Pet-proof your garden

THE average plot size of new properties is shrinking which makes a neatly manicured back-garden one of the biggest draw-cards for potential buyers.

According to Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, those who choose to leave their back-garden space poorly maintained are, therefore missing out on a huge opportunity to add value to their property.

However, for those who own pets, maintaining a back-garden might be easier said than done.

“For homeowners, pet-proofing a garden requires a double-sided approach. On the one side, homeowners need to protect their garden against their pet. On the other, homeowners need to protect their pet against their garden,” Goslett advised.

For those unsure of the risks their garden and their pet pose to each other, RE/MAX has compiled a few tips for peaceful co-existence between the two.

ALSO READ: Prepare your home for pet-phobic visitors

Selective planting
Homeowners should be selective when choosing what to plant in their backyard.
Certain plants (such as lilies and daffodils) and fertilizers are actually toxic if consumed by pets.
Others (such as citrus or chili plants) can act as natural repellents that will keep your pet out of your flowerbeds.
Do your research beforehand or chat to an expert at your local garden store to find out which is which.

Designated play zones
Homeowners should make it clear to their pet which areas are out of bounds and which are entirely their own.
For example, put up chicken-wire fence or decorative flowerbed walls to keep pets out of their garden beds.
Or, create a designated sandpit and leave their pet’s chew toys inside to let Fluffy know that’s his space to dig and play as he pleases.

Pet appropriate furniture
To keep your pet from chewing up your outdoor furniture, avoid wooden deck chairs and tables and opt instead for aluminum or iron furniture.
It might also help to set up a pet bed next to your outdoor set so that your furry companion has a spot of his very own.

“Which ever way you choose to go about pet-proofing your garden, never sacrifice your pet’s health and wellness to keep your garden in good condition,” said Goslett.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.