Pets Archives

21 Aug 2026

0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Pets, Summer

Lawn Aeration: When and How to Aerate Your Lawn

Many New Hampshire homeowners think watering and fertilizing are all a lawn needs to stay healthy, but healthy soil is just as important as healthy grass. Over time, foot traffic, mowing, pets, and even heavy rain can compact the soil beneath your lawn. When this happens, water, oxygen, and nutrients have a harder time reaching the roots. According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, early fall is one of the best times to aerate cool-season lawns because the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly while preparing for winter.

How Often Should I Aerate My Lawn?

So how do you know if your lawn needs aeration? One simple test is to push a screwdriver into the ground after watering or rainfall. If it’s difficult to push more than a few inches into the soil, compaction is likely the problem. Other signs include puddles that linger after rain, thinning grass in high-traffic areas, or a lawn that dries out quickly even after watering. These symptoms often point to compacted soil rather than a lack of water. Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, allowing air, moisture, and nutrients to reach the root system more effectively.

Not every lawn needs to be aerated every year! If your lawn has little foot traffic, drains well, and remains thick and healthy, you may only need to aerate every few years. However, lawns with heavy use, clay soils, or recurring drainage issues often benefit from more frequent aeration. One thing to avoid is spike aerators or aerator shoes. While they seem convenient, they can actually increase soil compaction because they push the soil aside instead of removing it. Core aeration is the method recommended by lawn professionals and the University of New Hampshire Extension for long-term lawn health.

After Aeration:

One little-known tip is to leave the soil plugs on your lawn after aeration. While they may look messy for a week or two, they naturally break down and return valuable organic matter to the soil. Another helpful trick is to spread a thin layer of compost immediately after aerating. The compost settles into the aeration holes, improving soil structure and helping beneficial microorganisms thrive. If your lawn has thin or bare areas, this is also the perfect time to overseed. The holes created by aeration provide excellent seed-to-soil contact, giving new grass a much better chance of establishing before winter.

Pro Tip!

After a good rain, walk across your lawn. If water squishes under your feet or puddles remain the next day, don’t automatically assume you have a drainage problem. In many New Hampshire lawns, compacted soil is preventing water from soaking in. Aerating the lawn may solve the issue without the need for expensive drainage work!

Questions? We are here to help! Leave us a comment about your current landscaping project!

13 Aug 2026

0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Garden, Lawn, Pets, Spring, Summer, Winter

The Backyard Wildlife Your Landscape Is Secretly Supporting

Your landscape is more than just grass, flowers, and shrubs. Every healthy yard in New Hampshire is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, much of it working behind the scenes to keep your landscape healthy. Native bees pollinate flowers, birds help control insects, butterflies add color to the garden, and even fireflies play a role by feeding on slugs and other small pests during their larval stage. If you’ve ever wondered why one yard seems full of birdsong while another feels quiet, the answer often comes down to the plants growing there. Nearly 75% of flowering plants rely on animal pollinators, and about one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on their work.

Meet Your Backyard Helpers

Many homeowners are surprised by the variety of wildlife their yard can support. Bumblebees, mason bees, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, chickadees, goldfinches, tree frogs, dragonflies, and lightning bugs all benefit from thoughtfully designed landscapes. Birds are especially valuable because they consume thousands of insects while raising their young. Native plants support healthy insect populations, which in turn provide food for birds and other wildlife.

One simple way to attract more wildlife is to plant a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall. Early-blooming shrubs feed pollinators emerging after winter, while late-season flowers help insects prepare for colder weather. Native favorites that perform well in New Hampshire include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, asters, goldenrod, summersweet, and serviceberry. Adding a shallow birdbath, leaving a few seed heads standing through winter, and reducing pesticide use can dramatically increase the number of birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects visiting your yard.

Easy Ways to Attract More Wildlife

You don’t need acres of land to create a wildlife-friendly landscape. Even a modest yard can become an important habitat with a few thoughtful choices:

Plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Include flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
Leave a small patch of ornamental grasses or leaf litter for overwintering insects.
Provide fresh water with a shallow birdbath or small water feature.
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides whenever possible.
Add berry-producing shrubs to feed birds in fall and winter.

A Few Tips!

Fireflies are becoming less common in many areas due to habitat loss, excessive outdoor lighting, and pesticide use. Leaving small areas of taller grass, preserving leaf litter, and planting native flowers and grasses can help provide the shelter they need to thrive.

A landscape that welcomes wildlife is often healthier, more colorful, and easier to maintain. Native plants are naturally adapted to New Hampshire’s climate, so they typically require less watering, fewer chemical treatments, and less maintenance once established. By creating habitat for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial wildlife, you’re not only making your yard more enjoyable, you’re helping support the local ecosystem for years to come.

