The school holidays are almost upon us (at the time of writing), and if you're lucky enough to have a garden, then much fun is guaranteed for your children (let's just hope the weather holds up). Of course, as we have discussed before on this website, your garden needs to be child-friendly. And one of the ways you can achieve this is to make sure your garden is safe. There are a number of hazards that need to be considered, and to help you, we will list some of them here.
Play equipment
From climbing frames to swings and slides, you can purchase all kinds of play equipment online or from your local supermarket. And while fun and games are almost guaranteed, you are also guaranteed more than a few bumps and bruises if safety isn't a priority. So, when erecting play equipment in the garden, ensure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines to the letter and never substitute parts. Place them in a safe area of the garden, such as away from prickly bushes and hard driveways to reduce the chances of an injury should a fall take place. You want to make sure the ground is safe to land on too, so you might want to consider replacing your grass with something synthetic, such as the fake grass from Synturf, or you might want to lay down sand or rubber mats if you have only designated one particular area for your play equipment.
Fencing and walls
Children are natural explorers, and if you have little ones in your family, they might be tempted to slip through any gaps in your fencing. This is especially concerning if you live near a busy road, where the risks are obvious. An aging or poorly maintained fence can also be hazardous—splinters, for example, can be a real problem. Choosing composite fencing eliminates this issue; composite fencing is made from a mix of wood fibers and recycled plastic, giving it the appearance of wood but without the upkeep. Unlike traditional timber, it won’t splinter, rot, or warp, making it safer and easier to maintain. If your garden is bordered by a stone wall, an aging or deteriorating structure could become unstable over time. Weathering, erosion, and structural weaknesses can cause cracks and loose stones, increasing the risk of collapse. Heavy rain, frost, or even nearby construction work can accelerate this process, making it especially dangerous for children who might climb or play near it. Regular inspections can help identify early signs of damage, and if the wall is visibly crumbling or leaning, it’s best to repair, reinforce, or replace it to ensure safety. In either case, filling gaps with wire netting or new fence panels can help secure your perimeter. If your fencing or walls are showing signs of wear, consider replacing them or adding protective barriers to keep children safe. For the best long term solution, hiring a professional fence contractor to install sturdy, reliable fencing is a worthwhile investment.
Hazardous plants
For starters, you should pull out any nettles and prickly and thorny bushes near your children's playing areas, as they are obviously hazardous to your children. You should also be mindful of any garden plants that could pose a danger to your children if touched or ingested, and if any are spotted in your garden, you should place barriers around them or remove them immediately. You can see an extensive list of dangerous plants here. It's a good idea to warn your children of any dangers too, so if you don't want to dig out everything in your garden, your little ones will at least know what they should and shouldn't go near.
Other safety tips
If you're a keen gardener, you need to make sure you keep any sharp and dangerous tools away from your children, so be mindful of such things as your garden forks and power tools, and store them safely away after use. When removing those pesky weeds from your garden, you should use natural weed killers rather than their toxic chemical alternatives for the safety of your children. Remember to have a first-aid kit nearby in the event of a bump or graze, as well as the phone number for your GP in the event that you need advice from a qualified professional. Finally, it can be worth taking a first aid course too, like c2c in ottawa. That way you have some understanding of what to do in an emergency while you wait for help to arrive, it could literally prove to be life saving if you ever needed to rely on those skills.
