Creating a Pet-Friendly Yard: Trees and Plants to Embrace and Avoid
The Plows Tree Service Mascots: Journey (left), Chance (center), Bear (right).
Hi there! I'm Mallory, and along with Thomas Plows, we run Plows Tree Service. Our family includes three wonderful rescue dogs: Journey, our friendly pit bull, and two energetic beagles named Chance and Bear.
I’m hijacking today’s blog post to help ensure our outdoor spaces are safe and enjoyable for every family member, paws included. I'll guide you through selecting safe trees and plants for your garden and point out those best avoided to keep your pets healthy and happy.
Understanding Pet Safety in the Yard
The safety of our pets in the yard starts with knowing which plants and trees are safe for them to be around. It might surprise you, but if ingested, several common plants and trees could pose serious risks to your pets. Symptoms of toxicity can range from mild nausea to more severe health issues, including liver failure or even death, depending on the plant and the amount ingested.
Let's explore some pet-friendly trees and plants that will make your yard a safe haven for your furry family members and those to avoid.
Remember, while we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian if you need clarification on the safety of specific plants or trees for your pets.
Trees and Plants to Avoid in a Pet-Friendly Yard
While creating a safe space for Journey, Chance, and Bear, Tom and I learned that some common plants and trees can pose serious risks to pets. It’s important to know which ones to avoid. Here are several plants and trees that are best left out of pet-friendly yards in Central New York:
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Although not native to Central New York, the Sago Palm is sometimes used in landscaping or kept as a houseplant. All parts of this plant are highly toxic to pets, causing symptoms from vomiting to more severe liver failure.
Yew (Taxus spp.): Commonly found in our area, Yew is highly toxic to both pets and humans. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to dire consequences, including heart failure.
Oleander (Nerium oleander): While beautiful, Oleander is extremely toxic to pets if ingested, causing severe cardiac issues, among other symptoms. It’s best avoided in yards where pets roam.
Tulips and Hyacinths (Tulipa and Hyacinthus): The bulbs of these popular flowers contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal upset, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities in pets.
Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis): Especially toxic to cats, even small ingestions of lilies can lead to severe kidney damage. It's best to avoid these altogether in pet-friendly yards.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): These popular shrubs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and potentially even death in pets if ingested due to a toxin called grayanotoxin.
Cocoa Mulch: Often used for its aromatic smell and rich color, cocoa mulch is a by-product of chocolate production and contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats.
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): The autumn crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.): The bulbs of daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that triggers vomiting. Ingestion can lead to severe abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and even respiratory depression.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Beautiful but deadly, foxglove can cause cardiac failure and death in pets. All parts of this plant are toxic, affecting the heart directly.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): Falling nuts from the Black Walnut tree can pose a risk to pets, particularly dogs, as they contain a toxin that can cause laminitis in horses and potentially toxic effects in dogs, such as vomiting and seizures.
Oak Trees (Quercus spp.): While not all parts of oak trees are toxic, the acorns and leaves can cause stomach upset, kidney damage, and diarrhea in pets if ingested in significant amounts.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.): These common garden flowers contain pyrethrins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in pets.
When planning a pet-friendly yard, you should avoid using chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides that can be harmful if your pets ingest or walk through treated areas. Opt for organic and pet-safe alternatives whenever possible to reduce the risk of poisoning.
The best way to keep your pets safe is to supervise their outdoor activities and proactively prevent access to these and other toxic plants and substances. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance. Creating a pet-safe yard might require a bit of extra planning and vigilance, but it is well worth the effort.
Pet-Friendly Trees for Your Yard
Here's a look at some pet-friendly trees that are perfect for yards in Central New York:
Dogwood (Cornus spp.): With their stunning spring flowers and vibrant fall leaves, Dogwood trees are a safe and visually appealing choice for any pet-friendly yard. They're hardy and can thrive in our local climate, providing shade and beauty without posing risks to pets.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): The Eastern Redbud is another fantastic option. Its pink flowers in early spring are a sight to behold, and more importantly, they're safe for pets. This tree adds a splash of color to your yard while ensuring your pets can roam freely without danger.
Crabapple (Malus spp.): While some fruit trees can be problematic, certain varieties of Crabapple trees are safe for pets. They offer lovely flowers in spring and colorful fruits in the fall, adding both aesthetic and sensory experiences to your yard. Just be sure to choose varieties that are known to be non-toxic to dogs and cats.
When selecting trees for your yard, it's crucial to consider the beauty and shade they provide and their safety for all family members, including pets. These trees are just a starting point, and there are many other pet-friendly options out there.
Safe Shrubs and Plants for Pets
Here are some pet-safe options that we’ve included in our own yard and recommend for fellow pet owners in Central New York:
Forsythia: This blooms in early spring and its vibrant color and easy care make it a favorite among homeowners.
Rosemary: This herb is not only safe for pets but also can be used in your kitchen. It’s a hardy plant that, once established, withstands drought and requires minimal care.
Snapdragons: For a splash of color that’s safe for pets, snapdragons are a fantastic choice. They come in a variety of colors and can add height and texture to your flower beds.
Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata): While not a shrub, planting cat grass in your yard can provide a safe and enjoyable snack for your pets. Cats particularly love it but is safe for dogs too, and it grows quickly.
Camellia: This evergreen shrub produces beautiful flowers in late winter to early spring, adding color to your yard when most other plants are still dormant. Camellias are safe for pets and can thrive in our climate with the right care.
When planning your pet-safe yard, it’s important to consider the overall layout. Placing tougher, non-toxic shrubs along the perimeter can help protect more delicate plants. Also, be mindful of the mulch you use, as some types can be harmful to pets if ingested. Opt for pet-safe options like pine, cedar, or hemlock mulches.
Safe Yards, Happy Pets
Thanks for reading this post on making your yard safe for pets. I hope it helps you create a better space for your animals. If you have any questions about pet-safe plants or need help with tree care, feel free to reach out to us at Plows Tree Service. We're here to help.
Thanks again from all of us, especially Journey, Chance, and Bear.
~ Mallory
The author with her dog, Bear.
