Spring is just around the corner and you're planning to get out into the garden or spruce up your front or backyard for upcoming family barbecues and the like. Here's a few tips to do things right, create a beautiful landscape and stay safe while doing it.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while working in your yard:
Plan ahead. Take some time beforehand to create a strategy or, at the very least, have an idea of how the work will flow. It’s always a good to make sure you have everything you need well in advance so you won’t be making multiple trips to the lawn center or home improvement store. You’ll also save money if you makes plans ahead of time.
Take your time! Even when it seems like a small task, be well rested and enjoy the process. Feeling rushed often leads to mistakes or injury. Plus, one of the biggest reasons to work in the yard is to be outside, getting your hands dirty and seeing good results for hard work. Make it count!
Follow instructions that come with any equipment or products you use (e.g. lawn mower, herbicide, etc.). Read them leisurely ahead of time over a cup or coffee or the night before, then things will run more smoothly throughout the day.
Ask questions. Remember, knowledge is power so the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to not just get the job done, but do it right the first time. Take advantage of personnel at the hardware store - when you buy a tool or product, whether or not you’ve use it before, ask for any tips they might have. YouTube is also an amazing resource for new ideas and techniques.
You’ll be surprised what you might learn. You may just find a new way to do something so that a design concept you have comes to life in a fresh, unique way.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Being in our own space means that it’s all too easy to become complacent. Before you do something like get on a ladder or back the truck up onto the lawn, assess any possible dangers. When possible, have someone else nearby (within hearing distance) just in case an accident occurs and you need immediate help.
Your first and best defense when working outside in the yard is common sense. Stay safe out and enjoy every moment!
Comments