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Creating a pet-friendly outdoor space is a rewarding endeavor that ensures your pets have a safe, enjoyable environment to explore. Whether you have a dog, cat or other pets, designing an outdoor area that caters to their needs involves careful planning and consideration. Here are some essential tips for creating pet-friendly outdoor spaces, focusing on safety, comfort and durability with a contractor Omaha.

1. Secure fencing

Safety first

A secure fence is the cornerstone of any pet-friendly yard. It prevents pets from wandering off and keeps them safe from potential dangers outside the yard. When choosing a fence, consider the following:

Height and design — Ensure the fence is tall enough to prevent your pets from jumping over. For dogs that are adept climbers, a solid or vinyl fence may be better than a chain-link fence.

Digging prevention — Install a barrier below the ground to prevent pets from digging underneath the fence. Burying chicken wire or installing a concrete footer can be effective solutions.

Gates — Make sure gates are securely latched and check them regularly to ensure they remain secure.

2. Provide ample shade

Comfort in all seasons

Just like humans, pets need protection from the sun to avoid overheating and sunburn, especially during the hot summer months. Providing shaded areas in your yard is crucial for their comfort and health:

Natural shade — Plant trees or large shrubs that offer natural shade. Ensure they are non-toxic to pets.

Artificial shade — Install structures like pergolas, awnings or shade sails. These can provide consistent shade and also add aesthetic value to your yard.

Pet shelters — Consider adding a doghouse or a covered area where pets can retreat from the sun or rain.

3. Use durable, pet-safe materials

Choosing the right materials

Selecting materials that can withstand the wear and tear of pets is important for maintaining a pet-friendly yard. Opt for durable, non-toxic options:

Paths and surfaces — Use materials like flagstone, gravel or decomposed granite for pathways. These are durable and easy to clean.

Grass alternatives — Consider artificial turf, which is resilient and low-maintenance, or opt for hard-wearing grass varieties like Bermuda or Kentucky Bluegrass.

Mulch and ground cover — Avoid cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs. Use pet-safe alternatives like pine, cedar or straw.

4. Pet-friendly landscaping

Designing with pets in mind

Incorporate pet-friendly plants and landscaping features to create an engaging and safe environment for your pets with contractor Omaha:

Non-toxic plants — Ensure all plants in your yard are non-toxic to pets. Some common toxic plants to avoid include azaleas, lilies and daffodils.

Water features — Install a pet-friendly water feature like a shallow pond or splash pool. This provides a fun way for pets to cool off and play.

Designated play areas — Create specific zones for different activities. For example, a sandpit for digging can keep dogs entertained and prevent them from digging up your garden beds.

5. Regular maintenance and safety checks

Keeping the yard safe

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your pet-friendly yard remains safe and enjoyable:

Check for hazards — Regularly inspect your yard for potential hazards like sharp objects, toxic plants or gaps in the fence.

Cleanliness — Keep the yard clean and free of pet waste to prevent health issues and maintain a pleasant environment.

Pest control — Use pet-safe pest control methods to keep ticks, fleas and other pests at bay.

Designing a pet-friendly outdoor space involves thoughtful planning and regular maintenance. By incorporating secure fencing, providing ample shade, using durable materials and focusing on pet-safe landscaping, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your furry friends. 

Contractor Omaha

At Lightwine Construction, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that cater to all family members, including pets. Contact us today to start designing your perfect pet-friendly yard!

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We take pride in every project we do because we want to like the work we do, not just you! Each project matters to us. Because of this, we aim to build a relationship with our clients so we can best make a project they can love and be excited about. Barebones communication is just not our style. Here at Lightwine Construction is able to both design and build a project. We sell what a project is going to look like.

We've engaged Lightwine Construction for several projects, initially discovering the company through the impeccable attention to detail and quality showcased in a friend's completed project. Our projects with Lightwine Construction involved fairly complex tasks, including framing and the restoration of the exterior of a 100-year-old residence. Johan and Heath's expertise, along with their valuable suggestions and problem-solving skills, played a crucial role in successfully completing these projects that other contractors had hesitated to undertake. We are pleased with the outstanding quality of work, attention to detail, and their ability to adhere to both schedule and budget. Without hesitation, we would highly recommend Lightwine Construction to friends and family.

— Mark and Brenda Ehrhart

I could not say more positive things about our experience with Lightwine Construction. From the very start of the process, Johann and Heath made us feel heard and respected. They were both communicative as well as trustworthy and their team was consistent and professional. When we changed our mind in the preliminary stages, they were very adaptable and encouraging. We most appreciated the details regarding all options, with both negative and positive aspects, allowing us to make the most appropriate decision. They came to our home personally on multiple occasions to ensure all was being taken care of and that we were happy with the ongoing stages as the vision came together. We built our addition towards the end of fall and in true Nebraska fashion, the snow came immediately. It is not only structurally amazing but it was a treat to be able to stand underneath our addition while the snow fell around us. We can’t wait to sit outside with our family and friends enjoying evening dinners, hosting summer birthday parties, and supporting Husker football. Experiencing all the seasons! I would recommend Lightwine Construction to everyone!

— Josh and Erika Marron

I hired Heath Lightwine last Spring to design and build an attached roof off my house into my backyard. He and his crew did a great job in a short amount of time. From the design to the last shingle going on, I couldn't have asked for better results! I will definitely hire Heath again.

— Don Shepard, Elkhorn