How long should children and pets be kept off grass after fertiliser applications?

Applying fertiliser to your lawn is essential for maintaining its green appearance, promoting healthy growth, and ensuring it remains robust throughout the year.

However, for pet owners, it’s crucial to understand the implications of fertiliser use, especially regarding the safety and health of their children and pets.

Different types of fertilisers, environmental factors, and the specific habits of your pets can affect how long they should be kept off treated grass.

This article will explore these aspects to help you make informed decisions.

Types of Fertilisers and Their Impact

Weed, Feed & Mosskillers or Weed & Feeds

Sportsmaster Renovator Pro and Cleanrun Pro are professional-grade fertilisers known for their efficacy in lawn care and maintenance. Landscaper Pro Triple Action is an all-in-one granular feed, weed and moss killer.

Sportsmaster Renovator Pro  & Landscaper Pro Triple Action contain high levels of iron and a granular selective herbicide, while Cleanrun Pro contains a granular herbicide designed to target and eliminate weeds effectively. Due to the presence of these herbicides, it is recommended to keep pets off the treated area for 5-7 days after granule dispersion into the base of the sward.

Granule dispersion itself can take 4-5 days depending on environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions. These factors influence how quickly the granules break down and integrate into the soil, potentially affecting the safe waiting period.

Conventional Release Granular Fertilisers

Conventional release granular fertilisers are widely used for general lawn care. These products typically require pets to be kept off the grass for about 24-48 hours after application.

The waiting period allows time for the granules to dissolve and the nutrients to settle into the soil. Environmental factors, such as the amount of watering and weather conditions, can expedite or delay this process, thus affecting the safety timeline for your children and pets.

Controlled Release Fertilisers

Controlled release fertilisers are designed to release nutrients gradually over time. While they are generally safer due to their slow-release nature, it is still advisable to keep children and pets off the treated grass for at least 24-48 hours after application.

Again, environmental conditions such as humidity and soil temperature can impact the release rate of nutrients, influencing the recommended waiting period.

Considerations Based on Pet Type

Dogs

Dogs are less likely to eat grass compared to other pets, which means the primary risk comes from contact with the fertiliser granules.

Keeping dogs off the treated lawn for the recommended periods (5-7 days for products like Sportsmaster Renovator Pro and Cleanrun Pro, and 24-48 hours for other granular fertilisers) is generally sufficient to prevent any health issues.

Ensure to rinse their paws if they happen to walk on the treated grass within these periods, and be mindful of environmental factors that may prolong the breakdown of fertiliser granules.

Cats

Cats may sometimes nibble on grass but usually not in large quantities. Similar to dogs, the main concern is contact with the fertiliser granules.

Following the same guidelines—keeping them off the grass for the specified periods—should minimise any risks. Be aware of environmental factors that may affect the degradation of chemicals in the fertiliser, potentially extending the safe waiting period.

Guinea Pigs and Rabbits and other small animals

Guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small pets that eat grass require extra caution. Their habit of consuming grass can lead to ingestion of potentially harmful substances from fertilisers.

It is best to keep their designated areas untreated or use pet-safe, organic fertilisers specifically formulated for such environments. Alternatively, you can move them to a different area until the treated grass is completely safe, adhering to the maximum recommended waiting periods.

Rabbits, in particular, should be kept off the grass for at least 7 days if using products with herbicides like Sportsmaster Renovator Pro or Cleanrun Pro, as they are more likely to ingest treated grass. Environmental factors such as rainfall or irrigation can influence how quickly these chemicals dissipate, impacting the safety of the treated areas.

General Tips for Child & Pet Safety

1. Read Labels Carefully: Always read the fertiliser product label for specific instructions regarding child and pet safety.
2. Watering the Lawn: After applying fertiliser, watering the lawn can help dissolve the granules and integrate the fertiliser into the soil more quickly, reducing the risk. Environmental factors such as rain can also play a significant role in this process.
3. Monitor Pets: Keep an eye on your pets when they return to the treated area, ensuring they do not ingest any grass or soil. Be particularly vigilant if recent environmental conditions (e.g., heavy rain) might have affected the breakdown of fertiliser granules.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of your children and pets while maintaining a healthy lawn requires understanding the different types of fertilisers and their specific precautions. By adhering to the recommended waiting periods and taking additional safety measures, you can protect your  children and pets from potential harm and enjoy a well-maintained lawn.

Always consider environmental factors such as weather and soil conditions, as they can significantly influence the breakdown and safety of fertiliser products.

For professional advice tailored to your specific situation, please contact us.