by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2008

Working in your yard is a past time many people enjoy. Its the beauty of a flower garden in bloom or the rich pleasure of bare feet on a well manicured lawn. We all want our yard to be the envy of the neighborhood while being able to sit back and enjoy looking upon our creations. What ever your yard artistry may consist of, it is important to stay safe while doing so. The following suggestions can help you create that beautiful yard and stay safe while doing so.

~Maintain your equipment. When it comes to mowing a lawn, weed eating or rototilling a garden it is important to stay safe. Before you begin your spring foray into aesthetic pleasure make sure your equipment is in safe working order. Make sure all safety catches and guards are operational. Remove all objects from your yard that can be hit such as rocks, toys and trash that may have accumulated over the winter. Your mower and tiller blades should be sharpened or replaced as it will extend the life of your equipment and help you to stay safe.

~Wear the right clothes and safety gear. Stay safe while doing your yard work by wearing safety glass when using any equipment that can shoot items out. They may not be comfortable or posh, but it will protect your eyes from flying debris. Do not wear sandals or any other open toed shoe as it is easy to hit or drop something on your feet. Wearing shorts is always tempting, especially in hot weather, but to stay safe, it is recommended to wear long pants to protect your legs. Gloves are important to wear when planting because of sharp stones, glass and metal shards that may be in the ground.

~Techniques and planning. To stay safe while creating a stone patio or digging a small pond, pay attention to lifting and pulling techniques. All lifting should be done with your legs and not your back. Squat down or kneel to weed, plant or pick things up as this will decrease the chance of pulling a muscle in your back. It is important to plan your garden and yard improvements out before you begin so you do not have to move material more times than necessary.

~Pay attention to small children and pets. Doing yard work can be fun for the whole family; however, some tools and equipment should be kept out of the hands of small children. Pruning shears and lawn knives are both extremely sharp and can injure an unsuspecting child. Make sure that all yard equipment is picked up and put away at the end of the day so there is nothing to step on as you are walking around to admire your work.

A beautiful yard is a work of art that anyone can accomplish. Whether it is small or large, full of color or bordered in stone a yard is unique to those who toil in them. Work hard, stay safe and enjoy the pleasure of your landscaping.

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