might consider avoiding this plant all together. If you do wish to plant these bulbs, place the bulb deep in the ground, cover the area with mulch, and keep an eye on the area and your furry little friends.

Sago palms are another popular plant in our area that can cause real problems if eaten. These plants are very popular because they look great and require very little water and attention. All parts of the plant are poisonous to cats and dogs, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. Just one or two seeds can cause serious damage. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Other popular plants that can cause problems for our fuzzy buddies include azaleas and oleanders. I have included a list of problem plants that has been provided by the humane society. Take a look at it, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

Chemicals and fertilizers can be great for the lawn, but not so good for your pet

Chemically treating your lawn in the Houston area is almost an absolute necessity. The number of bugs our climate supports is astounding. Try going through a season without treating for fire ants; you will soon find your yard impossible to enjoy. Many of us attempt to treat our yards ourselves, and there are plenty of products out there that boast that they are “pet friendly”. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is critical to keep both you and your pets safe. You can also call a professional service to treat your lawn for pests; we work with some of the best.

Fertilizers will make your lawn look great, but they can be rough on your pets. Not only is there a risk from ingestion, but allowing them to walk on the lawn too soon can cause irritation and burns to the pads of their paws. Most modern fertilizers are pet friendly; the biggest concern can be ingestion of left over fertilizer that has not been properly stored. After fertilizing your yard, water the fertilizer in to dilute the solution, and allow time to dry before letting your pets out into the yard. You may want to post a sign in your front yard to alert neighbors walking their pets that you have recently treated your yard.

When in doubt, check it out

If you are ever unsure about an item, product or service and what the potential effects could be to you or your pets, please investigate before moving forward. As always, you can give us a shout and ask us any questions you may have. We have an extensive network of top notch professionals that we work with and they are always willing to help our VIP’s. Here’s to a great looking yard…I hope this helps.

Stacy is a licensed REALTOR® and the team leader of The Jones Team, a group of REALTORS® in Katy, who work together to provide exceptional service for their clients. Stacy and his team specialize in the areas west of downtown Houston. These incredible real estate agents can help you buy or sell a home in locations such as Katy, Cypress, far West and Northwest Houston, Richmond, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Spring Branch, Memorial, Spring, Tomball, The Woodlands, and Magnolia. Whether you are in the market to sell a home, buy a home, have a question about home appraisal value, need advice about home staging ,or have any other real estate related questions, Stacy and The Jones Team are available to help.