Ask the Experts

Creating a Pet and Kid Friendly Landscape

Designing a yard that’s safe, beautiful, and functional for pets and children can feel like a balancing act. Fortunately, with thoughtful planning and strategic choices, you can achieve a pet- and kid-friendly landscape that suits your family. One of Southern Botanical’s Enhancements Managers, Nancy McCracken, shares expert insights on creating safe, enjoyable outdoor spaces catering to furry friends and young children while maintaining curb appeal.

Prioritizing Safety and Usability

In family-friendly landscaping, safety is paramount. McCracken emphasizes the importance of designing “intentional spaces” for both pets and kids. “You want areas where they can play freely,” she explains. Knowing your pet’s habits is essential for creating a pet-friendly landscape.

For example, if your dog loves running along the fence line, leave a pathway to prevent your plants from getting trampled. “Set your shrubs a bit off the fence,” she suggests. “This way, they can run back and forth without damaging your landscaping.”

Creating pathways can be useful for wildlife, too. McCracken has observed animals, such as coyotes, naturally following paths in her garden. “They stick to the path,” she notes, showing how directional landscaping can enhance aesthetics and functionality.

Selecting the Best Grass for Pets and Kids

One challenge pet owners face is finding the best grass for dogs and children to enjoy without excessive wear. McCracken recommends tough, drought-tolerant varieties like Bermuda grass, which holds up well under heavy use. “Bermuda is the most tolerant grass when it comes to pet activity,” she says. Zoysia grass and St. Augustine are also popular choices, but they may struggle in high-traffic areas, particularly with larger dogs.

McCracken suggests covering worn areas with mulch or even artificial turf to avoid muddy paws from bare patches. This way, your pet-safe lawn remains clean and accessible, even in high-traffic areas. Artificial turf can be an attractive, low-maintenance solution for areas prone to wear.

Avoiding Toxic Plants for Pets and Kids

When designing a safe landscaping space, toxic plants for dogs and other pets should be avoided. McCracken advises that it’s always better to be cautious. “If your dog is a chewer, be especially mindful of what you plant,” she explains. Some common landscaping plants are toxic to pets if ingested:

  • Sago palm
  • Datura
  • Oleander
  • Certain lilies
  • Azalea
  • Mountain laurel
  • Morning glory
  • Lantana

However, not all dogs are tempted by greenery. McCracken shares, “I have plants like lilies and lantana in my yard, but my dogs don’t eat them.” Knowing your pet’s habits is key to choosing the best plants for your garden. Opt for non-toxic plants and family-friendly landscaping ideas that keep curious pets and kids safe.

Enhancing Curb Appeal with Safe Landscaping Choices

Creating a beautiful, family- and pet-friendly landscape doesn’t mean sacrificing curb appeal. McCracken emphasizes the value of a well-thought-out design with distinct areas for play, relaxation, and visual interest. “It’s about finding a balance between function and beauty,” she notes.

Mulch can be a great, safe ground cover in play areas, but be cautious with mulch types like cocoa mulch, which can be toxic to pets. Additionally, McCracken warns that ground cover plants can create hiding spots for wildlife, such as snakes if used extensively near natural water sources like creeks.

For pet owners, chemical-free landscaping is also an important consideration. Avoid using toxic pesticides or herbicides in play areas. Many landscaping chemicals have safety labels indicating whether they’re safe for pets and children. Whenever possible, choose organic pest control methods and pet-safe products.

Directing Traffic with Strategic Landscape Design

Strategic landscaping can guide children and pets toward specific areas. Directional landscaping uses design elements like pathways, natural barriers, or decorative pots to control access to potentially hazardous spaces. “Kids and pets will take the path of least resistance,” McCracken says. This approach ensures that both pets and kids stay safe while enjoying the yard.

Creating designated play areas can encourage kids and pets to stay within safe boundaries, protecting your garden beds and fragile plants. Placing planters or large stones around raised areas can prevent falls and add visual interest.

Including Kid-Friendly and Interactive Garden Features

Involving children in gardening can be a fun way to foster an appreciation for nature and create an interactive outdoor space. McCracken suggests incorporating elements like pollinator gardens, vegetable patches, and butterfly-friendly plants. “It’s great for kids to learn where food comes from and take ownership of part of the garden,” she explains. Plants like dill and parsley are excellent for butterfly gardens and can serve as an educational tool for kids to observe nature in action.

Planning Your Ideal Family-Friendly Landscape

Designing safe landscaping for pets and kids requires careful planning and an understanding of pet and child behaviors. As McCracken sums it up, “The goal is to create a functional and beautiful yard—a space where everyone, pets and humans alike, can feel at home.”

Need expert assistance to get started? Let Southern Botanical help you bring your vision to life with tailored landscaping designs that enhance curb appeal, safety, and enjoyment for the entire family. Our team can help you create a pet-friendly garden design that includes plants that are safe for the entire family.