With spring comes the desire to freshen up your home, and you may feel a strong urge to plant some saplings and lay some mulch outdoors. Before you can do anything, you must have a solid plan in place. It’s easy to forget that even a small shovel can lead to big problems, such as encountering hidden gas or electric lines or straining your back. When you follow a few basic rules, you can transform your yard while keeping your muscles and your neighborhood utility services perfectly safe.
Checking the Ground Before the First Scoop
The things that you can’t see buried beneath the grass are the most dangerous aspects of planting trees. Before you drive a spade into the dirt, call your local utility marking service to make sure you’re not about to hit a gas line or an electrical cable. You may assume that pipes are buried deep underground. However, erosion and shifting soil can bring them surprisingly close to the surface. Most cities provide this marking service for free. So, there is no reason to risk a significant repair bill, a dangerous spark, or an electric shock only to save a few minutes of time.
Protecting Your Back During Heavy Lifting
Mulching may seem easy. However, one bag of mulch can weigh 40 pounds or more, which can cause some serious strain on your back. Every time you move these bags, you need to make sure you are bending at the knees and keeping your back straight. Hunching over and trying to pull these bags close to you can cause muscle tears. Use a wheelbarrow to handle heavy loads.
Using the Right Gear for Skin and Eye Safety
Natural mulch usually contains sharp wood splinters, dust, and even mold spores that can irritate your skin or lungs if you’re not careful. You should always wear thick work gloves to prevent small cuts that could lead to an infection from the bacteria found in the soil. If the wind is blowing while you’re pouring out a bag of dry mulch, wearing safety glasses will keep those flying bits of bark out of your eyes. Some dyed mulches use chemicals that can stain your hands or cause a rash if you handle them with bare skin for too long. Long pants and sturdy boots are also a must because they protect your legs from rogue shovel blades and itchy biting insects that hide in the garden.
While working outdoors, you need to make sure you pace yourself, stay hydrated, and take breaks to avoid heat exhaustion. Also, do not hesitate to call for expert help from a landscaping professional if the need arises. Your goal is to ensure a successful outcome, which is a beautiful yard. If you live in Carson City, NV or a surrounding area and need tree planting services, make your first call to American Arborists.