When considering landscaping in the Cincinnati area, one of the first things to think about is what is best for kids. Cincinnati is a great place to raise a family, and many of our clients are renovating their yards to make them perfect playgrounds. What should you keep in mind for your kids’ safety.
1. Make Surfaces That Aren’t Slippery
Kids love running on decks and patios. As well they should! Walkways are great for young feet to grow accustomed to. Non-skid surfaces – pavers are one type of non-slip material – limit the amount of falls they may take. And while no surface can eliminate slipping and tripping entirely, giving your kids a little traction will help encourage them to run freely and securely. For landscaping in the Cincinnati area, we always consider what it will feel like to run around on those backyard surfaces.
2. Don’t Use Toxic Plants
Children will sometimes eat plants. It is a natural curiosity and sense for exploration that leads them there, and in most cases, there is nothing to worry about. Certain common plants, though, are best to avoid. Many berry bushes, like holly and mistletoe, can be toxic to kids. So can azaleas, daffodils, and even the delicate calla lily.
3. Keep the Pool Safe
Building a fence around your pool, if one does not already exist, can prevent drowning. Letting your child explore in the rest of the yard, without entering the pool area, can open up the rest of the green space safely. Fencing in the entire yard can keep neighbors’ kids away – and keep you from being liable for accidents – but a fence just around the pool can help protect your own small child.
4. Consider Astroturf
Artificial turf makes an even surface, with no dips or holes. Therefore, it means fewer falls compared with the uneven terrain of natural grass. It is also a softer surface, for when those trips and falls take place. If you have dogs, their urine drains through the fibers to the ground underneath; your kids will come into less contact with dog urine with the synthetic turf than with natural grass.