Plant for All Seasons

Choose plants that provide food throughout the year.

Spring: Serviceberry, redbud
Summer: Bee balm, coneflower, summersweet
Fall: Asters, goldenrod, sedum
Winter: Inkberry holly, winterberry, red twig dogwood

Create Layers

Wildlife prefers landscapes with different heights.

Groundcovers
Perennials
Shrubs
Small ornamental trees
Mature shade trees

This layered approach provides nesting sites, shelter, and food for many different species.

Pro Tip for New Hampshire Homeowners

If you only have room to add one new plant this year, choose a late-blooming native aster or goldenrod. These plants provide one of the last major nectar sources of the season, helping bees and butterflies build the energy reserves they need before winter, while also bringing vibrant color to your landscape when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Thanks for Reading! Leave a comment and tell us about what kind of wildlife you’d love to attract to your property!

09 Aug 2026

0 Comments By Lauren S Garden, Lawn, Pets

Dog-Friendly Landscaping: Which Plants Are Safe and Which Should You Avoid?

If your dog enjoys spending time in the yard, it’s worth taking a closer look at the plants growing around your home. While many shrubs, flowers, and trees are perfectly safe, others can cause anything from mild stomach upset to serious health problems if chewed or eaten. Fortunately, creating a beautiful New Hampshire landscape doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your pet’s safety. By choosing dog-friendly plants from the start, you can enjoy a landscape that’s both attractive and worry-free.

Some Examples of Pet Safe Plants

Some excellent dog-safe plants for New Hampshire gardens include panicle hydrangeas (generally considered less toxic than other hydrangea species but still best kept out of reach if possible), roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, zinnias, asters, marigolds, and native shrubs like summersweet and ninebark. For evergreen structure, inkberry holly is considered a safer choice than many traditional hollies because its berries are less attractive to pets, although it’s still best to discourage chewing. Herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are also safe for dogs and can add fragrance and function to your landscape. One little-known tip is to plant ornamental grasses around garden beds. Many dogs naturally prefer walking through grass rather than flower beds, helping protect your plants without the need for fencing.

Caution Around Pets

On the other hand, several popular landscape plants should be used with caution around pets. Azaleas and rhododendrons can be highly toxic, even in small amounts. Lilies, daffodils, foxgloves, yew shrubs, autumn crocus, and castor bean plants can also pose serious health risks if ingested. Spring flowering bulbs deserve special attention because curious dogs often dig them up before they bloom. If you enjoy these plants, consider placing them in fenced gardens or containers that are difficult for pets to access.

Generally Safer for Dogs	Plants to Avoid
Roses	Azaleas
Snapdragons	Rhododendrons
Sunflowers	Foxglove
Zinnias	Autumn Crocus
Marigolds	Yew
Asters	Castor Bean
Summersweet	Lily species
Ninebark	Daffodils (especially bulbs)
Herbs like basil, thyme, parsley	Sago Palm (not hardy in NH but common in containers)

Pet Safety, Beyond your Plants

A pet-friendly landscape is about more than just selecting safe plants. Avoid cocoa mulch, which contains compounds similar to those found in chocolate and can be harmful if eaten. Keep fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides stored securely, and always follow label directions before allowing pets back onto treated areas. Providing a shaded resting spot and a bowl of fresh water can also help keep your dog comfortable while spending time outdoors during New Hampshire’s warm summer months.

Did You Know?

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, thousands of calls each year involve pets that have ingested toxic plants. Many of these incidents happen in home landscapes and gardens, making plant selection an important part of creating a safe outdoor space for your family and pets.

Before introducing any new plant into your landscape, it’s always a good idea to verify its pet safety through the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center online toxic and non-toxic plant database, especially if your dog has a habit of chewing on leaves or digging in garden beds.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is one of the most trusted resources for identifying toxic plants and other substances that may be harmful to pets.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Their website includes:

A searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants
Information on poisonous foods, medications, and household products
Prevention tips
Guidance on what to do if you suspect your pet has been poisoned
Contact information for their 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center

If you’re looking specifically for plant safety, their searchable database is here:

• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database

This database is an excellent resource for New Hampshire homeowners who want to verify whether a tree, shrub, flower, or houseplant is safe before adding it to their landscape.

