Summer is here, and that means you will be getting out more often to take care of your yard. From mowing your lawn and pulling weeds to taking care of your trees, there is lot of work ahead during the next several months.
And while many of these chores seem fairly mundane, accidents still happen every year. Here are a few summer yard work tips you should follow to avoid injury to yourself or your lawn:
Check Equipment
Before you begin any yard work, be sure to inspect any equipment you’ll be using, such as your lawnmower or trimmer. In doing so, you will be aware of any damage it may have sustained since you last used it or if it needs any maintenance, which is especially important for older equipment. By checking your gear, you will be keeping yourself and others safe as you work.
Be Safe In The Heat
As temperatures continue to rise during the summer, it can be easy to fall victim to heat-related illness like heatstroke or sun poisoning from being outside too long. When working on your lawn, practice good heat safety. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks to cool off by sitting in the shade or indoors before continuing work. If possible, do the work in cooler parts of the day, like the mornings and evenings. It’s also important to wear sunscreen to avoid getting burned.
Wear Protective Gear
Wearing eye protection, gloves, earplugs, and other protection will protect you from any potentially harmful debris or loud noise. In addition, avoid sandals and instead opt for closed toe, non-slip shoes like boots or tennis shoes.
Mulch Properly
Mulching is an important part of caring for and maintaining your lawn. It provides insulation, prevents weeds, and manages water, among other benefits. When done correctly, your trees and plants will see improved health:
- Pick the right mulch and vary it from time to time to prevent pH and nutritional imbalances
- Avoid mulch “volcanoes”
- Keep mulch 2-4 inches deep
Get A Professional For Tree Work
If your trees need to be trimmed or removed, it is best to hire a professional. Not only will they trim your trees in the correct way, but they will also ensure the process is done safely. Professional tree services not only have qualified and trained staff, but they are also insured in order to cover the costs of any accidents.
Get Approval Before Digging
It is vital that you get approval before you dig in your lawn for any reason. That way, you do not accidentally hit utility, water or gas lines, which can not only be dangerous, but expensive to repair. In Missouri, you can call or email services like Missouri One Call System to put in a request for excavation approval.
Yard work can be some of the most fun and rewarding chores you’ll accomplish all summer, but it’s important that you take precautionary safety measures to avoid injury. Remember: If you need a ladder to do any sort of tree maintenance, then you need to call in the professionals.