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Making Your Yard Kid-Friendly

With warmer temperatures and the outdoor season in full swing, your kids are ready to get back outside. When it comes to your home lawn, a soft, lush, green lawn is the perfect place for a neighbourhood soccer match or backyard birthday party. Here are a few simple tips from Weed Man to help make your yard kid-friendly and prepare it for some quality outdoor play.

 

1. Soften Up

Diving for a ball on a rock hard lawn isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.  Unfortunately, lawns often harden over time, especially if there is heavy foot (or play!) traffic. If walking barefoot across your lawn causes you discomfort, this is a sign that your soil is compacted. Consider investing in mechanical core aeration to soften up your home lawn. Aeration pulls small plugs from the ground, relieving compaction and allowing water and nutrients to better penetrate your soil. The result?  A softer, healthier lawn that is ready for play.

 

2. Keep it Weed-Free

There is nothing worse than walking through your yard, only to step on a big, prickly thistle. Managing common lawn weeds such as thistles is a good way to keep your lawn ready for play. It is also important to keep an eye out for other potentially harmful weeds and plants such as Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Wild Parsnip and Hogweed.

 

3. Create Open Spaces

Small, crowded spaces limit what kids can do outside, while wide open yards provide them with the freedom to get moving. Reorganizing your backyard layout, by moving around patio furniture, planters, playsets or barbeques, can help you better optimize your space for play. Not only will this make your yard look more spacious, but it will also create the perfect outdoor play area for your pets and kids!

 

4. Create a Designated Play Area

If you’re an avid lawn or garden lover and aren’t thrilled about the idea of letting your kids have free reign over your yard, section off your yard to create a designated play area. Set up a swing set, sandbox or other fun outdoor activities in one area separate from your garden or entertaining space. As an extra precaution consider fencing off your garden to protect it from the odd stray soccer ball.

 

5. Keep Pests Away

Nothing can ruin a day spent outside quite like an itchy bite from an unexpected visitor. Many pests including mosquitoes, grubs, and chinch bugs can impact the health of your lawn and make it difficult for you and your family to enjoy spending time in your yard. If you notice an increase in the number of pests in your yard, contact your local Weed Man Professional.

 

6. Don't Forget to Mow and Water

Even with the help of Weed Man, your lawn can only look and feel its best when watered and mowed regularly.  These practices will ensure that your lawn stays healthy and free of damaging turf diseases. Have your kids help you water the lawn by planning a fun, water-based activity.  Using these tips to help ensure that you and your family can enjoy a safe, lush and barefoot worthy lawn all season long.