28 May 2026

0 Comments By Lauren S Lawn, Pets, Spring, Summer

NH Landscaping for Beginners: Easy Fixes for your Pre-Summer Landscaping Troubles

New Hampshire homeowners deal with a lot of landscaping challenges during late spring and early summer. Between heavy rain, changing temperatures, weeds, and irrigation issues, even healthy yards can start showing signs of stress. Many common landscaping problems are actually simple to fix once you know what to look for. Here are some of the most common issues NH homeowners run into this time of year, and a few easy ways to improve them.

Problem: Thin or Patchy Grass
Solution: Late spring is a great time to overseed thin areas and improve lawn thickness. Keep newly seeded areas lightly watered and avoid cutting the grass too short. Aerating compacted soil can also help grass roots grow stronger.

For more seeding information, this “top picks” style article from Better Homes & Gardens reviews their favorite grass seed options.

Problem: Weeds Taking Over the Lawn
Solution: Weeds spread quickly this time of year, especially in weak or thinning lawns. Keeping your grass healthy and mowing regularly can naturally reduce weed growth. Mulching planting beds also helps prevent weeds from taking over garden areas.

Problem: Yellow or Brown Spots in the Lawn
Solution: Overwatering is one of the most common causes of lawn discoloration in New Hampshire summers. Lawns usually do better with deeper watering a few times per week instead of daily watering. It also helps to water early in the morning before the heat of the day.

Problem: Soggy Areas and Drainage Problems
Solution: Heavy spring rain can leave certain parts of the yard holding water for days. Try simple fixes, like adjusting downspouts, improving grading, or adding mulch and compost to compacted areas. All of these can improve drainage and help prevent lawn damage.

Problem: Overgrown Shrubs and Messy Beds
Solution: Plants grow fast during late spring, and landscapes can quickly start looking crowded. Light pruning, fresh edging, and a thin layer of mulch can instantly clean up the appearance of a yard. This will also improve curb appeal without major work!

Here’s a helpful video about Easy Pruning Tips for Beginners!

Problem: Sprinkler Heads Spraying Sidewalks Instead of Grass
Solution: Irrigation systems often shift or get damaged during winter. Running each irrigation zone and making small adjustments to sprinkler heads can improve water coverage and reduce waste. Cleaning clogged nozzles can also make a noticeable difference.

Also reference our other posts ALL about Irrigation!

A healthy landscape does not need to be perfect to look great. Most landscaping problems are small and manageable when caught early. We hope these simple fixes will help you keep your yard happy this summer!

01 May 2026

0 Comments By Lauren S Fall, Lawn, Pets, Spring, Summer

How to keep your Landscape AND your Pets Happy and Healthy!

A pet friendly yard starts with surfaces that can handle daily use. Dogs create wear patterns, especially along fences and play paths. Choose durable turf like tall fescue and consider mixing in clover to reduce damage and watering needs. In high traffic areas, switch to mulch or gravel to prevent bare spots and mud. This keeps your yard functional and reduces ongoing repair.

Neither option is universally better. Each serves a different purpose in a pet friendly yard.

Lawn works best for comfort and daily use. Grass is soft on paws, stays cooler in summer, and gives dogs space to run and rest. It also absorbs waste better than hard surfaces. The downside is wear. High traffic and urine can create brown spots and thinning areas, especially without proper maintenance.

Mulch and gravel work best for durability and designated areas. These materials hold up well in high traffic zones like paths, fence lines, and bathroom areas. They drain well and are easier to clean. Gravel can be tough on paws if too sharp, and some mulches are not pet safe, so material choice matters.

The best solution is a mix of both. Use lawn for open play and comfort. Add mulch or gravel in high use zones to prevent damage and mud. This combination gives you a yard that stays functional, clean, and comfortable for your pet.

Plant selection and comfort features matter. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handles over 400,000 cases per year. Plants rank in the top 5 most common toxins, accounting for a significant share of calls each year. Use pet safe plants such as marigolds, sunflowers, and herbs, and avoid common toxic varieties. Add shade with trees or structures so pets can stay cool during warm weather. Choose ground materials that stay comfortable underfoot and avoid surfaces that retain heat. These choices improve safety and usability.

Structure your yard with clear zones. Open space supports play and exercise, while a designated bathroom area keeps waste contained and easier to manage. Use materials like pea gravel or mulch in that zone for drainage and cleanup. Protect planting beds with edging or low barriers to reduce digging and damage. This layout keeps the yard organized and lowers maintenance.

Finish with systems that support long term performance. Good drainage prevents mud and odor buildup in high use areas. Irrigation helps maintain turf and can dilute urine spots to reduce burn damage. Use pet safe mulch, smooth edging, and secure fencing to avoid injury. These details make the yard easier to maintain and more durable over time.

YOUR PETS WILL THANK YOU!

Category: Pets